Spring Cycling Accessories - Zygg’s Got You Covered, From Head To Toe

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.

The Toronto Cycling Network Plan, 2022 - Major Victories For #BikeTO

On April 7th, Toronto City Council approved the Cycling Network Plan, first quarter 2022, which extends two ActiveTO cycling network expansion projects from 2021 (on Lower Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street), with a promise to add 10 km of new bikeway and 5 km of bikeway upgrades. This includes new bikeways on Sheppard Ave East, Steeles Avenue, The Queensway, Sentinel Road, Douro-Wellington, Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone, Willowdale Avenue and more, encompassing expansion into Wards 3, 6,7,9,10,11,12,13,14,18,23 -  many of which are under-represented with respect proper cycling infrastructure. 

Cycle Toronto also posted a comprehensive summary, with maps, photos and timelines on their website.

Credit: CycleTO

Prior to the much anticipated City Council vote, the Infrastructure and Environment Committee heard hours of testimony from citizens, businesses, advocates, & city-works (like emergency services) before passing their approvals and recommendations on to City Council. 

The most impassioned debate was regarding the Midtown /Yonge Street (Davisville to Bloor) Pilot Project. Toronto Star Columnist Shawn Micallef (an avid cyclist, and ebiker) warned the City to not allow ActiveTO to wilt or be phased out:

“One [pandemic] program, CaféTO, transformed parts of the cityscape more than most civic initiatives over the last two decades have, but another did too: ActiveTO. The closing of major streets to traffic on weekends to give people in this ever more crowded city of apartment dwellers more recreation space, people with no backyards of their own, was also heaving with humanity.”

Credit: CycleTO

The Midtown /Yonge Pilot Project is especially important in keeping Bike Delivery Riders safe and able to do their work efficiently. This benefits the whole community. It is estimated that 40% of those using the Midtown / Yonge Street new bike-lanes are Bike Delivery people, many of whom are dedicated Zygg E-bike Subscribers. 

It was reported that there have been no negative impacts on response times for residents and businesses in Midtown. In fact, that area has better than average response times than comparable areas of the city, since the lanes were installed in the summer of 2021. Check out the Do Bike Lanes Increase EMS Response Times? video with Councillor Mike Layton and EMS personnel.

Micallef’s plea for naysayers who raise issues of access to be patient : 

“The more permanent CaféTO / ActiveTO becomes, the more some of the design details can be worked out, like making sure ample rights of way are kept open for sidewalk accessibility as well as for cyclists, especially where streetcar tracks are present, and ensuring the patios themselves are accessible.”

In line with these improvements, @TO_Cycling - the City of Toronto’s Cycling & Pedestrian Projects Unit - revealed additional safety design features added to the Midtown / Yonge lanes to assist pedestrian, drivers and cyclist alike, right after the Cycling Network Plan Vote:

This is good news for everyone as the City moves into the warmer months. 

For the latest complete streets initiatives and improvements rolling out in the GTA later this year, 

follow @TO_Cycling , @CycleToronto, @BellsOnYonge , @BellsOnBloor , @BellsOnDanforth , along with #ActiveTO  &  #BikeTO . Happy and Safe Cycling!

Thinking About An Ebike? To Buy, Convert or Subscribe? That Is The Question.

Spring has finally arrived! With the warmer weather in tow, everyone is itching to get back in the saddle and out exploring by bike. Social media and mainstream press have been hot to promote the wonders of e-bikes, especially for those seeking a healthy, green, fun and affordable alternative to car-dependency, and a mode of cycling which is inclusive to all ages and abilities. 

Cycling advocate Megan Ramey of BikAbout - with her comprehensive guide to cycling in North America - recently drafted an informative op-ed for Marketwatch, making the case for switching to an ebike, from not only a regular bike, but also to replace a car or even an EV. You can follow Megan on Twitter @bikabout. 

So, now that you are primed to try an ebike, should you buy, convert or subscribe?

To Buy

Megan’s feature article lists excellent considerations when you are thinking about buying. There are ebikes in every price range, however, you get what you pay for. Megan advises that you avoid the inexpensive ones (under $1,000). They will not last, are low on range, safety and function. Ebikes with a higher price-point boast sleeker, lighter frames & have greater range, performance, and longevity. Do your research. Consult user forums and cycling groups. You will be able to find an e-bike to suit your budget and needs. A cool thread from Arleigh Greenwald of @bikeshopgirlcom just popped up, asking riders to post why they chose an ebike. Check out these amazing testimonials.

To Convert

What’s this you say? Conversion? Yes, purchasing a bike conversion kit to “upgrade” your present bike into an ebike is an option. Our friends at Cycling News did some extensive research on the best kits on the market (thanks Cycling News!) which will hopefully steer you through this process. Zygg has summarized their reviews & provided links to the product site:

• Swytch 

  • wattage: 250w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: swapping front wheel

  • Best Features: shows battery power & level of assist; detachable battery to avoid theft

  • Weakest Feature: cadence sensor can be hard to fit

CN Rating * * * * * and full review

• Rubee X

  • wattage: 250w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: rear tire

  • Best features: Easy set up / removal, regenerative braking

  • Weakest feature: motor makes noise on the tire, especially in the rain

CN Rating * * * * and full review

• Bafang Front Hub Motor

  • wattage: 250, 500, 750w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: front wheel

  • Best features: relatively easy set up, powerful with a great ride quality

  • Weakest feature: cable management is a challenge

CN Rating * * * * and full review

• Bafang Mid-Drive Motor Kit and Battery 

  • wattage: 500w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: crank

  • Best features: cheaper price entry point, North American support, good brand

  • Weakest feature: instructions for installation incomplete            

Not CN Rated

• Pendix eDrive 150start

  • wattage: 250w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: crank

  • Best features: fits most bikes with threaded bottom bracket, torque-sensing pedal-assist

  • Weakest feature: expensive, must be fitted by a dealer

Not CN Rated 

• Tongsheng Mid-Drive Kit with Battery

  • wattage: 500w

  • battery included : yes

  • motor position: crank

  • Best features: Natural feeling acceleration, torque-sensor-based pedal-assist 

  • Weakest feature: the instructions are not great

Not CN Rated

To Subscribe

No surprise that Zygg is rather fond of our ebike subscription option. As Zygg enters our third successful year in Toronto (with a growing fleet of dynamic ebikes for personal and delivery rider use this season), and, with our expansion into the Vancouver market this Spring, it is undeniable that this is a very attractive way to go.

With both an outright ebike purchase or the purchase of a conversion kit, entry prices may be cost-prohibitive for many. Both purchase and conversion routes also leave you with the added expense and headache of bike maintenance and repairs. Let’s face it, we are all not “MacGyvers” who can flex a bike transformation. Every Zygg Ebike Subscription includes delivery of your very own ebike, with maintenance and support included in one equitable monthly/seasonal fee.

Give it a try - come out for a test ride - and we will make sure to hook you up with an ebike which is just right.