New in the UK for 2011, Chain is an Italian cycling shoe manufacturer set up by two brothers with ten years experience working first for Gaerne then Sidi. This is the Nova 2.
It sits second in the range below the Nova ProTour and is available in the UK through distributor Active Life Logistics, who are also bringing the low-end Elite, triathlon Haway and MTB Stream to these shores.
The Nova ProTour and Nova2 actually sit at the same pricepoint, retailing at £100 for a carbon reinforced nylon sole and £160 for a carbon sole. What differentiates the two is the colour options available – an updated selection of red, white/blue and white/red for the ProTour and silver, white and red for the Nova.
All of Chain’s shoes are manufactured in Italy and our silver, carbon reinforced Nova 2, available in sizes 37 to 45.5, weighs 322g. It looks somewhat like the Sidi Genius 6.6 – just more than £100 cheaper for the carbon soled version.
There’s a single ratchet to allow for a secure and precise fit, backed up by two velcro straps. The sole features Chain’s Sole Air System, with two openings at the toe and two at the arch to allow for air circulation. Three rubber patches on the sole aim to making walking on cleats, always a dicey affair, safer. Detailing includes a small Italian flag beside the ratchet.
So they’re the facts. We’ll let you know how it stands up on the road.
