These SPD compatible Sportifs would make a pretty fashionable commuter statement. Image courtesy of Dromarti.

I have to admit I’m a bit of a Retr0-grouch. I preferred handmade lugged steel to mass produced carbon and TIG welded frames, high polished metal components to carbon and plastic ones (even when it comes to floor pumps), and wool jerseys to lyrca. This is more about my fashion sense than any dislike of a material and its benefits. I like to be more inspired by Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx in my cycling fashion choices than Mario Cipollini (although I admire the chutzpah Super Mario had for pulling those looks off.)

So it is with great joy I read over at Urban Velo this morning that British cycling clothing manufacturer Dromarti is now making handmade Italian leather shoes that are clipless pedals compatible. Choose between the SPD compatible Sportivo model or the Look/Time style Race. At $225-$240 depending on the model and oversees shipping charges, these things ain’t cheap, but my they look good.

Now we have performance cycling shoes that are welcome in the office instead of a Devo video. Che bella!

The Race model are brown leather compatible with Look & Time cleats. Image courtesy of Dromarti.