The forecast for yesterday was also sunny, but the clouds looked suspicious, and it ended up being a day with a scattering of snow.
Some of you might be thinking, "Who would ride a bike on a day like this?"
But the snow we get here in Nagoya is nothing; there are people who ride and have fun on their bikes in much colder, snow-deep regions.
And because such people exist, there are also tools available to help enjoy such environments.
45 NORTH is a manufacturer born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, where average temperatures drop below -10°C, and they create highly original items with the concept of "helping people ride their bikes further in even colder conditions."
They release original products like tires, pedals, and even chains, but what I would like to introduce this time are these shoes.
These are clipless shoes that I recommend for everything from mountain rides this time of year to cyclocross training and even commuting.
45 North
Fasterkatt ¥23,100_
Recommended temperature range (-3°C to 7°C)
The upper is highly water-resistant, as you can tell from the water-repellent zipper.
It is treated with a rubber coating that makes it resistant to water and dirt, and since it is a highly elastic material, it wraps around your ankles while having minimal impact on pedaling.
Also, the inside is lined with fleece, making them very warm shoes.
When you open the zipper, an inner boot is revealed; it's built somewhat like a ski or snowboard boot, but don't worry, it's not that heavy-duty. It is designed specifically for cycling, so it has a soft construction. The inside is also lightly brushed.
The insole is also elaborate, designed to block cold air from the sole of the shoe.
The underside is molded into a waffle pattern to prevent heat transfer, and the surface, which looks slightly fuzzy, has wool fibers attached to it.
And that shiny part you see deep inside? Surprisingly, it has a very thin sheet of aluminum attached to it.
It really is quite comprehensive.
The outsole uses a special rubber called "ANTI-SLIP MICROGLASS RUBBER," and its shape also makes walking on snow and wet, slippery surfaces smooth.
These are pretty high-spec shoes, so I imagine many of you might think, "Do I really need shoes like these?" but trust me, it's great to have them! It really is!
And as introduced in Shige's previous blog, if you have these shoes, your feet will be super comfortable even when you go out to have fun in places like this!
This will make winter activities even more fun!
Oh, and for those with a foot size of 25cm or smaller, we also have a few of these treasures.
PearlIzumi
Barrier GTX
Usually ¥26,250_
Now for just ¥10,000_ flat.
The remaining sizes are Euro 40, 41, and 42, but please don't assume they are the same as your usual shoe size.
They run quite small, and are low in the instep and narrow in width. It's best to try them on, but if they fit you, there's nothing better than this!