Sidi Vertebra II question

Bacchus · 01-31-2004, 5:37 PM

I knew from reading on here, and before buying these boots, that they had an annoying tendency to squeak when walking. That is an understatement! What type of, if any, lubricant would be recommended to get rid of this problem? It is obvious where the squeak originates (heel protectors). Any ideas?

Skully · 01-31-2004, 5:48 PM

I use 3 in one oil. It's thicker than WD40.

Earplugs help too.

Bacchus · 01-31-2004, 5:52 PM

Thanks Skully. I just want to be sure that I don't use anything that might have a detrimental effect on the plastic (after reading of the Loctite disaster).

Thank you so much for the "ear plug" tip also!

fumbducker · 01-31-2004, 6:12 PM

I'd used a food grade silicone spray...not as messy or gummy as WD. Should be on the shelf near the WD in your local Hardware/perts store. Clean application won't harm ANY material. May have to use a bit more often, but worth it to me.

J

Baketech · 01-31-2004, 6:33 PM

Remember the good ole days when a new helmet came with a little squirt bottle of silicone lube....

ConqSoft · 01-31-2004, 6:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

Remember the good ole days when a new helmet came with a little squirt bottle of silicone lube....

My Shoei's still do (as of last year anyway).

ULEWZ · 01-31-2004, 7:48 PM

I still use WD40 on mine. No problems so far. I have also tried chain lube, but it also ended up squeaking after a while. There is no cure for the squeak, only temporary measures.

Bacchus · 01-31-2004, 9:19 PM

Has anyone experimented with any type of grease? I have a small container of "Judy Butter" (mountain bikers will be familiar with this). I am thinking of trying it. Wouldn't a very thin coating of grease last longer than some of the sprays? If it melts my boots I will move on to another brand that doesn't phugging squeak!

SKRWZ · 01-31-2004, 10:38 PM

I uses rust check spray

OntheEdge · 02-01-2004, 1:33 AM

I would just go with another pair of boots. The Sidi's I had didn't crash test well at all and as you can see tore the leather on the left boot all the way up. On the right one it tore all around the ankle. Now I have the AS Supertech's and they have a much better protection system. Even the Sidi Race vertebra's don't hold up well. I've seen them break that plastic brace just walking in them.

CanyonCarver · 02-01-2004, 8:26 AM

I called Alpinestars about the squeaks from my SM-X and now my SM-X+ boots. Their answer was to slide some fine sandpaper (or emery cloth) between the offending plates and work the boots a bit to take off the sharp edges. Haven't done it yet. (Too busy/too lazy -- take your pick.

) But, that was their answer.

I'd be reluctant to try most lubes/oils/greases on the plastic, myself. Hate to see something like what happens with loctite on ABS body panels.

maxib · 02-01-2004, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OntheEdge

I would just go with another pair of boots. The Sidi's I had didn't crash test well at all and as you can see tore the leather on the left boot all the way up. On the right one it tore all around the ankle. Now I have the AS Supertech's and they have a much better protection system. Even the Sidi Race vertebra's don't hold up well. I've seen them break that plastic brace just walking in them.

Not to hijack this in any way, but I have to ask OntheEdge. Did you have any foot/ankle injury?

If not, I would say your boots crashed tested perfectly. Sorta like a helmet. Only good for one crash.

Bacchus · 02-01-2004, 4:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OntheEdge

I would just go with another pair of boots. The Sidi's I had didn't crash test well at all and as you can see tore the leather on the left boot all the way up. On the right one it tore all around the ankle. Now I have the AS Supertech's and they have a much better protection system. Even the Sidi Race vertebra's don't hold up well. I've seen them break that plastic brace just walking in them.

I remember when you posted about that crash. Dude, you are very, very lucky to still be with us! I have to agree with maxib - you are still walking after those boots look like a grenade exploded next to them. They did their job

. On the other hand, I am not totally impressed with my Vertebra II's. I ordered them for Christmas without actually seeing the boot itself, only pictures. They just seem sorta, well, light-weight

MACI4LIFE · 02-01-2004, 5:05 PM

You should have bought the smx+ from NH when you had the chance. $202, not a squeek ( atleast from walking in them around the house LOL ), and they feel like ski boots, in terms of support and protection.

Bacchus · 02-01-2004, 5:09 PM

Thanks for cheering me up MACI

OntheEdge · 02-01-2004, 5:46 PM

I did have a puncture wound on my left shin that left about a 1 1/2 in scar where the boot tore open. Had it held together it wouldn't have happened. I also broke my right foot in 5 places behind the toes but I think that might have almost happened in any boot unless the sole was non flexible.