Sidi Vertebra boots

[ranmar850]

Can anyone make a comment on the water-resistance of the Sidi Vertebra's? Would you rate them light shower ok, heavy shower good, or all-day downpour effective?
Cheers
Ralph

[collyers]

Dunno about the Vertebra (basically a racing boot), but if you do rain riding, you'll want the Tepor version of a Sidi boot, or a boot with GoreTex from Frey-Daytona (IMHO, the BEST).

http://www.daytona.de/english/boots_e/gore.html

[hotzuk]

Hey there,

I have a pair of Sidi Vertebra II boots. Collyers is dead on point with his comment. They are not waterproof at all. I treated them with a waterproof creme prior to leaving for a trip to West Virginia. We hit a good pocket of rain for about a two hour window. The boots held up for about 20 minutes but after that they were waterlogged. I love the boots as far as comfort and quality but they are not waterproof.

Prior to the trip, I had just purchased a pair of Sidi Discovery boots. I did not use them on the trip because they had not been broken in yet but they are waterproof. If you want to purchase the Sidi Vertebra boots, go for it but purchase something like the Aerostich boot rain covers to store in the tank bag when the rain hits. Here is the link to the Stich product:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aer ... 16449.html

I hope this info helps

Oh yeah, make sure you at least get the Sidi creme or something to condition the boots

[collyers]

Helimot tells me the new "Bandit XCR" is really the best boot for touring/city riding - waterproof (Goretex) and very cool (ventilated) for the summer. Dunno how you can have both, but here it is:

http://www.daytona.de/english/boots_e/gore.html

I wear the Winner for long rides & the Journey for city/commuting, and these are the best boots I've ever owned. Sidi is great stuff, as is Alpinestars & Dainese, but these are Top Drawer. Helimot can get nearly all of them in the US.
These people LIVE quality riding gear, hence they make their OWN gloves/leathers, and carry only Frey-Daytona boots. $$$, but you're worth it, baby.

http://helimot.com/catalog/boots/index.shtml


EVERYBODY needs a pair of Evo Security boots @ $949 a pair. Just ask Kenny Roberts Sr.

[ranmar850]

Thanks for the input, guys--I'm only asking as the closest bike shop has a pair in my size cheap in a stock clearance. My regular boots are plain leather, zip-up traditional style by Rossi. Good water resistance as they are regularly greased with Dubbin, as are rest of the leathers. Keeps them soft and waterproof. I am in the early stages of planning a riding holiday in NZ next year. think I'd better invest in properly waterproof gear.

Cheers
Ralph

[GuestMIXR]

Ralph - I've got Sidi B-One boots. Lovely, lovely boots with great comfort and protection. Like most Sidi boots, they are absolutely made from quality waterproof materials.

Not a drop gets out that leaks past the seams and openings!

For light rain and even some heavy stuff, my feet have stayed dry by keeping them on the edges of the pegs on the R. Unfortunately, They are not great for extended rain riding and I would avoid taking mine to NZ where it's guaranteed to be wet for at least half of your trip, no matter how long you're going!

Still - Grab them if they are a bargain. They are really good boots most of the time.

[wncbmw]

Sidi On-Roads here. They are waterproof and comfy. Although my next pair of boots will have a little more ankle protection.

[MidlifeMark]

My Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots, manufactured by Sidi, are entirely waterproof.