Suwada Nail File

Nail care goes beyond mere grooming to enable "maximisation of output" through physical management. This product is also recommended for mechanics who do not compromise on fine-tuning.

The Suwada Nail File is a compact 110mm long, perfect for carrying in your bag or toolbox during expeditions. It is a prized product manufactured and sold locally, and is also favoured by nail technicians.

The reason why WE recommend nail clippers and nail files is solely to help you achieve "the best performance." Why does nail management improve performance? There seems to be a scientific basis for this...

1. "Rebound force" due to nail pressure

When you push off the ground with the pads of your fingers or grip a handle tightly, your nails act as a "wall" that pushes back the pressure. This is called nail pressure. When your nails are properly maintained, the efficiency of force transmission increases, and this reaction is maximized, allowing the energy generated by your muscles to be transmitted to the object, such as pedals or handlebars, without loss.

2. Impact on instantaneous pushing (crank rotation)

When the condition of your nails is unstable, "noise" interferes with the information reaching your brain.

0.1 second reaction difference: If your nails are too long and cause pain, or if they are too short and prevent you from getting a good grip with your fingertips, your brain will judge it as "damaging" and unconsciously apply a limiter. Maintaining your nails is also the process of releasing this brain brake.

3. Grip strength and "pulling" power

Nails are also important for pulling the handlebars (e.g., during sprints).

Improved grip: When fingernails are well-maintained, the deformation of the finger pads is reduced, and the sensation of gripping the handlebars not as a "point" but as a "surface" becomes sharper. This reduces the loss of power transmitted from the upper body to the handlebars, enabling sharper acceleration. Although it's a slight difference, the condition of the nails also affects the feel of torque when using tools during assembly work. Nails play an important role for both athletes and mechanics.

To maximise performance, the following conditions are considered ideal:
Length: The same length as or slightly shorter than the fingertip - To absorb pressure while preventing interference.
Shape: "Square-off" with slightly rounded corners - To distribute stress and prevent nail breakage and ingrown nails.
Thickness/Flexibility: Not dry, with adequate moisture - To prevent cracking from impact and utilise flexibility.

In fact, some Keirin riders even apply nail polish to harden their nails. For athletes competing in explosive power and mechanics performing delicate work, nails may be a more important part of the body than we think.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 110mm
Weight: ~7g
Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel, Smelted and Forged in Japan