The other day, while having lunch at my usual diner, the news came on about heavy snow in Tokyo. I thought of it as someone else's problem—something like, "That sounds rough, though it would probably be fun if I were on a bike"—but after I went to bed last night and woke up this morning,
Nagoya was also a winter wonderland. Thinking I had to get out and ride before the snow turned into slush, I left the house an hour earlier than usual and enjoyed the snowy roads to the fullest.
I figured clipless shoes would be too dangerous, so I commuted in my GORE-TEX trail running shoes.
I wore a water-repellent down jacket on top and Levi’s Commuter pants on the bottom. They’re excellent—they repel light water and are easy to pedal in. I highly recommend trail running shoes for snowy days. They’re much better than other shoes because they don’t slip as much, and it’s a nice bonus if you decide to go for a run, too.
As for tires, I lowered the air pressure on the 33c cyclocross tires I usually use as much as possible, which allowed me to ride safely. What I keep in mind when riding is to keep the pedals turning as much as I can, even if I'm going slowly. It keeps the bike more stable.
And not just because it’s a day like this, but always wear a helmet. It’s too late once you’ve fallen and hit your head. Plus, these cool SMITH helmets have been on sale since yesterday!
Between you and me, I was having so much fun taking detours that I almost arrived late for work.
Now, here are some snow-day shoes worn by the Circles staff.
[45NRTH] Fasterkatt MTB Shoes / 23,760 yen (tax included)
Yanase-san uses 45NRTH/FASTERKATT, a brand born in Minneapolis, USA, where the average winter temperature drops to minus 10°C. Their waterproofing and heat retention are unquestionable. They take MTB cleats, so you can even use them for cyclocross races! They are a great brand that offers many other snow-ready components. Of course, you can buy them at Circles.
PERFECT!! #giroshoes #circlesjapan Photo posted by Seigo Ito (@jus0805seigo) –
JUS-san is wearing the GIRO ALPINEDURO. These are MTB clipless shoes with a Vibram sole that makes them easy to walk in, in addition to being highly waterproof and insulated. They might be a bit more slippery than the 45NRTHs, but their flexible soles make them my recommendation for winter trails where you’ll be walking a lot. You can buy these at Circles, too!
Tomoda-san, being a tough guy, wore VANS even in the snow. Pure street spirit!
The snow has been cleared and it’s much easier to walk around now, but please be careful as the ground is still messy. Tomorrow especially, many places will be frozen solid. Circles is open as usual, undeterred by the snow!
Have a good snow day!