Classic Italian shoemaker Sidi again trickles down their Tecno 3 dial closure retention to a new more affordable level in both the road Alba 2 & cross-country Trace 2 shoes. The Alba & Trace already saw limited availability this year, but the new 2020 v2.0 model gets a few key updates for a more comfortable, more breathable fit with more modern styling, still at an affordable price point for premium performance on or off-road…
Sidi Alba 2 affordable performance road bike shoes
The Alba is a newer combination for the road for Sidi, pairing their Millennium 4 carbon composite sole (with replaceable heel puck) to a more affordable synthetic upper with two velcro straps across the forefoot and a Sidi Wire + Tecno 3 precision dial closure across the instep.
Add in Sidi’s simple but effective molded plastic heel cup, and the promise is the majority of the performance of their top-spec road shoes at a much more reasonable price level. It is pretty much the same performance of the newest Genius 10, but for 30% less.
The new Alba 2 gets a revised Politex upper for 2020, with a simplified multi-layer, multi-fabric construction that gets fewer seams, larger ventilation perforations, plus a simplified, more modern look. The forefoot velcro straps also get slimmed down, offering a more flexible adjustment and a more subdued aesthetic.
The Alba 2 sells for $215 ($335 less than the Shot!), and is available now in regular & wide (Mega) sizing for men in half sizes from 38-47, plus 36, 37, 48, 49 & 50. Color options vary from market to market, but generally include: all black or all white, black or white with red details, or fluorescent yellow with black details. A women’s model is available in limited color options and half sizes from 38-43, plus 36 & 37.
Sidi Trace 2 affordable performance mountain bike shoes, too
The Trace 2 is the same idea, sharing the same updated Politex upper and Tecno 3 + velcro fit adjustment of the Alba 2 with a performance sole. That sole is the lightweight MTB RS17 reinforced nylon sole with molded-in polyurethane tread of the Eagle family. It does get a replaceable toe tread block since that tends to wear out most from hike-a-bikes, plus toe-spike compatibility.
The Trace 2 also sells for $215 (again $335 less than the Tiger), still more affordable than older tech Dominators. The Trace 2 also comes in the same size range, two width options, men’s & women’s models, and color options as their road partners.
Both new Alba 2 & Trace 2 are made in Europe, but in Romania not Italy like Sidi’s most expensive models. They aren’t quite as stiff, and not nearly as flashy as the latest road Shot or mountain bike Tiger. But these look like the classic performance Sidi shoes that are likely to last for many years.
Sidi.com or in the US Ciclista-America.com
