I can't change gear in my new boots!!!

I have a bit of a problem. I recently started enduro's in September and after I got the first one under my belt I decided it was time to get some new boots because my trusty old tech 4's were looking pretty sorry for themselves with holes left, right and center from constant supermoto use.

I bought some Berik Contender's ready for the second enduro and at the time it didn't click that it was my new boots causing this, I thought there was something up with my gearbox. Throughout the whole 4 hour race I found it almost impossible to shift anything above 2nd gear but luckily it was a fairly tight and technical track so it wasn't much of a problem, but in the open sections it was a pain, occasionally I'd manage to wack it in 3rd after about 10 tries. I'd catch and pass riders in the technical sections and then get out onto the fields and they'd come flying back past me, it was so frustrating!:evil:

Anyway today I got the bike out and rode down my street, first in trainers and then in my old tech 4's and to my delight the gears are fine, but as soon a I put the Berik's on I just can not shift into 3rd and above, just can't get the leverage! It's weird, it feels like I'm notching the gear lever up as normal, but it just won't budge. They're the same size as my old boots - 10 so I can't understand it. They do feel much more padded and well built but it's to the point of feeling like I've had my ankle fused!

I would of thought 4 hours riding time would of loosened them up a bit but not at all. I have my third enduro in three weeks time and it's a very fast open track so will I have to use my old boots? I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of how to wear them in, walk about in them? lol

Thanks
Steve

RE: I can

I just got some new tech 3s to replace old ones. Im going through same thing. 3rd gear seems a little hard with the stiffness. I expected this though with new boots . I just trail ride mostly so no worries. Why don't you put them out in the sun for a while, then wear them and walk around a little. Other than that, you might be better with the old boots race time and leisure ride with the new ones once or twice a week for a month. They ought to be broken in by then.
pollo

Re: RE: I can

pollo said:

Why don't you put them out in the sun for a while

Click to expand...

That’s a nice thought, but poor Steve here lives in the UK, and we barely get 5 - 6 hours of that phenomenon per year (if we’re lucky)...lol

Best stick em on a sunbed Steve, then in the oven for an hour, (gas mark 5)

RE: Re: RE: I can

i've got three pairs of boots and only one (the el cheapos) allow me to shift without raising the lever one tooth.

Try this or go for a couple more rides.... I'd go rides its better that sitting in the Kitchen.
if they are leather think use about using a oil to soften then.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showth ... p?t=400867

1.Clean boots thouroughly-scrub brush clean.

2.Preheat and ELECTRIC-NOT GAS-oven 150-175F

3.Send the Mrs shopping.

4.Warm boots in oven with door opened to first notch(about 2-3 inches open)

5.Remove boots when warm to the touch (about as warm as fresh toast)

6.Rub in Sno Seal,

http://www.atsko.com/snoseal.html

it's pure beeswax, until the boots will soak up no more-it'll be just like buttering toast. Do not use mink oil and animal fats as they contain acids that eventually cause the leathers and stitching to rot.

7.Place boots back in oven and repeat until boots will no longer take on sno seal.

8.Place boots on feet and wear until cool. Instant Break in, no blisters! And now they are thouroughly waterproof too!

Repeat annually, or as needed to prevent drying and cracking of the leather.

I've heard the BS water method, if its so great, why don't folks throw suede in the washer? Cuz water STIFFENS leather and makes it into rawhide. Those that are going to freak out about putting your boots in the oven, reread step 3, and the oven gets no hotter than the interior of your car on a hot day, and much cooler than your exhaust pipe.

change the gear lever up one notch on the splines till you've run in the boots!

now and again the bush will tap 1st up to neutral but other than that it'll give you time to break the boots in.

i have a photo in my gallery of a gear lever mod i did.

regards

Taffy

MSR have a gear lever which is 1'' longer than stock , this helped me as my tech 10 's wore in .

Thanks for the replies, some interesting ones too. I've had them opened up right infront of the fire on full wack for a few hours, now I'm walking about in them. I'll go for a bit of a trail ride later. If that fails I'll shift the gear lever up.

I'll keep you posted on what works.

Cheers
Steve