Fizik / M6B UOMO

　
Next weekend is the Nobeyama Cyclocross. I'll be going into it cold, but for me, UCI Nobeyama marks the opening race of this season. I believe this is my fifth season racing in C1, right? Come to think of it, I have a memory of crashing during a practice run at the race where I qualified for C1 and breaking my SPD shoes, but that time, for some reason, having a spare pair of old shoes with me really saved the day. Ever since then, as a bit of a good luck charm, I’ve carried two pairs of shoes to races, and for cross races, I often opt for ones with nylon soles.
　
There are two reasons for this. First, carbon soles are too stiff and don't match my leg strength. Of course, for people who can really put the power down, the stiffness of carbon is a weapon, but I feel that with my leg strength, I don't really need something that intense (I’ve had experiences where I couldn't pedal anymore mid-race). Another reason is that since they get covered in mud every race and I wash them thoroughly, they wear out quickly every season, so it helps that they are in a price range that makes them easy to replace.
　
For those reasons, I prefer using nylon soles, but here’s the problem: it’s surprisingly hard to find high-performance nylon-soled MTB shoes. Perhaps due to the market trend of nylon-soled models being entry-level, most of the ones distributed domestically use Velcro straps. Personally, I was looking for something that could be tightened securely with buckles or the like, and I searched around quite a bit—then I found that Fizik makes some great shoes!
　

【Fizik】M6B UOMO ¥17,220 (excl. tax)
　
Fizik, familiar to many for their saddles, offers this M6B UOMO as their entry-level model. It is a mountain bike binding shoe that uses an upper combining Microtex—the same material used for their saddles and bar tape—with highly breathable fabric.
　
　
Of course, the sole is made of nylon and features a non-slip rubber grip. You can also swap out the spike pins to handle muddy conditions, so you can race with peace of mind even in bad weather.
　
　
The biggest feature is the BOA L5 Bridge closure system, which combines Velcro and a BOA dial. The BOA system is a widely used closure mechanism found in everything from various types of athletic shoes and helmets to medical braces. Unlike buckles or other fasteners, it uses a stainless steel wire reeled in to provide a more precise and superior fit, and it’s excellent because you can tighten or loosen it instantly with one hand.
　
　
With that signature Fizik look, the M6B is exactly what I would recommend as a cyclocross shoe. Having written all this, you might think it’s exclusively for CX, but I should reiterate that it is fundamentally an entry-level model that’s also easy to use for touring or urban riding. So, it's recommended for those looking for their first pair of binding shoes, as well as those planning to challenge themselves with cyclocross races starting this year.
　
They are available in EU sizes from 39 (approx. 24.25cm) to 45 (approx. 29.25cm), and the lineup also includes a good selection of women's sizes (starting from approx. 22cm) in certain colors.
　
But of course, you never really know how a shoe fits until you actually try it on. Don’t worry. At Circles, even if we don't have a specific model in stock, you can purchase with confidence by letting us order the sizes around your estimated size so you can get a proper fitting. Please feel free to consult with us if you are looking for shoes.
　
Tomorrow, we’ll be hosting our long-awaited Sunday Morning Ride, the Ride To PortlandLiving. The weather looks good, so let’s all enjoy the ride together. I’ll be waiting at Pine Fields Market at 9:00 AM!