Could I get some help on shoe selection. Would carbon soles be the best choice?
What would be a good shoe for money, I wear a 42 but have a wide foot. And if there
is enough width I could possibly wear a 41 or 41.5.

Thanks for any information!

Carbon soles are not necessary, but nice. I had non-carbon Sidis and got some carbon ones recently, they are noticably stiffer, but still not ridiculous. I tried a couple of other brands of shoes that were just too stiff, they made things hurt. Sidi has been big on both fit quality, and the theory that a little bit of flex is a good thing.

Don't know about width, since I have narrow-ish feet, but they do make a wider "mega" size.

If that doesn't work, Northwaves are very wide, especially in the toe. I couldn't comfortably wear them in any stock size.

Best choice, nah. Like Argentius said, they're nice but not necessary. Although, I do like my carbon Nikes better then the Diadoras that I had when I first started cycling.

I have a pair of Sidi mtb shoes that I've been using that are mega width. Just thought I'd
like to have a road specific shoe. You mentioned the Northwave's run wide, which is what
I need. Any other brands or models that would be a good selection?

Thanks!

I just bought a pair of Shimano 151's in wide to replace the Sidi Genius Megas I've been using for a couple of years. I didn't think much of the Sidis. They were "all right", but not wonderful. I had 151's before & loved'em. The Shimanos are also much cheaper. Shimano also makes wide sizes in their 251 top-of -the-line shoe. I don't like them because they have that absolutely ridiculous buckle fastener, (like the Sidis). But if the buckle is worth around an extra $80-100...knock yourself out.

Check out some of Nike shoes. They made their shoes wider in 2006. You don't have to spend the big dollars on the Lance shoe, Their lower end models are very nice. If you shop around, you get get some fantastic deals on them

Thanks for the advice. Now I need to look for some deals, are there any places
that you know of other than ebay? Also as far as the Nike, Shimano Sidi, and Northwave,
how do their lengths run being long or short.

Also are there particular models beside's the 151's I would be happy with, considering
weight, comfort, and as I've read sole thickness?

Thanks for any advice!

Buying shoes without trying them on first is kinda' crazy. Buying Carbon soled shoes without trying them on first is just insane.

Thanks for the advice. Now I need to look for some deals, are there any places
that you know of other than ebay? Also as far as the Nike, Shimano Sidi, and Northwave,
how do their lengths run being long or short.

Also are there particular models beside's the 151's I would be happy with, considering
weight, comfort, and as I've read sole thickness?

Thanks for any advice!
Try Nashbar or Performance. The Shimano 151's, which have carbon soles btw, were on sale there for around $130. Don't know if they still are, though. If you try them & they don't fit, you can always return them with no hassles.

Could I get some help on shoe selection. Would carbon soles be the best choice?
What would be a good shoe for money, I wear a 42 but have a wide foot. And if there
is enough width I could possibly wear a 41 or 41.5.

Thanks for any information!

The best choice would be the ones that fit the best, and while a carbon sole might save you a few grams or provide a slightly stiffer platform (depends on the alternatives, really) it will not, in and of itself, have any effect on fit. We can call out this or that brand or model, but your best bet is to try things on. If you can find a shop that will let you try on several options, you're ahead of the game. If not, ordering from sources that allow returns for full refunds can save you a lot of grief (and expense). Sidi makes a "mega" version of several of their shoes--fairly wide (not super wide) all the way from front to back. Several Carnac models come in a wide version, as do several Shimano models. Specialized shoes seem to be medium-width, with a bit more room in the toe box than average. Personally, I've found stock after-market insoles to be helpful as well, but the first thing is to find a shoe that basically fits your foot.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate the help.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=22236&item=20-2653&slitrk=search&slisearch=true
I picked one of these up at a performance store in the clearance section for about $70. Great shoe, light, stiff, slightly wider.

ok, I've been looking at the Nike's also. Thanks for the input!

Pearl Izumi and Diadora run a little wide, too.