While Sidi's top-dollar Ergo 2 shoes are intoxicating in countless ways, for some prospective buyers the complexity of the buckling system is a bit intimidating. The Ergo 2 has three straps per shoe: The one Velcro strap is nothing new, of course. And many folks have great familiarity with the Ultra SL ratcheting buckle strap, since it's been in use since the Indurain era. The puzzling one is the Techno II buckle -- it's the middle one, made from a monofilament line, dial and anchor. Maybe it's the fact that the monofilament is barely thicker than dental floss, but we hear an infrequent-but-consistent drumbeat of concern about the likelihood with which it might be snipped, cut, snapped, broken, etc. The honest-to-goodness truth is that we've never seen it happen even once. Nevertheless, the very possibility of it distracts some.

Sidi delivers the complete solution with their Genius 6.6 Carbon shoe. In every way, shape, and form it's identical to the illustrious Ergo 2. Other than color schemes, there's only one detail that distinguishes the Ergo 2 from the 6.6 Carbon:

Instead of the Techno II buckle, you get a 2nd strap of locking Velcro. With one Ultra SL ratcheting buckle, and two Velcro straps, you get all of the benefits of the Ergo 2: Fit, lightness, and comfort. The central sticking point -- the Techno II's monofilament system -- is eliminated.

The Genius 6.6 Carbon features all of the same structural details as the Ergo 2. You get their Heel Security System (HSS) -- a rigid plastic band that closes the heel of the shoe more securely around the back of your ankle to anchor it in place around your Achilles no matter how much power you're pouring into the pedals. And it has the same high modulus carbon fiber sole, built in a customized grid design to add thickness to sole where stiffness is needed, and thinner layers of carbon where some "give" is acceptable. Under the insole of the Genius 6.6 Carbon is a layer of cork to help absorb vibration and further help with eliminating the hot spots you might feel in other brands of carbon soled shoes. And you don't have to worry about heat in the rest of your feet, either, thanks to its combination of Lorica microfiber and ballistic mesh -- giving you comfort, fit, ventilation and durability. Available in Team Liquigas White/Green and in Team CSC Black/Red in sizes between 39-48.

One final note on the Genius 6.6 Carbon , which holds meaning when considering any Sidi shoe. All Sidi shoes are fully repairable and all small parts on them are fully replaceable. Even if you tear the Lorica on your shoe, Sidi can repair it quickly and inexpensively. Once you find the right shoe and the right fit, it's not unheard of to keep a pair of Sidis for a decade's worth of riding. As wear and tear (and accidental damage) happen to your shoes, Sidi will be there to nurse your original shoes back to health.