The best way to explore what your city has to offer this spring? By bike or ebike, of course. There are dozens of well-stocked, local cycling shops in both Vancouver and Toronto where you will find exactly what you need (or didn’t know you needed). Here are some must-haves to help the spring cyclist get back into the saddle. Get browsing!
HELMETS
Thousand
One of the most stylish companies specializing in Urban Biking and Skating helmets is Thousand. Thousands has dozens of super-cool Mips, Chapters and Heritage style lids. Zygg is partial to the classic Heritage Helmets, with a 1950s / 1960s vibe. The design is state of the art, with 7 vents to channel airflow, a secret PopLock for fastening to your locking system, a single-handed magnetic fastener with vegan straps, and an adjustable fit for all ages & head sizes. They are government certified for maximum safety, light weight, and come in lots of unique colours like Willowbank Mint, Polished Titanium and Rose Gold.
Thousands Helmets are available in Vancouver at The Bike Dr., and at Curbside Cycle in Toronto.
When you sign up for a Zygg ebike subscription in either Toronto or Vancouver, you can also purchase a top-notch helmet directly from us, and we will deliver it to you with your bike.
GLASSES
Tifosi Optics make a series of everyday specs (their Svago, Swank, Smoove lines) which are perfect for getting around by bike. The curved, polycarbonate glasses are scratch & shatter-proof, chic and are really good value. Try them on for yourself at Sweet Pete’s in Toronto.
If you are interested in more “sporty” glasses, Bicycle Sports Pacific in Downtown and North Vancouver, have a huge selection of Ryders glasses.
Urbane Cycle
RAIN PONCHOS / RAIN CAPES / SHELLS
Urbane Cycle in Toronto has rain ponchos to keep you protected from the wet, spring conditions. West Point Cycles, with three locations in Vancouver, have terrific, outer-wear and jackets. They stock various styles and colours, including “high-visibility options.
RAIN PANTS
Arc'teryx activewear makes terrific, water-resistant, everyday commuter pants, like The Levon Pant for men and The Contenta for women. They have several locations in Toronto and Vancouver.
For the budget conscious, don’t forget “rain pants” for those splashy commutes. You can order them online at Decathlon or MEC, or stop into an MEC outpost in Toronto or Vancouver.
How about an old-fashioned, pant-cuff saver? Ridehouse Cycles in Toronto has them in simple black-reflective or high-reflective yellow.
GLOVES
Ridehouse has other accessories to keep you protected from the elements, including cycling gloves. Vancouver’s Bicicletta has an impressive 164 styles of women’s gloves!
BACKPACKS / PANNIERS
Toronto’s Fix Coffee and Bikes showcases many carrying options, including a waterproof Velocity Backpack (with a separate compartment for your laptop), and a versatile Box Bag, that adapts to many cargo options, and can fit on your front or rear bike-rack.
If you already have a great bag(s), why not carry a rain-cover for safety? Order them online from Vaude Canada or grab one when you are at BSP in Vancity.
SHOES
Founded in Vancouver, Vessi is known for “The World’s First Waterproof Shoes”.
Vessi
Not only do they have a fantastic collection of super-comfortable kicks to keep your socks and toes totally dry, they also sponsor well-deserving initiatives and scholarships in many communities. Check out their new spring collection, online, like the “Everyday Move” for women in pastel colours.
One of the Vessi’s three young founders, Vancouverite Mikella Go, shares her top hometown destinations.
WATER BOTTLES and more
The Bike Depot has one of the largest selection of water and beverage bottles, holders and fasteners around. This Polar Insulated one will keep your liquids twice as cold and comes in dozens of hues.
Blacksmith Cycle is a bespoke bike shop that sources and builds dream bikes. They also happen to be upstairs neighbours of Zygg’s new Toronto flagship location at 345 Sorauren Avenue. If you are picking up your Zygg Subscription ebike in Toronto, or are onsite for a test-ride, make sure to browse the well-curated collection of gear, accessories and apparel at Blacksmith.