[This is the first of several vendor profiles we'll share in the next month as we prepare to entice you to attend our super-excellent BikeCraft V event coming up on December 5th.]

Bike Cozy's "Toe Cozies to Keep Feet Dry"
were a hit at BikeCraft IV.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Do you ever wonder how to solve that problem of cold, wet feet on your bicycle? Or do you have trouble finding a cycling cap that will actually fit your head and your sense of style? Ever wish you could carry and organize your cycling tools in a practical (yet oh-so-aesthetically-pleasing) way?

No problem! Check out Bike Cozy, a local, NE Portland based business that sells handmade cycling caps, tool rolls, shoelace wranglers toe cage covers, and more for "the fashionably practical rider." Bike Cozy’s tag line doesn’t lie: its products come in a variety of colors and patterns and are made from practical, durable materials such as wool, canvas, and cordura. (more...)

Raingear comes in all styles, forms
-- and budgets.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Now that the rain has arrived in earnest, it's time to get the daily wet weather riding routine down pat.

For many of us, that isn't going to include shopping for a new, name brand rain jacket and pants, fancy washable wool, or a new bike with disc brakes.

Fortunately there are plenty of local options for staying warm and reasonably dry without going broke. (more...)

Showers Pass CEO Ed Dalton sporting
the Portland jacket at this year's
Worst Day Ride
(Photo © Elly Blue)

Showers Pass, a local cycling gear company, has been making waves with its "Portland" rain jacket since it was introduced in 2008. The jacket is notable for crossing technical outerwear with vélocouture flair resulting in a handsome daily commuter piece which serves you well on a fast commute and isn't an embarrassment to sport on date night.

During last week's rainstorms I took the Portland for a test ride and appreciated its thoughtful features and subdued appearance. It's a stylish commuter rain jacket that has a fuller cut so that it looks like a regular jacket when you aren't on the bike. (more...)

The "Portland" cap and jacket.
(Photos � Jonathan Maus)

I may not be at Interbike (the big bike industry trade show going on right now in Las Vegas), but I'm still looking to share as much as I can from local companies who are at the show (read my story from last week for what other local professionals and companies are doing in Vegas).

On that note, I just heard from Ed Dalton, co-President of Portland-based Showers Pass.

Since he took over the company (it was originally founded in 1998 in Arcata, California) in 2005, Dalton has overseen a major revamp of the brand and the product line. (more...)