FIRST TEST! Sidi Crossfire SR

A long time ago or at least what seemed like a long time ago your team manager (yours truly) was an aspiring SX star on the brink of stardom. Always one to push his limits well beyond his talent, many injuries happened and I would often yard sale myself more times than not. The last and final yard sale occurred at the Salt Lake City SX in 2001 and resulted in a devastating RT lower leg break that dislocated the tibia bone through the ankle and snapped the smaller fibula bone like a pencil. Why am I telling you this? Well that injury forced this racer into retirement from the AMA SX/MX tour. Well the actual injury didn’t retire me but the thought of more injuries did! Anyways, after months of rehab and countless hours of crying like a baby whenever a physical therapist even so much as walked by me, I joined the work force and hung up my boots from riding for a very long time.
Since then, I have tried to come back to riding a handful of times. Doing stuntwork for movies, television shows and commercials were the only things that would get me off my butt and onto a bike. The reason being, and I am being completely honest here, was because anytime I put my foot into a boot my right leg could maybe make it 2-3 laps before the pain of the pins and plates would make it unbearable to ride. The fastest I would ride would be back to the truck to take my boot off to let my lower leg and ankle out of its confinement and into the world of open space! Just recently, my passion for riding was re-kindled for some unknown reason and the urge to twist the throttle was a thought that would not escape my mind. I rounded up gear, a bike and everything else I would need and when it came to my most important component (boots) I was a little baffled in what direction I should go. Like most people, I started to do some research. You have to understand that it has been some time since I have actually been on a bike so I picked up a few magazines and started to do what most people do and that is read. I know not many people who know me think I can actually sit and read but it is a talent that I do posses. In my research I kept reading about the Sidi Crossfire SR and I was intrigued by it. Reviews such as the Dirt Rider boot review ranked this boot as the best out there. Seeing how this was not a boot I had previously tried, I put my thinking cap on and went to work at how to obtain this seemingly spectacular boot.
I went into the mighty Motoworld of El Cajon and had to check out a pair for myself. I must say I was a little tentative as I am with all boots because of my situation with my leg. After finding my right size and putting on a moto sock the first test was about to be administered. As I slipped my foot into the boot I instantly noticed that it was a real comfortable boot and had potential. I didn’t want to get my hopes up though as many times before I would do the same thing and only to find the ankle portion of the boot would pinch me extremely bad as soon as I buckled the second buckle from the bottom up. Here was the moment of truth. I began affixing the buckles and low and behold the boot felt snug and comfortable! I felt a little awkward as the sole of the SR is real stiff and took a little getting used to just walking around the store. After careful consideration I felt that this just may be the boot and decided to give it a go as I was ready to take the track the very next day.
Upon arriving to the track, I was a little embarrassed by my appearance. Brand new bike, new gear, new boots… Man I must have looked so factory! I needed to go over to the first puddle and just jump right in. It wasn’t long before I was geared up and ready to go do some roosting! I was eager to take to the track and hopefully make it more than a few laps because of my foot/leg. The first thing I noticed was that the sole of the boot is indeed different, it did take a couple laps to adjust to the rigidness of the sole and I did miss my brake a couple of times. It could have just been the nerves of riding for the first time in a couple of years but the feeling came right back and I started to wick it up within the first few laps. It felt just like old times as and my speed seemed to come right back to me effortlessly. After a few laps I did notice one thing. I couldn’t ride anymore and needed to stop. The exciting thing was I needed to stop because I am so out of shape that I couldn’t breathe and my arm pump was so hard you would have thought I had two casts on my arms. The best thing though was the COMPLETE ABSENCE of any pain in my leg and foot. I couldn’t believe it. It had been years since I was able to ride pain free on the bike and I had just completed a handful of laps with no problem. Like I said the first couple laps seemed a little awkward but that went away and eventually my feet and the boots were an afterthought and the smile on my face could not be wiped away. I was sold on the boot and was hooked back onto the bike! This boot is top of the line and very unique – click HERE for al the specifics!

Take it from me, a guy who desperately depends on the protection and comfort of his boots to thoroughly enjoy a session of riding, this boot is top notch. A couple of the highlights that are on the Sidi website but I thought were most beneficial were as follows

1) The sole can be replaced using a standard screwdriver.
2) Fully adjustable calf area.
3) Cam-lock buckle system. – Really does work well!
4) All bolt-on parts are replaceable.

Now these aren’t all the highlights and I have only got to enjoy my boots for a short while but as for now I can attest to these 4 points as being awesome! In closing, I want to let you all know that if you are indeed in the market for a new set of boots, I would highly suggest you look into a set of the Sidi Crossfire SR! Your feet will thank you!