Cycling throughout the autumn and into winter doesn’t have to be a drag. Choosing to commute to work & school, or taking your bike or e-bike out on errands, can actually be tons of fun, as long as you are prepared. And, why not get there in style?
KIT AND ACE
Kit and Ace is a Canadian apparel company, founded in Vancouver in 2014, by Shannon Wilson (former lead designer of Lululemon) and her son J.J. Wilson. The company’s mission is to make clothing that is Smart (technical & functional), Easy To Love (comfort & style) and Made To Last (sustainable, not fast-fashion). With a “boardroom to the beach” versatility, Kit and Ace’s “Navigator” collection is perfect for Zygg’s e-bike commuters. There are great separates in many colours like : The Ride Blazer ($298) & Commute Blazer ($148), Commute Pants Standard Fit ($188) & All Day Ankle Pants ($148), and a gorgeous Unisex Utility Jacket ($198), created with their “Schoeller Fabric” which is moisture wicking, water-repellent, quick-drying, and made with cotton for easy care. New arrivals in their seasonal collection, with dozens of quilted All-Day Vests, Scarves, Merino Wool Turtlenecks, Toques and Tees, will have you layered up to embrace your Autumn commute. Shop online or drop into one of their retail stores in Toronto, Oakville, Calgary, & Vancouver.
DUER
With a new-found love of cycling, designer Gary Lennett saw an opportunity to combine his 25 years of experience making denim jeans for giants like Levi Strauss, into his own brand of purposeful, high-performance fashion. In 2013, Duer was born. Today, their line of flexible, durable and great looking pants, are some of the best-reviewed by cycling-commuters and other active people. Their fabrics & techniques keep you warm in the cooler weather and comfortable when it’s hot with “Coolmax” technology, and offer five-times more mobility than standard denim. They have men’s, women’s and unisex cuts. Our favourites are Performance Denim Mid Rise Straight (from $139) and All Weather Denim Slim ($199).
MINISTRY OF SUPPLY (MIT)
Launched out of the labs at MIT in Boston in 2011, Ministry of Supply is a complete line of Breathable, Stretchy, Sweatproof and Easy to Care For garments, in subtle-styles that you can wear all day: to and from work and well into your relax-time, after. It started with dress-shirts and socks hacked out of athletic-wear, while founders Gihan & Aman were still students, and has evolved into a full-on collection for men and women. New arrivals include some really cosy Composite Merino Cardigans ($188 USD), an all-purpose Fusion Chore Coat ($288 USD), Kinetic Pull-On Pants ($148 USD), and Fusion Terry Sweatshirts ($118 USD).
7MESH
Founded in 2013, 7MESH is an advanced, bike-apparel company for trail, back-country & road. They are based out of the unceded traditional territory of The Squamish Nation Indigenous People. In the late 1900’s, the BC Native Language Project developed a writing system, resulting in this town being known as Squamish / Sk̲ wx̲ wú7mesh. Thus, the name. 7MESH uses innovative shapes and fabrics, tailored for men & women, for 4 season, "all-conditions" riding comfort. Layering is key: they have awesome neckwarmers ($30-$40), Colorado Arm and Leg Warmers ($70-$99), Glidepath Pants ($200), Long-Sleeve Shirts & Hoodies ($80-$150) and hard-core Oro Coats and Co-Pilot Jackets! ($300-$400).
ARC’TERYX
Originally launched in western Canada, ARC’TERYX is known world-wide for their extreme-condition outerwear: gloves, beanies, jackets, boots, and base-layers. You may be surprised to learn that they have some awesome travel and commute packs perfect for riding to work or school by bike. Check out their Granville Weather-Resistant Briefcase ($190) & Courier Bag ($170) and dozens of Minimalist Urban Backpacks (60-$220).
VAUDE
VAUDE is another Canadian company who prides themselves on their functional and environmentally friendly products made from sustainable materials and techniques: PVC Free, Nylon Recycling, Organic Cotton, Merino Wool, Recycled Down, Certified Leather, Green Membranes etc. They offer six categories of Bike Bags alone, perfect for attaching to your Zygg Ebike’s frame or rear rack, as well as your own back! Their Panniers are unparalleled: very durable, and smart-looking, ranging in price from ($90-$320) depending on the volume capacity, materials, and function. We find their Urban Bags are super-cool.