No Glove No Love...

Here's a few true and obvious statements:

1. Gloves are warm and cozy fuzzy slippers for your hands.
2. Gloves are useful in Vancouver.
3. Gloves are necessary when rainy, cold, gross winter sets in.
4. Gloves are awesome at keeping your hands from getting that gross crocodile feeling as they dry out and chap and crack.

AND YET I see people running around with no gloves or gloves that don't stand up to the conditions people are riding in.

Gore does a sweet commuter glove called the Countdown.
With soft leather palms, a velcro clasp at the wrist, and Goretex outer, these gloves are bombproof. They can be a bit bulky but for an everyday commuter or for a rider who's tried everything and still gets cold hands out on a training ride.

If you're looking for a lighter glove and aren't really worried about insulation, the Mistral is perfect for you. Though it's not a waterproof glove, I don't think you'd want one anyway since you heat up while riding and would probably sweat too much. The windstopper is a nice touch though since it keeps the glove pretty water resistant to a certain degree but also keeps out that pesky wind.


If you do get cold hands, a glove liner is like adding an extra blanket onto your bed on a cold winter night. Even if you don't think you get that cold, a pair of liners are essential in the "just in case" department. They're light and stuffable into any bag/pocket and very good at adding that extra bit of warmth when you need it. The thing about winter is that even covering up skin from the elements is going to warm you up considerably.

Icebreaker makes great liners. They have a 260 weight and a 200 weight to keep any chills away.


Sugoi also has a great line of gloves - the Firewall series. They're water and wind resistant and run the same range as Gore - from training to commuting. The commuter is a sweet lobster glove that is completely waterproof.





So, without sounding like an infomercial, treat yourself this winter... grab a sweet pair of waterproof gloves and get out into the wet. Grab some windproofing and sail along those bike lanes. Cuz it's going to last for another couple months and your hands might as well be cozy.

Thumbs Up for Rock and Roll!

via Cima Coppi. <3

Shoe Sales!!

You asked for it and now you're gonna get it. After months of people asking if the the DMT and Diadora shoes are the only ones on sale, we can finally say, "NO, they're not the only ones!"


We're putting all models of discontinued shoes on sale in time for the 2012 season.


This means Shimano's men's and women's road and mountain are on sale.


Sizes are limited so git yo' butts down to OtR and check 'em out.

Item of the Week: The Buran Messenger Bag

New to the scene is the Buran messenger briefcase bag. If you were to google what a Buran was, you would see that the bag is named after the Russian space shuttle and/or program or a line of wristwatches assembled by Voltex. I do want it to go down in the books that I did not make a connection between this bag and the phrase "out of this world."





Some of the highlights of this all business messenger briefcase are:

- The integrated laptop sleeve - now at the back of the bag instead of earlier versions where it was at the front. Being in the back ensures that there's going to be a flat surface against your back when you throw all sorts of stuff into your bag, even if you overstuff it.

- A handle on the top gives the user the ability to sling the bag around without having to reach for the shoulder strap every time.

- Lots and lots of compartments so you have a pocket for everything you want to carry.

- Keeping with their tried and true material, the bag is waterproof - perfect for Vancouver or any other rainy conditions.

- It still uses the Chrome strap system so there is a stabilizer strap coming underneath your armpit to keep the bag, and all your important docs + laptop, in place while you're riding.




Come down and check it out. If you're looking for something different, we also carry lots of other Chrome bags as well as Mission Workshop.

South Surrey Cyclecross Race

Check out the South Surrey Cyclocross race going down Nov. 12th! Hosted by Daryl-Evans and Mighty Riders at the South Surrey Athletic Park.

All the deets are HERE.

The poster is pretty rad:


Aaaand we think you should go... Cuz it's going to be a pretty awesome time.

It's Gore Time!

So, we finally got our fall/winter stuff in from Gore... and just in time, it seems! The rainy days, they are a comin'!

Some sweet pieces include:

The Phantom jacket. We've got both the ladies' and men's version. This softshell is water resistant and, with a quick zip, turns into a jersey complete with wind stopper vest. Pretty rad.

This year Gore has come out with a sweet hi viz colour - perfect for dazzling the eyes of Vancouver's drivers and ensuring they won't run you down in low visibility evenings.



For the serious road cyclist, we have the Oxygen, a lightweight, completely waterproof and breathable jacket. It's also got a handy dandy pouch to stuff the jacket into and stash in your jersey.


On the accessories side, we've got all the old favourites, starting with wind stopper arm, leg, and knee warmers to keep your external bits warm.

For the cold-fingered crew, there are Countdown gloves that keep you warm and cozy, even on the wettest of days. Synthetic leather palms make for a comfy ride and a velcro adjust on the wrist ensure that no rain runs up your cuffs and that they fit snugly underneath your jacket.


If you've already got a Gore jacket, we got some hoods in to keep the rain out of your eyes. We've also got helmet covers to keep your helmet hair from looking like drowned rat helmet hair...

Mission Workshop Jackets

Well, it seems Mission Workshop has continued to up their game with the arrival of apparel to their line - two jackets, the Orion and the Bosun have come to On the Rivet just in time for fall. The Orion is a waterproof shell and the Bosun is a wool jacket. At 500 hundred bucks and 275 respectively, it's a steep cost to swallow but not exactly out of the question when you look into the details...


The Orion jacket is a fully taped and seam-sealed jacket made for any sort of weather Mother Nature wants to throw at you. The fabric, a four-way stretch Schoeller c_change, is "designed, developed and manufactured in the Swiss Alps." Now, if you don't know, this is a fabric that reacts to changing temperatures and activities. The membrane increases or decreases heat-retention and breathability based on outdoor temperatures. The example given is that of a female fir cone - if the environment is hot and dry the cone opens its scales to the fullest, if wet and cold, it will close up completely.


The c_change membrane works in much the same way - if the environment is warm and dry, the membrane "opens up" and allows excess heat to escape to the outside air. If it is rainy and wet out, the structure of the membrane "closes up" or condenses and retains heat for the body while still allowing moisture to wick through.


The jacket is made in Canada - right here in Vancouver, in fact. Production is done in the same factory where Arcteryx used to do their jackets before they were outsourced. That's kind of cool even though the materials aren't locally-sourced.


Other bike-friendly features include pit-zips for extra ventilation and articulated sleeves for a sleeker fit and easier movement. A rear touring-style pocket at the back of the jacket allows easier access to the rider on and off the bike.



While built more as a jacket on the bike, the Orion does have walkabout status. With a chest pocket for your wallet, an inside pocket for your music, and the rear touring-style pocket, it allows a person to use it off the bike without much hassle.


The Bosun jacket can be paired with the Orion or worn on its own.


Made of New Zealand merino wool and lycra, this mid-weight jacket boasts a longer cut in the back than the front and reinforced shoulders and elbows made from a 4-way stretch fabric from the U.S.


Just like the Orion, it has a zip chest pocket for valuables, an internal pocket for media, as well as a touring-style rear pocket for easy access on the bike.

Summer Sale Happening Right Meow!

Hey y'all, it's back again. Our summer sale. Come in and get some sweet deals on all sorts of sweet cycling and walkabout clothes and accessories.

Here's a taste of our deals...

Our Gore jerseys are 35% off for men's and 25% for women.



Sugoi jerseys are going for 25% off. Grab one today and you'll be as hammerific as this dude!

Swrve's going for 15% off. You can look oh-so-hipster too! Lose the cap if you want to be more stealth though.


Shebeest is 25% off ladies' jerseys.


Last year's Gore jackets are 30% off and this girl's amped about it and thinks you should get amped too!

Sugoi, Mavic and Gore's flippy flappy shorts are 20-30% off. Who needs an upper body when you've got these sweet Remote shorts on? Not this guy:



Sock guy socks are 50% so come get 'em before they disappear! We've got divas, beer, and bacon socks, oh my!Fingerless gloves are 30% off. They go great in the winter with a glove liner or non-padded gloves underneath.


Derny's going for 30% off. These clothes are always ready for action whenever you are, on or off the bike!


These are just some of the deals going on so come onnnnnn doooooooowwwwwwn!

Mighty jerseys of your very own!

Finally!


We've been thinking about it for awhile and now they're here. Non-team Mighty jerseys for you to show your love... With both a women's and men's fit and long- and short-sleeved jerseys, we've got something for everyone!

Made by Blackbottoms Cycle Gear, a company that has been around since 1974. Based in Utah, they've continued to be a family-run company and are dedicated to "providing modern cyclists high performance fabrics, and 'casual' fashion without hype or high prices."

Short-sleeved tops are $125 and long-sleeved are $135. Come and get 'em!

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.

Bags Bags Bags!

So, say you've just purchased your first bike and you're amped to ride. Or you just got a new bike and you're amped to ride. Or the sun's finally come out for summer and you're amped to... well, you get the picture...

You have grandiose dreams of riding to work everyday and getting your own groceries on your shiny new bike. Maybe you'll even hit up the Farmer's Market on Saturdays at Trout Lake AND Sundays in Kits. You're definitely hitting up the beach with a few beers and snacks and a towel and sunscreen... The problem is where are you going to put all these things? Where are you going to stash those carrots? What's the best way to carry a laptop? How are you going to get beer and snacks and a towel and your sunscreen to the beach?

Well, there are a few ways to carry your schtuff. You can a) tow a trailer, b) get a basket for the front of your bike (preferably wicker for authenticity and also to match your handlebar streamers), c) hire a sherpa to jog beside you, or d) get a bag.

While with some sweet computer skills you might get a lead on a guy in Tibet, I tend to find it's easier to go with option D for the versatility factor.

Bags allow you the freedom to be prepared for anything at any time, on or off the bike. They ride on the bike with you, they come into stores with you, they carry heavy loads for you. It's important to pick the right bag or you might end up breaking it trying to jam in too much stuff or break yourself trying to carry too much stuff the wrong way.

There are two bag options: bags that go on your bike and bags that go on your person.

Bags that go on your bike are typically panniers, trunk bags or handlebar bags. They allow you to cart things by putting the weight on the bike. By taking the bag off your back, they eliminate back pain and that pesky Sweaty Back Syndrome. The biggest issue I find with bags on the bike is that, generally, there aren't many that have a comfy carrying strap. They tend to be a little more awkward and a little more boxy looking. Our sister store Mighty Riders carries pannier bags such as Ortlieb, Axiom or Detour.

Axiom pannier bags in action.

Bags that go on your person tend to be a little more stylish and (hopefully) a little more comfy. They can be one-shoulder strapped or backpack style. They also tend to be more versatile and walkabout-friendly.

One-shoulder bags - or courier bags - are useful because they're built for riding. They sit on the flat tabletop that your back becomes when riding. They are also easier access by swinging the bag down and across the chest or simply undoing the buckle at the front if there's a lot in your bag. The only downside is that some people find that having only one shoulder taking all the weight is uncomfortable and sometimes even painful.

Mission Workshop bags have partially solved this problem by having a bag with the ability to swap the strap from dominantly right to dominantly left. That way you can swap the weight day to day.

Pac bags have taken this a step further with their x-strap system, which gives support from a shoulder strap from the opposite side of your dominant side.

Cycling-specific backpacks bear the gear load evenly across the shoulders while still allowing for cycling-specific functions such as full waterproofing, a light clip and a lock pocket.

Mission's new backpack, the Sanction, is a versatile city bag that carries your laptop and gear in the city. At 16L, it's a bit mini but carries the essentials. If that's too small, snag a Rambler or Vandal which are similar but more roomy.

The Sanction backpack, new from Mission Workshop.

Chrome also does a series of backpacks, from the laptop-carrying Yalta to the 47L Ivan.

Most of these bags come in all sorts of colours and sizes to suit your personality and needs, especially the Chrome line.

No matter what, at the end of the day, if you're riding with a huge backpack, a mini satchel with the bare essentials, or loaded down with panniers that make you look like you're touring 24/7, who cares because you're the one carrying the stuff and you want to be comfy.