All I want for Christmas...

So, it's less than a month before Christmas... have you done your shopping yet? Wanna beat the rush? Are you already panicking as to what to get your favourite cyclist?

Well, here's 20 gift ideas in the shop right now that might be perfect for the remaining people on your shopping list.

1. Socks. Who doesn't love opening a fresh pair of socks and putting them on for the first time? Have you ever heard anyone say, "Man, I just have waaaay too many socks!" No? That's because they're so silky, so smooth, so comfy and always getting eaten by the dryer monster.

Icebreaker makes some good short socks and no-show socks as well as a "multi-sport" sock. They're merino-tastic and pure quality! If you're looking for something a little warmer, we've got some ski socks from Icebreaker as well. The Chrome line also does wooly warm socks with partial merino and range from ankle no-show to over the calf socks.



2. Neck warmers/Buffs - Remember when you were a kid and you wore a neckwarmer and it was the best thing ever because it was SO WARM? Well, icebreaker has brought 'em back with a vengeance. Now with more merino to avoid that itchy scratchy feeling at your throat. There's a shorter, thick version and a thinner and longer version for the more creative types who want to ride to work with a pirate 'do rag flapping out the back of their helmet.



3. Gloves - Gloves are something that everyone can use and no one's going to say no to. Grab a pair of waterproof Gore Countdowns that are all the rage these days. Wind and waterproof with a little bit of insulation, these babies will keep your digits toasty warm all winter long even on the worst of days...

Other gloves include the Gore Mistral - windproof and the glove of choice for being low bulk and will fit a liner glove underneath if you're getting chilly.




The newest glove in the shop is Giro's Proof Glove. A bit more bulky than Gore, these babies have both a westerly wool inner liner and a weatherproof outer shell to keep you warm and dry no matter the conditions.

4. You can also invest in a pair of glove liners. We have a 200 and 260 weight glove liner from Icebreaker that will give you that extra bit of warmth when you're looking to keep those digits warm on your commute to work or when you're out enjoying the seawall on a sunny crisp day. They're a nice little stocking stuffer too!

5. Beanies. Beanies are a great Christmas present because they're so versatile. Under the helmet, out for a run, cool spring mornings and summer nights, out for a ski - they does it all. Icebreaker does a 200-weight beanie as well as a reversible one that's kind of fun too.



6. We've also got tons of cycling caps if you're looking for some face protection from the elements and have some team loyalty.

Cima Coppi has hats too - both warm wooly ones as well as earflapped winter caps.

7. Arm warmers are another key piece for any cyclist. Perfect for when you it's not warm enough for short sleeves but too warm for a full long sleeve jersey. We've got wool and synthetic, patterned and plain.

8. T-shirts for those casual days. We've got some from Chrome, Mavic, BMC, as well as Cima Coppi Velo Love and Paris-Roubaix.

9. What better present for wintertime than baselayers? These cozy shirts and leggings keep you warm and cozy whether you're commuting to work, climbing Cypress or out for a ski or hike in the mountains.

Both zip necks and crew neck tops as well as leggings and 3/4 legless as bottoms, these are a good gift for that active person in your life. We've also got a few remaining Craft baselayers on sale so come in and check 'em out!

10. Jerseys - Our summer stuff's on sale so now's the time to grab one up for a good deal. We've also got Gore and Louis Garneau windproof long-sleeved jerseys.

We've also got locally-made Cima Coppi stuff. Long and short-sleeved jerseys and track jackets for both men and women, these are one of the coziest gifts to give!

11. Shoes are a bit trickier to buy for someone as fit tends to be a little more personal but it's doable. We've got some Chrome stuff in stock for both the SPD and regular footwear-er in your life. As well, we've got some brand-new-this-fall waterproof DZRs through the door so get that special someone to come in and try some shoes on then get a "sudden chocolate craving," send them down to Cocoa Nymph with a very tricky order, and grab those shoes before they get back. 

12. Bags! We've got a ton of bags in stock right now from Chrome, Mission Workshop, Truce, and Pac. Come check 'em out! Messenger style, laptop capable, big bags, little bags, the works! If you need a waterproof, bombproof bag, we are the place to come!

 13. Jackets! We've got a few Mission Workshop Orions in stock at the moment but they're selling like hotcakes so get in here quick!



They're a fully waterproof Canadian-made jacket with pit-zips, a removable hood and several pockets, making them a great jacket on and off the bike. We can also acquire their new jackets - the Trigger and the Eiger Field Jacket.

We've also got the Chrome Storm series - both the ladies' Storm Pasha and the men's Storm Cobra in both black and olive colours.

 Made of a nylon fabric, these jackets are also for the walk-around style-y type that want a rain jacket that works on and off the bike. Pit-zips, hood, and multiple pockets make them another good choice if you want to buy just one jacket this season.

We also just got Swrve's Waxed Riding Jacket. Made in the UK, it has a waxed cotton outer and a wooly inner to keep you warm through the upcoming cooler months.

14. Locally, we've got some Winterluxe mittens that you should definitely check out. They're incredibly soft and fuzzy and come in a few different styles and colours. Made from recycled cashmere, these mittens would make a great stocking stuffer.

15. Keeping with the local motif, we've also brought in SAHN helmets. Designed in Vancouver, these stylish helmets are a great gift for the chic cyclist.

We also have Nutcase, Giro, Bell, and Lazer in stock.

16. Lights! What a better way of keeping safe than a couple of really bright lights. The Blackburn Flea USB light set is a great gift for the safety conscious as they're bright, rechargeable and easy to stash away.

17. Bells! Need a stocking stuffer for little ones in the family or even the young at heart? Dring Dring hand painted bells could be the ticket.

18. Sunglasses! Oakleys are still in stock with casual and racing-specific lines.

19. Musettes - Red Flag Designs makes a nice little musette that is perfect for when you want to carry some things but not including the kitchen sink. Red Flag also makes neat u-lock holsters out of leather.

20. Chamois Cream! Sportique's Century Cream is the best we've found so far for comfort on those longer rides. Made with natural ingredients, this stuff smells good and works great! They've also got a whole line of products including, Rad Rash Remedy for those bad spills, Element Cream for cold days, Sportsman's Friend and Shea Butter hand creams for rough hands, and other skincare bits and pieces.

Mission Workshop Orion Back in Stock!

Mission Workshop's Orion jacket is back! Full size run of these babies were picked up last night from the Vancouver factory. Check out this video then come in and try 'em on for yourself!

http://vimeo.com/18136133

I have yet to find someone who looks bad in these jackets, guys. The cut on them is so good that they seem to always look good on EVERYONE. Come on in and prove me wrong! 

If you want the complete run-down of the MW jackets, check out our previous post about them HERE.

Back in stock!

Theeeeey're back! Orion's back in stock fresh off the assembly line over at the Arcteryx factory right here in Vancouver. Come in and check 'em out!



We've also still got a few of the Bosuns in stock if you want to ward off that early morning or late evening chill.


And, if you feel the Orion is too rich for your blood, we've still got some waterproof and windproof jackets on sale, 15-40% off!

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.

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.