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I have waited a long time for this: the new magnetic pedal for gravel bike
by Patrick Bardelli
Giro Latch: the flat pedal shoe with the slow «rebound effect»
4.7.2022
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Some swear by clipless pedals, others by flat pedals. No matter what group of mountain bikers you belong to, you want the best possible connection to your pedals. And that’s exactly what Giro promises with their latest model, «Latch». Here come my first impressions.
Maybe it’s just a temporary sign of the times, but it seems that everything’s turning into a question of faith. Don’t worry, I’m not about to ignite the Covid keg by throwing the vaccination question out there. We’re only talking about bike pedals. But even they’re enough to divide the masses. While some of you swear by flat pedals, others only develop enough traction with clickless ones. I’m really happy with the magnets on my gravel bike. In MTB rider circles, there are many heated discussions about pedals. Some of them occasionally taking on a spiteful tone.
Pedal pinball
As happy as I am with Shimano’s SH-RX800 and the magnetic pedals on my gravel bike: when I’m out on my MTB, I rely on flat pedals and the shoes to go with it. After all, riding on trails always feels like being in a pinball machine to me. Up, down, stone on the left, branch on the right, root, mudhole, root... all within a few seconds. Lose focus for a split second and you’ll fall flat on your face. Not a time you want to click out of your pedals. But hey, you may be happy with your click pedals. Which is great for you. I’m also happy with my flat pedals. And if you’re thinking of writing a nasty comment, hear me out: no, I don’t think people who feel uncomfortable using clicks shouldn’t be allowed to use a bike.
Giro Latch promises the best possible grip
The Latch was designed by Giro to create the best possible connection between the biker and their flat pedal. The fit and the flat profile of the shoe’s sole are designed to optimise the contact area between the sole and the pedal. To achieve this, the Californian company developed a special rubber compound they call «tack rubber». However, according to Giro, the heart of the shoe is its «mute foam» – a midsole foam with a so-called rebound effect. It’s designed to reduce shaking and vibrations and ensure you always stay connected to the pedal when you’re riding through ruts, over roots and stones. The combination of its fit, a quick-drying microfibre upper, «tack rubber» grip and «mute foam» cushioning make the Latch a new benchmark for flat pedal performance. At least according to Giro. In other words, these shoes will have you covered on the trail.
First impressions: I’ve latched on
In the saddle of the new Orbea carbon frame E-MTB Rise M20 with Giro Latch on my feet, I covered 50 kilometres and 1,000 metres of altitude on natural trails, forest trails, gravel roads and concrete in dry conditions. Perhaps it was because of the bike. Weighing in at 18 kilogrammes, it’s quite a bit lighter than the predecessor models. This translated into an agile ride. Maybe it was because of the «tack rubber» and «mute foam» of the Latch. Maybe it was the combination of the shoes and bike. Either way, I’ve never felt so good on a mountain bike.
It’s definitely not because of my cycling technique, which is still humble. Sure, the external conditions also play an important role when it comes to feeling good on your bike. In wet conditions, for example, an easy trail that’s suitable for beginners can soon be challenging. Or even overwhelming. I’d summarise it as follows: nice weather, dry trails, an agile bike and good shoes = lots of riding fun. The Giro’s Latch definitely added to it.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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