In this article I will review the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes, and zoom in on features and details that I really like. I will also explain the similarities with the Sidi Wire SP shoes that I use on my road bike.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Features – Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes
After using two pair of Sidi Wire SP cycling shoes as of 2015, I’m a very happy an satisfied Sidi user. I have a pretty slim and narrow foot-shape so having this adjust-ability with the heel retention device has proven to be very valuable (on top of a rigid Sidi Heel Cup).The Sidi heel retention device can squeeze the width of the heel section so it locks the heel in position.
On the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Matt Carbon Mountain Bike Shoes product page you can see the following features summarized:
- Soft Step 3 System
- Tecno 3 Push System
- Single Tecno 3 Push System
- Adjustable heel retention device
- Sidi Heel Cup
- Rubber Toe
- MTB SRS Carbon Ground Sole
Most of these features are also present on the Sidi Wire SP cycling shoes. The 3 bullets in italic font are the main differences of the Sidi Drako 2 shoes compared to the Sidi Wire SP shoes. In order to accommodate different (thicker) socks during winter rides I’ve chosen to get the mountain bike shoes in size 43,5 (compared to 43 of the road shoes).
While the rubber toe adds some additional protection while walking, I’ve purchased a Sidi Protective Toe Cap and modified it slightly to the Drako 2 bolt pattern. I’ve widened 1 bolt hole in the toe cap. I’ve also added the Sidi MTB Studs, to have some extra grip when needed.
Sidi Shoes offers all feature- and spare parts for their complete shoe model range for a long period. So this makes it a long term investment, but also a great route to customize your shoes. I have some black Tecno 3 System parts and a black Soft Step 3 system for the white Sidi Wire SP shoes.
I’ve explained the need for the adjustable heel retention device in the introduction. But another key feature that is very well thought out and cleverly design is the SRS Carbon sole that forms the basis for power transfer into the pedals wearing the Sidi Drako 2 mountainbike shoes.
Sidi SRS Carbon Ground Sole
“The MTB SRS CARBON-GROUND SOLE raises the standard for mountain bike performance, dropping off about 100 grams per pair compared to the previous Dragon Carbon SRS sole without sacrificing power or durability. The MTB SRS CARBON-GROUND Sole consists of replaceable tread blocks in the toe and heel attached to a medium-modulus carbon sole, plus the innovative Replaceable MTB Plate, designed to prevent sole damage from pedal contact.”
Everything on this SRS carbon ground sole is replaceable. The rubber profile parts called SRS Carbon Ground Inserts, are available in black and in red. But also the reinforcement plate to which you bolt the Shimano SPD XRT M9100 cleats and the replaceable MTB carbon plate can be exchanged. This certainly adds to the lifetime of your shoes, even in the hard conditions of mountain biking.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
I am very happy with the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes for obvious reasons. Getting the Carbon Mountainbike shoes to fit perfectly with help of the adjustable heel retention device and the Tecno 3 push system. Funny enough I call my Sidi shoes the carbon slippers. 🙂
Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes are not cheap, but I got these for a price-point of € 269,00. Given the perfect fit, and the long term investment given all spare parts that are available, this is for me reasonable priced. Please note that the Sidi Wire SP shoes from 2015 are still working and fitting like a charm for 8 years (so a pair of shoes will cost you less than € 30,00 per year) !
I’m also using the Solestar Kontrol BLK insoles with the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Matt Mountain Bike shoes. Solestar is my default brand of insoles for cycling, running, hiking or simply being active ! Crank Brothers Shoe Shields keep the carbon sole of the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Mountain Bike shoes, safe.
Shimano Dual Rain Shoe Covers CW-FABW-VS42U are the preferred shoe covers in muddy and rainy conditions that I use in combination with the Sidi Drako 2 SRS Carbon Mountain Bike shoes.
What mountain bike shoes (and insoles) are you using !?
Other valuable Sidi Sport product reviews on cycling-review.net are: