Since the builders left, I’ve been spending my days feeling a bit lonely. I still can't shake the habit of communicating in broken English, so you might occasionally hear me say "What’s up?" to you. Consider yourself warned.
By the way, "What’s up?" is similar to saying "Hey!" in Japan, so it’s perfectly fine to reply with "What’s up!"
There are other ways to reply, but that’s just one example. It’s a casual phrase, so it’s best used with people you’ve gotten to know a bit.
Hello, it’s Nabetaku here! What’s up?
Today I’d like to introduce shoes, specifically clipless cycling shoes.
Those are the ones that attach your feet to your bicycle pedals.
They’re a great product because they let you use your upstroke, allowing you to pedal more efficiently, which equals an easier ride!
By the way, there are two types: road and mountain bike versions.
Among those, the mountain bike type has small metal parts called cleats, making them suitable not just for mountains, but also for walking around town or touring.
To get started with clipless pedals, you need three things:
・Clipless pedals
・Compatible cleats
・Clipless shoes
Clipless shoes often have a quite sporty look.
Many people might think, "That doesn't fit my casual style," but there are also sneaker-style options like these.
Among them, the pair I especially recommend is the GIRO GRYND.
GIRO / GRYND: A clipless shoe with a mesh upper, keeping you cool and comfortable even in the heat of summer. #giro #girocycling #circlesjapan #circlestailored Photo posted by CirclesTailored (@circlestailored) –
Beyond the look and coloring, their biggest appeal is how lightweight they are compared to other sneaker-style clipless shoes.
CHROME's TRUK PRO weighs in at the high 400s to 500g range.
The same manufacturer's GIRO RUMBLE VR weighs 420g.
This model weighs 350g in a size 42.
Considering that a Nike Dunk LO weighs 350g and a Converse All Star LO weighs 400g, it means that not only are they less tiring to walk in, but your legs will feel lighter as you pedal.
By the way, everyone knows the Moonstar Jaguar, which weighs 190g. Light is right, after all.
Returning to the subject, the GRYND features a lace keeper with a Velcro strap, which reduces the worry of laces coming undone or getting grease on them from the chain.
However, they do have a drawback.
Because they are light, the sole is designed to be flexible, which has the disadvantage of losing power as the sole deforms during pedaling.
In terms of performance, I feel the heavier but more rigid sole of the CHROME has an advantage (compared to the TRUK PRO I used to wear).
But because the sole of the GRYND is flexible, it’s easier to bend and has better cushioning built into the sole itself, making it superior for walking.
Every shoe has its pros and cons, of course. Perhaps you’re focused on city walking, or you want to prioritize riding but aren't a fan of sporty-looking shoes—everyone has different needs.
That said, the benefits of being locked into your pedals are immense, so please give clipless pedals a try!