"Click!"
Flip the switch hidden in your back teeth, engage the acceleration device, and you'll be off with speed that defies the eye.
While they may not come with sci-fi features like that, there is something about putting on road shoes and hearing that *click* as the cleats engage the pedals that makes you feel like you're about to ride fast.
Actually, it’s more like a signal to flip the switch on the "delusional acceleration device" in your brain, making you want to pick up the pace.
It was early September when I went out for a shoot wearing QUOC's new road shoe, the Mono II.
It’s been almost two months since I started wearing them, and I’ve come to realize many things about their quality that I didn’t fully grasp back then.
A carbon sole with both "flex" and "stiffness"
Carbon soles are effective components for efficiently transferring power to the pedals; the stiffer they are, the less power is lost. That is why the flagship models from various manufacturers that prioritize pure speed have very stiff soles.
However, if a hobby rider like me—who doesn't do a huge amount of training—wears them for long periods, the reactive force from the pedal builds up, leading to stress in my pedaling.
That is to say, a sole isn't always better just because it's stiffer. If you add a little "flex" to that, you feel less fatigue and can wear them comfortably for longer stretches of time.
I strongly feel that the carbon sole used in the Mono II is balanced perfectly with that "flex" and "stiffness."
That said, because it is a carbon sole, there is no doubt that it is stiffer than carbon-composite soles made of mixed materials, making it a shoe that enables efficient power transfer.
Extra toe room for added comfort
Compared to the lace-up "Night" model, the Mono II features a silhouette with a bit more room in the toe area.
This helps keep your feet in a relaxed state, making long rides and long distances much more comfortable.
Road shoes are designed to provide efficient pedaling and lossless power transfer by unifying the shoe with the pedal. To maximize this, one would typically choose a model without a millimeter of extra space.
However, that can also place a strain on your feet.
By providing room in the toes, you can maintain a relaxed state and reduce unnecessary strain, which allows the foot to retain its natural shape and move freely. This also promotes better blood circulation.
Dial closure system to hold your foot securely
The two dial closures hold the foot securely, preventing power loss during pedaling. The front dial fixes the area from the base of the toes to the middle of the instep, while the rear dial locks down the upper part of the instep.
I’ve been wearing nothing but lace-up shoes lately, and I’m reminded that ease of getting in and out is a crucial point. If we are talking about fine-tuning the fit, laces are the winner, but when you consider the overall ease of use, security, and the ability to make micro-adjustments while riding, it’s hard to choose one over the other.
Insoles that support the arch of the foot
The insoles that support the sole of the foot come with three types of removable arch supports. Since each has a different height, you can choose the one that matches your foot shape. By installing the most suitable one, the insoles support the natural function of the arch—absorbing shock and generating propulsive force. This also helps distribute localized fatigue on the ball of the foot, which is the point under the most pressure when pedaling.
If the arch support is too low for your foot, it won't have any effect, and if it's too high, it will constantly press against your arch and cause strain instead.
This is something you have to try to know, but I’m using the lowest support; it fits perfectly, and I can really feel the benefits.
As you can see, there’s a lot to talk about, but my honest opinion is that they are comfortable even when worn for long periods.
I can also truly feel my power being efficiently transferred to the pedals, and I can say without a doubt that this is the best-suited model for me out of all the road shoes I’ve worn to date.
I’ve been pedaling hard and riding all over the mountains lately.
【QUOC】
MONO Ⅱ
Color: White, Black
Size: EU 38 ~ 46
Price : ¥43,450 (tax included)
These are shoes I’d love for many people to try, but sizing can be difficult when introducing a new pair. I’ve covered how to choose your size in a previous blog post, so please take a look.
I know many of you want to try them on in person before deciding on a size.
We are continuing our "Free Return Shipping for Size Confirmation" campaign, so please make use of it.
If you are in the area, you are welcome to visit us and compare sizes carefully in-store, but if you are considering purchasing through the web shop, please take advantage of this offer.
Circles MONO II Related Blog Posts
・【New Arrivals】Quoc Mono II - Serious Road Shoes (Free Size Confirmation Campaign Active!)
・【QUOC / Mono Ⅱ】How to choose your size for road shoes
・Review article by LOVE CYCLIST
