Boot Saver Experiment

[johan_imp]

I think the problem for all of us is two fold. First is the unforgiving steel end of the shifter, and second the friction of the shifter rubber on the boot. I think plasti dip applied to the shifter end would still have friction, and would not address friction from the shifter rubber either. The only solutions I can think of then would be a soft textile material like I used for the experiment, or leather. There is a product called Ryder Clips which are leather, but at the moment only fit the much larger Harley shifters.

Leather would be a much more durable material, so after a reasonable length of time to "field test" with the cotton jersey, if it continues to work well, I will look at using the thumb off a pair of unlined black leather gloves.

My TCX Fuel WP Boots have an extra leather patch where the boot hits the shifter. Also, I see the "damage" caused by the shifter as a "badge of honor". Sort of like a frequent Flyer status.
Have you considered trying a heel/toe shifter?