Glide shoe: saving your soul and getting a grip

General
1

So a week ago I wore out my second shoe learning to glide. The shoe is actually still useable for other purposes, but not for gliding. I decided it was time to figure out how to wear out something that was easier to replace than my Ultimate 81’s.

My first thought was a replaceable surface. My first attempt was a failure, photos are here: http://iunicycle.com/qp/842/?cols=2

I waited a few days and explored other ideas, but today, everyone was closed for Memorial Day. I was stuck with Home Depot. I only found a free carpet sample, and decided to give it a try.

I was actually surprised to glide (downhill) a personal best. In addition the feel is more secure and comfortable. The carpet seems to provide a wider range of resistance with not much pressure.

Safety was an issue. The carpet is only about 1/8" thick, to 3/16" max. it doesn’t interfere at all with normal usage of your foot. It doesn’t slip. I cover more details, and construction technique on my unilog: http://iunicycle.com/unilog/ , photos of the glide shoe are at http://iunicycle.com/qp/875/?cols=2

2

Your lack of color coordination is outstanding. :slight_smile:
Why the green laces?

3

These were the second pair of laces which came with my Mexico '66 shoes. They are grey (sage) with green (lime) stripes and grey laces.

4

Good idea. I use one of those coral reef walking shoes (the $10 ones) as my gliding shoe. I find that that way I can flex my foot and curl it around the tyre for extra grip and balance of the foot.

Andrew

5

ya i have found i wore out my shoe really quick i can’t crank grab now because my sweet spot is were i put my foot on the pedal so i slip off all the time! i have an idea though…
Look out for some stuff called shoe goo it’s designed to rebuild shoes i have some somewhere from my skateboarding days now that wrecks shoes worse then gliding!i might try it sometime if i can find it!i will post some pictures if i find it!
Ben

6

I saw Tom Jackson actually glide 18" on his 47th attempt last night in Seattle. The 18" didn’t even put any wear on the carpet sample. What a great, high-tech solution to a problem that clearly does not exist.

7

LOL :smiley:

8

One man’s inch is another man’s mile.

9

Hey Harper,

Just because you’re under the 18" milestone, no reason to be rude. :slight_smile: I used to wear out some shoes too:

glideshoe.jpg

10

18 feet is not that far is it?i have done 100 revs to get to that my shoe is like johns!
Ben

11

I am exactly 18" under the 18" milestone. In all fairness, Tom was trying to do this in the rain on irregular and unfamiliar surfaces. But fair is rarely my game.