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For half a century, the company has Sidi cycling shoes in the meantime. The Italians are particularly appreciated by cross-country and marathon riders for their direct power transmission and slim, racy fit. We rode the MTB Drako 2 SRS, the second most expensive model in the Sidi shoe range.
Sidi MTB Drako 2 SRS at a glance
- Two Tecno 3-Push fasteners
- Customisable heel cap
- Full carbon sole with screwed profile and stud option
- Profile, fasteners and almost all individual parts are interchangeable
- Sizes 38 to 48 / 38.5 to 46.5 in half sizes
- Weight 746 grams (size 44)
- Price 359 Euro >> e.g. available at Bobshop
Italian shoes have always enjoyed an excellent reputation. Expensive, classy, handmade - that's what comes to mind when you think of the fine footwear from the country with the boot shape. And it's no different when you pull the Sidi Drako 2 SRS out of the box for the first time. Its almost seamless upper material is extremely neatly finished, but at the same time looks robust and durable. Carbon shines on the sole in a visible look. The rock-hard full carbon sole and clearly positioned tread blocks make it immediately clear where the journey is heading: Off to the race track.
Finely rasterised twist lock
The two Tecno-3-Push fasteners open the Drako just enough to allow you to peel yourself into the shoe. In typical Sidi fashion, the fit is sporty and narrow. The two high-quality fasteners adjust the Drako precisely to the foot with a loud, mechanical click and a very fine click. The robust microfibre outer material already encloses the foot quite tightly without the need to buckle the fasteners. The lower fastener in the centre sits on a plastic plate, which prevents pressure on the instep quite well. The heel is already well enclosed by the shoe, but the adjustable heel cap provides a little more support. Despite the extremely stiff sole, the foot does not slip out of the shoe when walking.
A ratchet helps when fitting the cleats. However, the adjustment range could be a little wider. The longitudinal offset is somewhat limited.
Top power transmission, little running comfort
On the way to the bike, it quickly becomes clear that the Drako is not a runner. On the narrow profile, you stumble along unsteadily as if on high heels. But as soon as you click into the pedals, the Sidis are in their element. The robust upper material and the carbon sole transfer power directly to the pedals. It feels like not a single watt is lost. However, the firm microfibre only becomes really comfortable after a few rides. The tongue and buckle are shaped so that there are no pressure points on the foot. The length of the buckle can also be adjusted using a ratchet system on the inside, so that it is always centred over the foot. Once you have found the right position, you should cut off the excess at the side, otherwise it could rub against the crank.
With the Drako on your feet, you should stay on the pedals wherever possible. Even small pushing or carrying passages become a slippery ride. The narrow, hard plastic tread provides hardly any grip off-road. This can put the ligaments in the ankle to the test. Riding unclicked is also not a good idea because the hard carbon sole slips badly on the pedals without any rubberisation. Clipping back in off-road also needs to be practised. But as long as you are firmly attached to the bike, the Drako is absolutely convincing.
Those who value sustainability are also in good hands with Sidi. The screwed sole can be completely replaced and all other parts such as fasteners, cleats, insoles or the mounting plates for the cleats are also available as spare parts. This puts the enormous price of 360 euros into perspective. As long as the upper shoe is intact, the Drako can be repaired at any time.
Test summary of the Sidi MTB Drako 2 SRS
The Drako is a very good choice for racers with narrow feet. If you are travelling on rather easy courses or have the appropriate riding technique, you will get a robust and extremely stiff racing shoe that really puts power on the pedals and can also be perfectly adapted to the foot. Off the pedals, however, the Sidis are as lost as high heels on the Adriatic beach.
Plus
- Very good power transmission
- Finely adjustable twist locks, can be opened in micro-steps
- Many spare parts available, therefore long service life
Minus
- Very expensive
- Little ventilation
- Wobbly stance, hardly suitable for pushing passages
Stefan Frey
Editor
