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.

Layered Like A Cake... Or Maybe An Onion...

As a cyclist, you may find yourself constantly fighting a battle of wearing enough to stay warm but not too much that you're sweating. Even though your legs are spinning those perfect circles, you aren't really moving your upper body and you have to deal with the wind factor on hands and feet.

This is where the layering system comes in. Generally, you're looking at three layers of clothing on top when you're riding to keep your core warm: base-, mid-, and outer layer. If you keep your core warm while riding, your circulation tends to take care of the extremities. As always, there is the exception of having bad circulation so you may need to bundle up those bits that get chilly.

Baselayers provide warmth and wick sweat away from the body as quickly as possible to keep you from getting clammy. In order to do this properly, the fit of a base layer must be snug like this fine gentleman from IceBreaker is modelling:

photo: IceBreaker

There are three "weights" in the base layer catagory:

1. Lightweights are good for summer and for intense activity. They provide excellent wicking but not a lot of warmth.

2. Midweights are for low intensity activities and have good wicking properties and some warmth to them. They are one of the more common layers as they tend to be more multi-purpose across different temperatures and sports.

3. Heavyweights are still a wicking material but act as more of an insulation layer. So, if you're racing, you're more likely to go with a lightweight base layer but might use a mid-weight for warming up or training, and a heavyweight for going for an easy ride around the seawall or hanging out post-race to cheer your teammates in.

Lightweight baselayers are also work well in summer condition. Now maybe you're reading this and probably going, "Base layer in the summer... Whaaaaat?! Are you nuts?!" but they can be useful. Having another layer between your jersey and skin is a good idea because it will wick the sweat away quicker and create space between your body and the midlayer for air circulation. The Craft Cool Mesh Superlight, perfect for a light summer underlayer.

Wool is a good baselayer as it has good wicking properties and doesn't smell even after a few times out on the bike. A synthetic layer is good because it transfers moisture without holding onto it.

Midlayers are your insulator layer, to provide warmth. Unless you're racing, they should be a looser fit but not baggy. The reason for this is that this layer is designed to trap body heat. Depending on how hot you run, a jersey (either wool or synthetic), a light softshell jacket, or shirt would work perfectly.

Jerseys work as perfect midlayers as they are durable enough to go over a baselayer on their own but light enough to be under an outer layer. photo: Sugoi

Outer layers are your weatherproofing. They need to be able to withstand whatever the day is throwing at you. In Vancouver's typical climate, the challenge tends to be finding something that's waterproof, warm AND breathable. Goretex is unbeatable when looking for a waterproof shell but is sometimes lacking in the breatheability category. Other companies are coming out with light shells while still keeping the waterproofness as high as possible. Basically, determine what you want out of your outerlayer and choose accordingly or come down to OtR and let us know what you want and we'll help you out, I promise! There's the Hydroshell from Sugoi that is a super breatheable jacket for riding in the rain but can't be worn with a bag on your back. The Gore Power jacket is completely waterproof and tough enough for a daily commute.

Customer Andrea Akelaitis keeps cool and looks cool as she shows off effective layering with the Craft Performance Rain Jacket while on a bike trip in Oregon this past spring. photo: Andrew Summers

Taking a well-deserved break during a day of riding. photo: Andrew Summers

On the bottom side of things, you can usually follow the same concept though you may not need as many layers. Depending on how warm you get, you can go with tights, knickers, shorts, or a combination of all three. Now there are many companies that have created lifestyle clothing that work on and off the bike. We've had a lot of good luck with Swrve and Chrome and have recently brought in Derny. All three are geared towards people who want multi-purpose clothing without looking like too much of a sportster.

A sleek and sexy cut that'll keep your hems out of the chain and your calves looking good. Photo: Swrve

Companies like Swrve now make jeans that have highlights such as being more durable, having a higher waist in the back and lower in the front to keep you from embarrassment, pockets big enough for a u-lock, and reflective strips.

photo: chicken strip

You can also accessorize with arm, leg, and knee warmers, higher socks, shoe covers, and gloves. These are great because they are, for the most part, easy to put on and take off and make a world of difference if you're feeling chilly or overheated. Most can be stashed in your jersey pockets on a training ride and/or don't take up a lot of room in bags while commuting.

Sugoi's track arm warmers can help you signal your win at the end of a race or simply taunt cars as you whip by them stuck in traffic on the way home. photo: Sugoi

So, figure out what works for you. Some people need more layers, some need less. Some people can't stand the feeling of merino wool next to their skin, others can't wear anything but. Some people need two layers of gloves, others run with fingerless year round. At the end of the day, you're the one wearing the clothing and riding the bike so you should be comfy. And if you're not, your body will let you know. If you have any questions, give us a shout or drop by.

Til next time... as a good friend tells me, "Rubber side down, keep it between the ditches."