In fact, it was an earlier iteration of the Ghost to which I had turned after injuries endured from that barefoot running craze. In 2016 I dared to wonder if I could find something better, which led me to a running season with a pair of forgettable ASICS, that in turn led me back to the enduring Ghost. Since late June, I’ve been running the 12^th adaption.

If you’re new to Ghosts, prepare for the love. If you’re a convert, you won’t find a ton of changes from 11 to 12 but there are a few.

What I Love

Soooooo unbelievably comfortable. Like the Ghost 11’s, the Ghost 12’s have soft, stretchy mesh uppers that cradle my foot. There is no squeezing or restricting when my feet swell during long runs. What has changed, however, is an ever-so-slight narrower heel cup that mitigates any blister-causing movements. With the Ghost 11’s, I wore thicker socks for a snugger fit. With the Ghost 12’s I can wear a thinner, more breathable sock.  

Same responsiveness and performance. A couple runners in my running group have shoes for intervals, tempo runs and races. They’re running tools, what can I say? I’m always in the same shoe unless I’m trail running (when I’m in my Solomon’s). What I like about the Brooks Ghost 12 is what I like about the 11’s: The segmented Crash-Pad system. Despite all my training attempts to change my natural propensity to heel-striking, my genetics and DNA prevail. I’m a heel striker. There’s nothing to be done about it—except be cognizant of a running shoe that absorbs the bulk of the shock on heel landings and then has three lateral flexible grooves on the forefoot to allow soft transitions to midfoot and toe. So I’m pleased to see that Brooks did not change this at all.

Sizing. Still runs true to size. I wear a 7.5 in a normal shoe and an 8.5 in running shoe. The Brooks Ghost 12, even with the enhanced heel cup, still feels like the correct fit.  

12mm drop. During the barefoot running craze, a 12mm drop (or stack height) seemed like a platform shoe that unnecessarily increased my center of gravity. But it didn’t. Instead, the Brooks Ghost 12’s lofty drop reduces the amount of dorsiflexion and stretch on my tendons which ultimately contributes to injuries. This drop height, I have found, is ideal for asphalt—although I have plenty of miles logged on gravel paths—where the experience feels more like running on a fluffy cloud. However, be advised that this high stack height is not ideal for trail running or running on very rough uneven surfaces.

Neutral runner’s dream. There are three types of runners: neutrals, pronate’ers and supinate’ers. I was first turned onto the Ghost line in a running store in Minneapolis. The saleswoman had me run on a treadmill too determine where I fit. Turned out I’m a neutral runner so she suggested the Ghosts. If you’re not sure where you fall in the scale, either have a running shoe store tell you or take a peek at where the “wear lines” are in your current shoes. If wear is greatest along the inner edges, you pronate. If wear is on the outer, you supinate. If wear is fairly consistent, you’re neutral.

A bit lighter. If you’re a Brooks Ghost fan and remember the 10 and 11 you’ll notice that Brooks shaved a few ounces off the 12. But it’s literally a few ounces. My Brooks 11 weigh in at a beefy 10.7 ounces while my Brooks 12 tip the scales at a svelte 10.5 ounces. It may seem negligible but when you’re on mile 19 of that marathon, it all counts.

What I didn’t Like

Silky laces. It’s a marginal gripe but they never stay tied! I just replaced them with the laces from my Ghost 11’s.

Final Thoughts

There are a few slight upgrades to the Ghost 12 (from the Ghost 11). Slightly decreased weight, slightly narrower heel cup, and a few aesthetic changes here and there (like a different outsole pattern for example) that don’t impact performance either way.

And you know what? That’s why I love the Ghost 12’s.

I change out my running shoes every Spring. Every Spring, I agonize over the process.

When I find a pair of shoes that I love, it’s always a lottery if I’ll be able to get another pair just like them. As a Ghost loyalist, I was thrilled—THILLED!—that they still delivered the same comfortable and responsive performance.

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Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack

The Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable backpack is weather-resistant, reflective and has a waterproof laptop pocket in the back panel. As with just about all Timbuk2 packs, organization is outstanding. Catering to the serious commute, Timbuk2 added a deep pocket to securely hold a 24-ounce GSI Outdoors 720 Flip vacuum bottle full of coffee—a must for any serious bike commuter. There are two reasons we like this pack. The first is its expandability. Most days it’s not needed but a few instances our writer Janet was certainly glad to have the option. The second is Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty. I’ve cashed in on this lifetime warrant once with a seam coming apart on an early-model Copilot luggage roller and they replaced it. Full review coming. Timbuk2.com | $189

North Street Morrison Pannier

I’ve been using the North Street Morrison Pannier since 2016 and the love lives on. It’s a durable, waterproof pannier that is made in the U.S. The mounting system consists of two simple, non-locking, durable metal hooks that hang from the top of the bike rack and lower metal hook. You will love the versatility of the stashable backpack shoulder straps that fit conveniently into their own pocket when not in use. And the pizza resistance on why it’s still carrying my work stuff and groceries after three years? It’s made from military-grade 1,000 Denier waterproof Cordura nylon. North Street, which is celebrating its 10th birthday in October, is a Portland, OR-based company of eight employees who do all of their own design, cutting, sewing and fulfillment in-house and deliver bags all over the world. northstbags.com | $200

Fenix BC21R Bike Light

With its bright, broad beam of 880 lumens, the Fenix BC21R offers five brightness modes of Turbo (880 lumens), High (380 lumens), Medium (200 lumens), Low (100 lumens) and Flash (alternating 380 lumens and 100 lumens). What I love so much about this light is a power-saving feature called Intelligent Output Downshift that automatically shifts the light down to a lower setting. For enhanced safety on urban streets or trails, the Fenix BC21R is equipped with red sidelights that provide 180 degrees of visibility.  fenix.com | $75

RydeSafe Reflective Decals

The fall “shoulder season” is marketed as the best time to bike to work because the mornings are cool with non-existent humidity and the rides home are along bike paths lined with trees in a variety of changing colors. But to me, it’s more like the season of red targets on the backs of cyclists. An investment of $30 worth of stickers artfully placed (or in my case, plastered) on your bike will transform you into a two-wheel freak show. When car lights hit it, your bike illuminates like a Tron bike and can be seen from the space station. What motorist isn’t going to take notice? rydesafe.com

SockGuy Socks

Cyclist love socks with unique and fun designs and SockGuy has always delivered on that—while making them in the U.S. Cats and wine are among the things in this world that I cannot live without. Imagine my glee when I saw SockGuy had my best interests in mind! Cats and wine! First, there’s Peace, Love, Wine that are outstanding cycling socks on hot and humid days because they’re “meshy” and allow good breathability. Same with the Bad Kitty socks, which are my favorite. And now, with the weather getting cooler, I’m loving the Catz socks. They’re definitely good for dayhikes but they’re amazing for commuting in cooler weather because they’re made with 75 percent wool. Wool, as you know, is strong, comfortable, warm on cold days, cool on warm days. It keeps your feet warm when wet and they’re odor resistant.  sockguy.com | $10.95 – $14.95

Velocio Recon Micromodal Jersey

This unassuming Velocio Women’s Recon Micromodal Jersey is perfect for all disciplines of cycling but we love it best for commuting because of its sheer casual presence. The soft material is derived from beech trees and a carbon thread knit into the fabric adds anti-microbial properties. This means it won’t hold onto funky body odor so you can wear it for several days before the buzzards start to circle. Although the jersey is slimming and form fitting, it doesn’t grab or drawing attention at “trouble” spots when hitting your local tap room on your Friday commute home. Velocio | $139

Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey

Full review coming soon the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey but so far, I have found only positive accolades. Everything about this jersey screams comfort, warmth and softness. You know I love back pockets and this jersey has them and they are supremely easy to reach when riding. Not only is it breathable, it’s pretty wind-resistant. It also has a semi-relaxed fit so you can wear a baselayer under it for extra warmth. Pearl Izumi has partnered with  The Woolmark Company to create a line of cycling apparel and accessories featuring Merino wool. A great baselayer to go with the Symphony Thermal Jersey is the Merino LS baselayer. Merino wool is a natural fiber and you can literally wear it for a week before it needs to be washed. Full review coming. Pearlizumi.com | $140

Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel Gloves 

When our staff writer reviewed the  Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel gloves he thought he had landed on the perfect glove for mountain biking. He did, but since the review he’s been wearing them for all riding, including commuting and urban riding because of their comfort and fit. The grippy no-slip suede palms, lack of unnecessary padding, and the touchscreen compatibility make these a pair of gloves any commuter will appreciate. lizardskins.com | $35

The post The 8 Best Pieces of Gear for Fall Bike Commuting appeared first on gritandgearonline.com.