Re: [CR] How to re-glue shoe uppers to plastic soles?

(Example: Humor:John Pergolizzi)

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:24:56 -0700
From: "Marc St. Martin" <marc.stmartin@earthlink.net>
To: Mitch Harris <mitch.harris@gmail.com>, CR discussion list <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] How to re-glue shoe uppers to plastic soles?


I would give the job to your local cobbler.

Marc St. Martin Livermore, California USA

-----Original Message-----

>From: Mitch Harris <mitch.harris@gmail.com>

>Sent: Apr 22, 2009 3:57 PM

>To: CR discussion list <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>

>Subject: [CR] How to re-glue shoe uppers to plastic soles?

>

>I have several pair of on-topic plastic soled cleated cycling shoes

>where the leather uppers (toes or heels) have separated from the hard

>plastic soles.

>This has usually happened to NOS shoes after just a few rides, so I

>don't think it's a matter of use or wear, but just old glue from the

>70s/80s losing its grip on shoes that sat for decades in the box. My

>riding climate is very dry so this hasn't been the result of soaking.

>Also my use of these shoes is gentle, I think. I never take more than

>a couple steps off the bike in these shoes, and my pedal stroke is

>such that I pull back and up with heel up rather than pulling up on

>the uppers into the toe clip and strap. So I don't think I'm ripping

>the uppers off by sheer force.

>

>I bought some glue from my local cobbler that he recommended, followed

>his directions for prep and clamping, and the Sidi upper did not

>re-attach to the sole. This glue reminds me of tubular cement, so is

>probably a type of contact cement and there may be better kinds of

>glue to try.

>

>I'm considering attempting this with urethane glue, the kind that

>cures with moisture, because they are usually good at attaching

>dissimilar materials I've found. The the end results can be messy so

>I'm saving this for a last resort.

>

>Gorrilla glue is often recommended for sport shoe repair stuff

>(telemark boots, etc.) but I haven't tried it. Is Gorrilla Glue a

>contact cement or urethane glue?

>

>Also considering taking the shoes back to my cobbler for him to glue,

>but if his glue didn't work for me, I doubt if it would work for him.

>Maybe he has a better clamp to use with his last.

>

>BTW, of all the brands of shoes that gave way, only Vittorias never

>have. Two pair are solid after lots of miles.

>

>Mitch Harris

>Little Rock Canyon, Utah, USA