Head Buckets

Not going to lie, wearing a helmet kinda sucks in the summer. They're hot, gives you sweaty helmet hair, kind of a pain to carry around... BUT, it is the law in Vancouver and they have been known to save a few lives. They also makes a nice headrest when you're lying down at the beach and don't want to wash sand out of your hair for the next few days...

Now, we're not going to get into the whole "Helmet Wars" discussion. Y'all can do that on your own time with your friends. We're just going to tell you about the different kinds of helmets that are available to you.

The first types of helmets back in the day were the "hairnet" style. If you're not familiar with these, pop a copy of American Flyers into your DVD player and sit back for some edumatainment.

"Bike helmets rock!"

Widespread public use of helmets started in the 1970s. MSR, a mountaineering company and Bell Sports were the first to manufacture helmets strictly for commercial cycling use. Bell's first helmet was the Bell Biker, a helmet that rocked the first fully expanded polystyrene liner.

Your dad, aka the first hipster, in the first Bell Biker lining up for his first road race back in the 70s.

From then on it was a flurry of research and design to try and travel that finely balanced line of safety and style.

The 90's brought in-mould microshells. This allowed for more ventilation and different shapes in the helmet design.

Hard-shell helmets died off in the 90's but have since made a comeback with the help of companies such as Nutcase. The stylish colour schemes and urban look has made them popular with commuters and "for funsies" riders. Most people coming into OtR refer to them as "Less roadie looking." or "Less race-y."

"I think I can hear the ocean in your helmet."

Giro has come out with the Section and the Surface, two hard-shell helmets in an array of colours and three sizes for a comfy fit.

For your Cat-6 racer, there are a couple options. One can go with an entry-level universal-fitting helmet that suits entry-level needs. These are nothing to sneer at if all you need's something to keep you out of a ticket and feeling safe on the road without all the bells and whistles.

The Giro Indicator is a nice entry-level helmet to get you started into cycling without breaking the bank.

If more dough wants to be spent, you can get yourself a higher end, lighter and more ventilated helmet. Or, you can go with something more nerdy and pick up an Arella or a Muni that have a place to clip on lights as well as a rear light built right into the helmet's rear straps.For mountain biking, there are open face helmets such as the Hex or the Rift or one can go with a full-face helmet such as the Remedy. Some people don't believe in a difference between mountain biking helmets and road helmets. Others think that road helmets are designed for aerodynamics while mountain are more crash oriented. Mtb helmets also cool your head better at lower speeds but then take on a bulkier look.

If you were to get into road cycling, you want to get something that is light, well-ventilated, and low profile for better aerodynamics. All the big brands have a range of road helmets.

So many helmets to choose from, so little time.

Giro's mid-level road helmet is the Atmos and their top helmet is the Ionos, which was worn by Lance Armstrong during each of his Tour de France wins. Bell has a similar design with their Volt, which is well-vented and comfortable for either mountain biking or road riding. Their step down helmet is the Sweep, a racer favourite that is lightweight. Their mid-level helmet is the Array, which promises great venting and a low profile look.

If you're a serious track or road racer, you may have seen, or even tried on, these time trial helmets. Designed to be as least wind resistant as possible, they may look ridiculous but are key in shaving time off to get that podium finish.


There's some contention as to when helmets should be replaced but in general, if you have a helmet that's 5 years old, it's probably time to replace it. The styrofoam deteriorates over time and therefore should be replaced. Also, helmets involved in accidents generally need to be replaced. Check your helmet on a regular basis. If there are structural cracks, it's time to trundle down to OtR and let us fit you with a new helmet.

As always, rubber side down and keep it between the ditches... Enjoy the sunshine here in Van City while you can.

Next up on the blog: bib shorts vs. regular shorts. Can you dig it?

Quoc Pham Shoes

Another line of shoes has joined the ranks of On the Rivet's shoewear.

The Quoc Pham cycling shoe line uses traditional craftsmanship and hand sculpting to ensure proper fit. A three-layer system of leather outer and lining with strong canvas maize inner and rigorous prototype testing creates the necessary form, durability and comfort that makes the shoes stand out from other shoes. Because they're made of leather, the shoes will feel a little tight width-wise, but will stretch out and mould to your foot, creating the ultimate comfort shoe for cycling, kind of like a Brooks saddle for feet though you won't need tons of kilometres to do so.


Pham started with the Fixed, a leather shoe designed for life on and off the bike. Combining fashion and function, the Fixed allows a cyclist to step off the bike and into other avenues of his or her life.

The Fixed has a leather upper and stiff rubber sole, allowing good body to bike power transfer while still maintaining walkability. When trying on the Fixed, remember that it fits about a half size smaller than regular shoes.

In 2010, Pham added the Tourer, giving a cyclist the ability to add SPD (or mountain bike) cleats to a stiff and sturdy but still stylist shoe.
Having SPD gives a cyclist better control and more power while cycling. The Tourer fits about the same as the international standard.

The Lock Lace and Knot technique helps reduce heel slippage by creating a secure tight hold on the foot and is recommended for anyone riding Pham's shoes. Check out the technique HERE.

Because the shoes are made of leather, proper care and maintenance assure a longer life and top performance. Leather shoe polish will help nourish the leather and help prevent it from cracking. Stuffing the shoes with newspaper will absorb moisture and maintain leather durability.

Pham is also working on bringing out a Tourer Boot and a has a made-to-order Derby shoe.