Gaerne’s new G.Taser, G.Ray & G.Arc mountain bike shoes are some of the first shoes we’ve seen being pushed as “dedicated to the e-bike”. The three all-new pairs of all-mountain shoes share similar synthetic uppers – with either clipless or flat pedal compatible, medium stiffness soles. But while they are touted as e-bike-ready, the mid-range level shoes work just as well when you have to rely on your own power too. We have an exclusive first look at the top G.Taser, and have put in some quick trail time on them already…Advertisement
Gaerne G.Taser e-bike ready, all-mountain bike clipless shoes
While we are in an e-bike boom, Gaerne decided their latest mid-level trail bike shoes could be just what many new eMTB riders were looking for. Officially categorized as All-Terrain & E-Active, the G.Taser is at the top of a family of three reasonably-priced mountain bike shoes meant for all-mountain trail and e-bike riders.
Each of the three shoes share the same lightweight, fully-vented nylon mesh uppers that get an open grid of molded plastic abrasion reinforcement over the toe, heel, and entire circumference of the shoes actually. The two top-level shoes share the same Boa dial retention, featuring a single L6 dial per shoe to pull finely-adjustable closure across a triple loop over the middle of your foot.
The G.Taser features a multi-compound G.Explorer Vibram sole for uses with 2-bolt SPD clipless pedals. The sole offers firm support with internal lateral reinforcement around the cleat (but little pedal pin grip there around the deep cleat recess), but a more open cross pattern named ‘footjam’ in the instep for control when not clipped-in and a more frighteningly-named ‘SOSbrake’ section on the heel, presumably for when you are skidding out of control to a stop?
Gaerne doesn’t list the weights for any of the new All-Terrain/E-Active mountain shoes. But our size 43 test sample of the G.Taser weighed in at 904g for the pair before we bolted cleats on. A weight of 452g per shoe isn’t all that heavy for an affordable all-mountain shoe. But at this weight we would usually expect more impact protection around the toes & outside of the foot than this lightweight upper provides.
The 160€ Gaerne G.Taser is available in this black/red/orange version or a black/gray option, and in whole number EU sizes from 39-47. Unlike most of Gaerne’s more premium shoes, these are not made in Italy.
First Rides: Gaerne G.Taser mid-level all-mountain bike shoes
When Gaerne officially released these shoes a couple weeks ago, they hadn’t actually made it out to shops or even been photographed in the wild yet. So Gaerne sent us one of the first pair of G.Tasers to give them a try. I’ve put in a few trail rides on the new shoes – although no pedal-assist for us yet. (I don’t actually have an eMTB, so I’ve had to pedal under my own power.) But I did sneak in some bikepark uplifts to get a similar gravity-cheating effect.
The fit is pretty high-volume, which tightens down quite well, even with just the single Boa dial per shoe. The synthetic upper is also quite slippery inside, so I feel a more secure fit when paired with a lightweight merino sock (like these from SockGuy) over an equally slippery synthetic sock. The Gaerne G.Taser also comes with a thick foam insole, but I’m happier now riding with a pair of my go-to heat-molded Shimano insoles for a more stable fit.
Actually riding in them so far, the G.Tasers look to deliver performance that matches their price/spec level. Pedaling efficiency has been good for general trail riding or all-mountain riding. The sole construction flexibility falls in that mid-range that is both walkable, yet works well for pedaling clipped-in, too. They are definitely heavier than what I would want for more of an XC shoe, and probably still too heavy for all-day all-mountain epic pedaling.
But for more general, all-around trail use on larger platform clipless pedals (like these Crankbrothers Mallet DH pedals), they have kept me clipped in securely (with the plastic cleat spacers because of the thick Vibram sole). And if you are looking for eMTB shoes, that extra weight isn’t likely a concern. I’m certainly looking to put many more trail miles into them through the rest of the summer.
Gaerne G.Ray e-bike ready, all-mountain bike flat pedal shoes
Now if you are looking for a similar all-mountain or eMTB shoe for use with flat pedals, the slightly cheaper G.Ray uses the exact same upper and Boa L6 closure as the Gaerne G.Taser, but with a platform-ready sole.
The G.Ray’s G.Tourer Vibram sole uses a soft rubber compound and variable dot tread pattern for max grip on flat pedal pins, and larger heel lugs for grip on hike-a-bikes. The shoe includes a similar midsole reinforcement for pedaling efficiency, plus extra EVA foam inserts to absorb shock when you get off the bike for even better walkability.
The 150€ Gaerne G.Ray comes in the same 39-47 whole EU size range, and only in this dark gray (black) & orange color combo.
Gaerne G.Arc entry-level e-bike, all-mountain bike flat pedal shoes
Lastly, an even more affordable G.Arc version drops the Boa dials for conventional lacing to save money. Using essentially the same nylon upper as the Gaerne G.Taser & G.Ray, the G.Arc gets slightly reshaped reinforcement along its edges. The 130€ Gaerne G.Arc features the same G.Tourer Vibram flat pedal sole, 39-47 whole size range, and comes in dark gray anthracite.
All three “e-bike shoes” are available now through regular Gaerne distributors at your local shops.
