first pair of cycling shoes - advice

I have had good luck with my Sidi shoes (bought 3 years ago) which have three velcro straps...I only undo two, but it is nice to have all 3 for adjustments.  My friend bought a pair of Sidi's with the clasp closure and now regrets it for multisport use.

Have fun shopping

Jen

Have to agree, the ratcheting buckle on my Sidi Genius 4s is nice but a little cumbersome for transitions. I would (and probably will early next year) go with a tri shoe. Don't know what your budget is, bu a lot of folks here like the Louis Garneau:

http://store.yahoo.com/trisports/logatriairtr.html

Remember that we BTers get 15% off.

I bought clipless pedals /shoes (Louis Garneau) this past spring - they have three straps (I also only open two) and they are fine. But since I use them almost exclusively for tri's and tri training (a mountain bike for day to day use), I would buy a tri specific shoes next time. (They have only a single clasp and open away from the bike, so as to not get in the way.) I put my shoes on in transition and then mount my bike, which again is fine, I'm not too worried about the extra seconds, but I doubt I could even put my shoes on while riding with out modifing the straps somehow.

Short answer? If they are to be used for tri's mainly, I'd go with a tri shoe.

I bought a pair of shimano shoes last year and they worked out great. They have a large strap across the top and a smaller one for finer adjustments near the toes. They were the middle of the pack price and quality wise. Definitely get a tri friendly shoe, you will be happier in the long run. The ones with all the ratchet straps etc. are great for road cycling but unfriendly for t-1.

My advice is to look into a LBS that will sell you last years models, usually they have to turn back old stuff as the new comes in.

I have a narrow foot, and that's why I like my Sidi's.  I am not sure about the LG's...

Jen

Try them on in a bike shop if possible.  Some shoes are just easier than others to get in and out of.  My Sidi tri-shoes are wonderful.  There are 2 straps but they slip on and off easily and the soft, flexible straps stay open when you lay them on your towel.  I have a pair of regular Shimano road shoes that are more difficult to pull on and the straps tend to stay folded at their natural bend, resulting in the velcro always being stuck together.  I just use these at the health club for spinning classes since they have SPD clips and I use Look clips on my bike...hence the 2 pairs.