ballypete
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ballypete's Stats
- Review Count56
- Helpfulness Votes134
- First Review31 August 2012
- Last Review8 July 2014
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.7
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count6
- Helpfulness Votes11
- First Review Comment14 September 2012
- Last Review Comment13 November 2013
- Featured Review Comments0
- Question Count3
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Question18 November 2012
- Last Question28 February 2013
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count44
- Helpfulness Votes81
- First Answer14 September 2012
- Last Answer21 November 2013
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers23
dhb iON Helmet and Women's Triple Lens Sunglasses
Keep riding all year round with this excellent value dhb riding essentials set. Features the versatile iON Helmet, which is suitable for both road and MTB use, and the women's specific triple lens performance sunglasses.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Great style and value
Posted8 July 2014
ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
" Bought this combo for my better half as her old helmet needed replacing. Taking it out of the box she was impressed about the quality of the design and finish and how light it was compared to the old one.
Putting it on she found it comfortable and easy to adjust with one hand using the adjuster dial at the back. she has quite a small head and the medium size fitted fine. the padding in the webbing does its job and it doesn't feel uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. The visor snaps on and off easily and appears sturdy enough to do regularly without causing damage.
The sunglasses are light enough for it to feel like she is not wearing anything, and they fit her face perfectly without sliding down the bridge of the nose. in relation to the lenses and nose piece she loves the colour coordination!
"
Pros: Durable, Great Value, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Adjustable, Lightweight, Good Fit
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Shimano Women's WM63 Mountain Bike Shoes
A fully-featured woman's MTB sports shoe ideal for weekend racing and recreational use.
Overall rating
Avg 4
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5
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great entry level shoes
Posted1 July 2014
ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" I bought these for my wife as she has been cycling on platform pedals with running trainers-it was about time to upgrade her to a better experience.
She absolutely loves the shoes as they look great and are easy to adjust. the power transfer due to the rigid sole was a real surprise to her and she didn't believe just how much of a difference it would make.
Finally, got them at a bargain wiggle price as usual.
"
Pros: Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Adjustable, Good Fit
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Castelli Estremo Winter Cycling Gloves
Designed for the coldest deep-winter cycling conditions. The Estremo Glove is constructed from a Gore Windstopper X-Fast fabric combined with a DWR water repellent treatment that will keep you riding your bike in all conditions.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Perform as advertised
Posted21 November 2013
Quality
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Value
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Performance
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" Firstly, as expected from Castelli the gloves are well made from quality materials. Style wise, they look the business with the scorpion logo subtly embossed onto the side and also on the palm.
The Windstopper fabric on the upper hand does a great job of deflecting the wind and the fleece liner feels comfortable and keeps the fingers warm. The Silicone print on the palm gives good grip and the padding is well placed for riding on the bar or hoods.
The neoprene cuff has a velcro closure which is strong and seals everything nicely to your arm with no gaps. My hands were kept warm and didn’t feel sweaty at all wearing them, so good moisture wicking. The gloves are pre-curved during construction so although they look bulky they don’t feel like it, and there is still good tactile control of levers, zips, Garmin etc.
Have used in both sub-zero temps and rain and equally impressed with both as they performed as advertised. Will pair these with Estremo overshoes whenever I think it is too cold for my Diluvio set.
"
Pros: Durable, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Good Fit
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Castelli Estremo Overshoes
Pure protection for sub-zero temperatures, driving rain and Arctic winds. The Estremo overshoe features a rubber textured surface for weatherproofing, warmth and durability - seal out the elements and keep numbness at bay on long winter road rides.
Overall rating
Avg 4
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5
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Your turbo trainer won't like it
Posted20 November 2013
Quality
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Value
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Performance
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Appearance
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Fit / Size
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" I paired Diluvio gloves and overshoes with a Sanremo Thermosuit last winter, and but found that the cold got in to my fingers and toes at around 0 degrees after prolonged riding. I bought a pair of Estremo overshoes and gloves as they are advertised to perform at extremes of temperature.
They are well made of high quality materials as you would expect from Castelli, and go on easily enough as long as you are patient. The zips are strong, operate smoothly and do not slip back down. They also feel comfortable on and the upper portion fits against the calf snugly with no gaps.
Now for looks- normally there is a style about Castelli that the others just cannot match, however these things are ugly with a capital U. When I look at them on my feet with the red soles and white fabric round the toes I imagine that this is how it would look if I ever trod in a Victoria sponge/gateau.
But it is not all about looks and functionality counts too. I have been out several times now at either 0 or -1 degrees C and I have to say i am impressed. No cold penetration at all. Pair these with the gloves and there will be no need to go near the garage this winter, but watch out- your turbo trainer won't like it
"
Pros: Durable, Comfortable, High Quality, Rugged, Good Fit
Cons: look like you have trodden on a gateau
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Topeak Joe Blow Sport II Track Pump
Topeak quality at a great price! Padded elastomer grip and TwinHead connector make this efficient pump comfortable and easy to use.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Excellent product for the price.
Posted26 June 2013
Quality
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Value
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Performance
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Appearance
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Fit / Size
Avg 5
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" The pump is sturdy, does not rock around on the base when operating, feels and looks like it is made of quality materials. The hose is long enough to inflate tyres when bike is elevated on my servicing stand.
It is really easy to operate and the inflation head has a simple locking mechanism that reduces the need to fiddle or keep one hand on the valve.The guage is also simple to read and interpret. It pumped my road bike tyres from flat to 110psi in 20 pumps.
There are no negatives and a good spec for the price. This pump really does deliver as advertised
"
Pros: Attractive, Versatile, Durable, Great Value, High Quality, Rugged, Adjustable
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FSA BB30 Chrome Steel Bearings
These FSA chrome steel replacement sealed cartridge bearings are suitable for use with BB30 bottom brackets.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Quality bearings
Posted12 June 2013
Quality
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Value
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Performance
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" Bought for when I need to replace my current BB30 bearings. Looked at the ceramic ones first but could not justify the cost.
These appear well made out of quality materials and will be handy to have when the inevitable finally happens.
"
Pros: Great Value, High Quality, Lightweight
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Futura Socks
Lightweight cycle specific socks with a ventilating mesh instep and a stretchy coolmax fabric construction for a close fit and efficient moisture transfer. Featuring a mid height cuff and Moa graphics.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Great product for the price
Posted12 June 2013
Quality
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Fit / Size
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" These socks look great in the red and also the black. They fit well, are comfortable and with no annoying seams. length wise they come in between short ankle and mid calf socks.
feet stay cool and dry in the as well. great socks.
"
Pros: Durable, Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Lightweight, Good Fit
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Shimano CS-HG 1mm Sprocket Spacer
1mm spacer designed to sit behind your cassette on the hub.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Its a spacer
Posted12 June 2013
Quality
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
" Ummm, it's a metal spacer that you can put behind your rear cassette if required especially if you have lost the one that came with the original items.
"
Pros: Great Value, High Quality, Good Fit
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0points
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Overall rating
Avg 4
/
5
from
Good product
Posted5 June 2013
Quality
Avg 4
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Value
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Performance
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Fit / Size
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" I bought two of these pads as an addition to the gel bar tape on my bike to try and manage vibration and discomfort in my wrists while doing an end to end.
They didn't cancel out all vibration completely, but did minimise it to a noticeable degree compared to before. They fitted easily with no fuss as they have an adhesive layer.
Now I am back I will put them underneath my bar tape at a suitable point.
"
Pros: Great Value, Comfortable, High Quality, Lightweight, Versatile, Good Fit
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ Sunglasses
Flak Jacket XLJ sunglasses take clarity and innovation to the next level with the latest in performance technology. World-class athletes drove Oakley to create innovation after innovation, including interchangeable lenses with unbeatable optical clarity.
Overall rating
Avg 5
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5
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Superb
Posted4 June 2013
Quality
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Value
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Performance
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Appearance
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Fit / Size
Avg 5
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ballypete
fromLeicester, UK
Country : United Kingdom
Age : 45-54
Interest : Road Cyclist
Level : Regular
Gender : Male
Budget : Quality first
" A great set of glasses for cycling that do not move about or slip when you sweat, and do not fog up when stationary.
I think the matt white frame and jade iridium lens looks awesome to boot. They are definitely worth the money and miles better than any other glasses I have owned
"
Pros: Attractive, Comfortable, High Quality, Adjustable, Lightweight, Good Fit
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ballypete's Questions
KMC X10 Vivid 10 Speed Chain
KMC introduces the Vivid series, which is compatible with any 10 speed system and comes with a full nickel outer plate plus a coloured pin and inner plate (white or black). The X-Bridge system provides smoother and more precise gear shifts also.
number of links
I use an x10 chain on my Boardman with a 105 chainset and cassette and looking to replace soon.
What is the difference between a 112 and a 114 link chain?
What is the difference between a 112 and a 114 link chain?
8 years ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Mavic Ksyrium Elite S Alloy Clincher Wheelset
A perfect blend of lightness and strength that's the Ksyrium Elite S clincher wheels. Great for training or racing, these wheels are more than capable of taking the stress and strain you'll put them through. Fitted with Yksion tyres also.
back in stock?
Hi Wiggle,
when are you getting some more of these wheels in stock? Doesn't feel right going somewhere else to buy them!
when are you getting some more of these wheels in stock? Doesn't feel right going somewhere else to buy them!
8 years ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Garmin Edge 800 GPS Performance & Navigation Bundle
Make the most of every ride with Edge 800 - the ultimate touchscreen GPS bike computer for training, touring and on the trail.
Does the heart rate monitor come with the soft strap
How is the heart rate monitor that comes with the performance bundle attach to the body? Does it come with the soft strap or another method.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Do you have to preload routes or can it navigate like a car sat nav by postcode input for example?
Top 100 Contributor
Hi Mattyal,
You can download a route or navigate to a postcode with relative ease. It has nearly all of the functionality of a car satnav. The basemap is ok for most things, but choose a maps package if you want more detail and information.
You can download a route or navigate to a postcode with relative ease. It has nearly all of the functionality of a car satnav. The basemap is ok for most things, but choose a maps package if you want more detail and information.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Can you select a course using only B roads? also, can you exclude dual carriageways for example?
I am trying to get a sense as to if this is just a GPS as google maps would provide or whether this is more adapted to cyclists in that you can select to go on B roads only (or mainly), avoid motorways etc?
Also, does one need to buy all the maps? for the UK for example? does it come standard? if there is basic map already, what is the benefit of adding the microSD?
Also, does one need to buy all the maps? for the UK for example? does it come standard? if there is basic map already, what is the benefit of adding the microSD?
Top 100 Contributor
The basemap that comes built into the unit is sufficient to get you from a to b and download courses. The benefit of the maps suppied on microSD is that you get a greater level of detail and information on class/type of road etc.
as an example, I recently completed an end to end where I was using my new 810 with maps and my friend was using his 800 without. His unit did not pick up some of the roads we were on and the unit was confused and regularly recalculating, whereas mine was accurate and informative at all times.
as an example, I recently completed an end to end where I was using my new 810 with maps and my friend was using his 800 without. His unit did not pick up some of the roads we were on and the unit was confused and regularly recalculating, whereas mine was accurate and informative at all times.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
does it give direction en route?
sorry, asked this of the 510 (wrongly) will this unit give directions en-route, and can it be loaded with a specific CIRCULAR route prior to setting off? if so, how is a route generated? on a pc then transferred? with exclusive software which is supplied, or at extra cost? on generic software which is available? if it does give directions, how? visually only? or paired with a phone and earphones too? much more detail on this unit is required. thanks in advance.
Top 100 Contributor
Hi Limplegs
with the package you receive you will be able to the following;
You can easily create a course on Garmin connect and download to the 810 unit. You can also download an existing course to the unit from another location if you use the right format.
The unit gives an audible beep when a change in direction comes close, you can view this as an arrow on the screen (like a car satnav) showing you the way to turn. It also counts down the miles, yards etc before the actual turn. On a seperate screen you can also view each turn of the course on a written list.
It is easy to pair with my i-phone and this also allows others to see where you are using the livetrack facility.
with the package you receive you will be able to the following;
You can easily create a course on Garmin connect and download to the 810 unit. You can also download an existing course to the unit from another location if you use the right format.
The unit gives an audible beep when a change in direction comes close, you can view this as an arrow on the screen (like a car satnav) showing you the way to turn. It also counts down the miles, yards etc before the actual turn. On a seperate screen you can also view each turn of the course on a written list.
It is easy to pair with my i-phone and this also allows others to see where you are using the livetrack facility.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Mega G3 Clincher Wheelset
Shamal Ultra wheels have always been known for their excellent performance, but now Campagnolo have made the G3 spoke pattern better. The Mega G3 spokes are oversized, lighter and stronger making for a robust, strong and versatile set of wheels
9-speed Cassette compatibility
Will these hubs take a 90's 9 speed campy cassette?
Top 100 Contributor
These wheels will only take modern pattern Campy/Shimano/Sram cassettes. If you want to use a 9 speed then use the spacer that comes with the wheels that enables 9/10 speed conversion
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Mega G3 Clincher Wheelset
Shamal Ultra wheels have always been known for their excellent performance, but now Campagnolo have made the G3 spoke pattern better. The Mega G3 spokes are oversized, lighter and stronger making for a robust, strong and versatile set of wheels
Hubs, noisy or silent?
Hi, are these hubs noisy or silent when freewheeling?
Top 100 Contributor
The hub does make a little noise, but it is very subdued and smooth sounding.
To give you an idea of how smooth, my Mavic Ksyrium elites sound like a tractor in comparison.
To give you an idea of how smooth, my Mavic Ksyrium elites sound like a tractor in comparison.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Mega G3 Clincher Wheelset
Shamal Ultra wheels have always been known for their excellent performance, but now Campagnolo have made the G3 spoke pattern better. The Mega G3 spokes are oversized, lighter and stronger making for a robust, strong and versatile set of wheels
Does it come with a cassette or do I have to purchase that separately?
Top 100 Contributor
The rear wheel comes without a cassette, but with a spacer to allow conversion from either 11 to 10/9 speed versions
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Mega G3 Clincher Wheelset
Shamal Ultra wheels have always been known for their excellent performance, but now Campagnolo have made the G3 spoke pattern better. The Mega G3 spokes are oversized, lighter and stronger making for a robust, strong and versatile set of wheels
Is it for Shimano 10 Spd or 11 spd cassette?
Top 100 Contributor
The wheel is Shimano 11 speed compatible. It comes with a spacer for a 10 speed cassette, just remove this if you are using an 11 speed.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Campagnolo Shamal Ultra Mega G3 Clincher Wheelset
Shamal Ultra wheels have always been known for their excellent performance, but now Campagnolo have made the G3 spoke pattern better. The Mega G3 spokes are oversized, lighter and stronger making for a robust, strong and versatile set of wheels
Is it for Shimano 10 Spd or 11 spd cassette?
Top 100 Contributor
The Shimano option is 11 speed compatible without any additional spacer behind the cassette.
If you have a 10 speed then use the spacer that comes with the wheels to fit between the wheel and the cassette.
In addition, you may also need to add the 1mm spacer that came with your cassette, depending on how tightly the cassette lockring is holding the cogs in place.
If you have a 10 speed then use the spacer that comes with the wheels to fit between the wheel and the cassette.
In addition, you may also need to add the 1mm spacer that came with your cassette, depending on how tightly the cassette lockring is holding the cogs in place.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
Castelli Gabba Windstopper Rain Jersey
A fully protective wind and waterproof jersey built from the latest innovation in fabric technology; Windstopper X-Lite Plus. Tested and developed by the Cervelo Test Team, the Gabba jersey is a breakthrough in comfort and wet weather protection.
Size
Usually a small pretty much everything, rapha, santini, champ sys etc. But I've read quite a few people saying to size up with Castelli, anyone got an opinion?
Top 100 Contributor
I always have to go up one size with Castelli from my normal size and it is no different with the Gabba jersey.
My advice is you should choose a medium size which will still give you an aero cut and fit, but allow enough space for some layering options underneath to increase the temperature range you can use the jersey in.
My advice is you should choose a medium size which will still give you an aero cut and fit, but allow enough space for some layering options underneath to increase the temperature range you can use the jersey in.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK
R087 Road Cycling Shoes
Competition level SPD-SL road shoes with a Micro-adjust buckle and dual off-set straps and a lightweight glass fibre reinforced-polyamide sole.
A HOLE IN THE SOLE AT TOE ? ,IS THAT CORRECT
Top 100 Contributor
Hi Alzab,
Yes, the holes are there for ventilation. You will appreciate this when the weather hots up.
I use mine with overshoes in winter- water does not come in through the holes in the sole.
Yes, the holes are there for ventilation. You will appreciate this when the weather hots up.
I use mine with overshoes in winter- water does not come in through the holes in the sole.
8 years ago
by
ballypete
Leicester, UK