{"id":473465,"date":"2026-02-14T01:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T01:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/473465\/"},"modified":"2026-02-14T01:11:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T01:11:09","slug":"beyond-the-bike-post-ride-beverages-a-casual-jacket-and-crossover-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/473465\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the Bike: Post-Ride Beverages, a Casual Jacket, and Crossover Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Riding bikes is one of my main passions in life. It\u2019s my primary form of exercise; I do it for fun and socializing; it\u2019s my competitive outlet; and it\u2019s a big part of my job. I get to ride bikes quite a bit, and for that, I am very thankful. While my life revolves largely around riding and writing about bikes, the vast majority of my time is spent doing other things.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As mentioned in the first installment of Shifting Gear, lots of products cross our desks and through our hands, but not all of them are strictly bike-related. I\u2019ve recently acquired a number of bike-adjacent products that I\u2019ve really been enjoying. So, without further ado, here are a few of my latest beyond-the-bike favorites.<\/p>\n<p>Fabric Australian Hop Fizz<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fabris-Hop-Fizz.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" loading=\"eager\" importance=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fabris-Hop-Fizz.jpeg\" alt=\"three varieties of Fabric Hop Fizz.\" class=\"wp-image-408044 first-image\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>Fabric\u2019s Hop Fizz drinks are a non-alcoholic post-ride beverage alternative, some with THC.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not gonna lie, I LOVE beer. Post-ride beers are one of my favorite things in the entire world. Sometimes, I wonder if one of the reasons I ride bikes so much is so I can justify the number of empty beer calories I consume. I\u2019ll admit that, at times, it has bordered on being problematic. Plus, as a sometimes-competitive cyclist, consuming alcoholic beverages usually doesn\u2019t align all that well with my recovery or performance goals, regardless of how much I like them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So, as much a I love beer, I also appreciate the recent proliferation of non-alcoholic beverages on the market. The N\/A beer scene has really taken off in the past few years, and some of them honestly taste pretty darn good. They scratch the itch, for sure. But along with the N\/A beer explosion, there is a wealth of other non-alcoholic beverages to suit various tastes and preferences. With all these new options to choose from, I can still enjoy the post-ride ritual, just without the alcohol. I know that has always been the case, but now the options are better than ever.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve got a good friend who works in PR, and she reached out recently to see if I wanted to try out these Fabric Australian Hop Fizz drinks. As a fan of other hop-water beverages, I was definitely intrigued but wary of the THC in a couple of them. Now, I\u2019m not opposed to THC, but the few times I\u2019ve tried it since I stopped smoking weed 15+ years ago, I\u2019ve gotten uncomfortably high. Quite a lot has changed in the years since, with recreational legalization in certain states, and a whole industry creating gummies, candies, drinks, and so many ways to consume THC, and in measured doses. It\u2019s a brave new world.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/larity-Can.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/larity-Can.jpeg\" alt=\"the side of the Can of the Fabric Clarity hop fizz.\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408045\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>The Clarity Hop Fizz has no THC.<\/p>\n<p>So, I decided to give them a shot. After all, Fabric makes three varieties of its Hop Fizz drinks, including \u201cClarity,\u201d which has zero THC. \u201cRhythm\u201d contains a super low 1.5 mg of THC, while \u201cDowntime\u201d steps up to 10 mg of THC. Additionally, all of them also include CBD and\/or CBG, both of which are non-psychoactive cannabis derivatives typically associated with therapeutic properties. CBG is typically considered to be uplifting, while CBD is more relaxing. Regardless, each beverage is formulated to align with its name, Clarity, Rhythm, or Downtime.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>And, if, like me, you\u2019re wondering, how is this legal? Well, the Delta-9 THC used is derived from hemp, and hemp-derived products were legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill. Still, legality varies from state to state, so that\u2019s something to consider depending on where you live.\u00a0And, of course, driving under the influence is obviously illegal no matter where you are.<\/p>\n<p>All of them are lightly flavored and lightly carbonated, brewed with Galaxy hops and fruity notes like lemongrass, orange peel, lemon, and blackberry. They have zero calories, fat, sodium, or carbohydrates, and the ingredients are easy to read. For example, the \u201cClarity\u201d flavor is made with purified water, citric acid, lactic acid, Galaxy hop extract, Strata hop extract, lemongrass extract, desert lime extract, and CBG.<\/p>\n<p>In my opinion, they all taste great and are very refreshing. The \u201cClarity\u201d flavor has just 10 mg of CBG and is quite similar to drinking a non-alcoholic hop water. I also really like the \u201cRhythm\u201d flavor, which has 1.5 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBG, and 25 mg of CBD. That\u2019s a very small amount of THC, and frankly, barely perceptible. After drinking it, I feel relaxed, but not intoxicated in any way.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Downtime-can.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Downtime-can.jpeg\" alt=\"the side of the can of Downtime Hop Fizz\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408046\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>Half a can of the Downtime Hop Fizz does me right.<\/p>\n<p>Despite my reservations about getting \u201ctoo high\u201d, I\u2019ve tapped into the \u201cDowntime\u201d flavor as well. With zero tolerance, 10 mg of THC is more than I think I can handle, so I just drink half a can at a time. At that dosage, it makes me feel chilled out and calm. There\u2019s no paranoia, and I\u2019m not concerned that I\u2019m gonna get way too high from eating some mystery edible or something. It\u2019s a pleasant alternative to a 3-beer buzz, and the next day it doesn\u2019t feel like I drank 3 beers, either.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless, I\u2019ve thoroughly enjoyed them all and will be keeping them in the rotation post-ride and when I\u2019m kicking it at home. While I doubt post-bike beers will ever be completely off the program for me, these are a good option for all the other times. Check them out at:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drinkfabric.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">drinkfabric.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Curious Creatures Hungry Horse Jacket<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hungry-Horse-Jacket.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hungry-Horse-Jacket.jpeg\" alt=\"The Curious Creatures Hungry Horse jacket\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408047\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>This jacket is comfy as heck, and it gets more compliments than I can handle.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/curious-creatures-fresh-bike-clothes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Curious Creatures is an up-and-coming mountain bike appare<\/a>l brand that\u2019s grown relatively quickly in popularity. Founded by Natasha Woodworth, an industry veteran with previous design experience at brands including Patagonia, the Bozeman, Montana-based brand brings a unique design approach and aesthetic to the market. Over the past couple of years, the Curious Creatures product lineup has expanded to include numerous models of shorts, pants, and jerseys for both men and women, all of which combine technical materials with casual, offbeat style.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We reported on one of the brand\u2019s latest products, <a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/curious-creatures-adds-new-apparel-just-in-time-for-fall\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the Hungry Horse Jacket<\/a>, several months ago. This casual-wear jacket is a departure from the rest of the lineup, which is almost exclusively mountain bike apparel. Curious Creatures describes it as \u201ca rugged men\u2019s jacket that combines durable workwear grit with fleecy comfort for trailheads, tailgates, and everyday adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It looks kinda like a wool jacket, but it\u2019s a synthetic material that\u2019s wool-like in appearance and feel. It\u2019s got what I would describe as a mountain-town hipster aesthetic, with a little ranch thrown in, likely inspired by the brand\u2019s hometown of Bozeman, Montana.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hungry-Horse-posing.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hungry-Horse-posing.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408048\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>Tragically hipster.<\/p>\n<p>I got the Hungry Horse jacket a few months ago. I was initially pretty unsure about the style, and the material felt a little stiff, and it wasn\u2019t the softest right out of the gate. But I gave it a shot, and it has become one of my favorite things. The material has broken in wonderfully, and now it\u2019s nice and soft. The style has grown on me as well. I throw this thing on with some Blundstones and a teenie-beanie, and watch out, world\u2026 But seriously, the number of times I\u2019ve heard \u201cI like that jacket\u201d in the past few months has to be in the hundreds.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>My only real gripe is that the wrist cuffs are a little tight when snapped. I\u2019ve just been leaving them unsnapped, and it hasn\u2019t really been an issue. Otherwise, this jacket is comfy, cozy, and apparently, other people think it looks cool. I\u2019m a big fan. Curious Creatures makes the Hungry Horse Jacket for men and women, and it comes in Glazed Ginger Chambray and plaid.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wearecuriouscreatures.com\/collections\/mens\/products\/mens-hungry-horse-jacket?variant=48897846346036\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">curiouscreatures.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Five-Ten Sleuth DLX 2<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Five-Ten-Sleuth.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Five-Ten-Sleuth.jpeg\" alt=\"the Five Ten Sleuth DLX 2 shoes\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408049\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>Casual AF with Stealth rubber soles. <\/p>\n<p>Adidas Five Ten just <a href=\"https:\/\/bikerumor.com\/adidas-five-tens-new-sleuth-dlx-2-flat-pedal-shoes-combine-on-bike-performance-with-off-bike-style\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">launched the new Sleuth DLX 2<\/a> shoes a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to get my hands on a pair right away. These are a new version of the brand\u2019s longstanding Sleuth flat pedal shoes, which have been a favorite of many BMX, dirt jump, and bike park riders for years. Like the previous version, the DLX 2 combines a grippy Stealth rubber dotty tread outsole with a softer flexing midsole, in a relatively casual-looking package.<\/p>\n<p>The style of the Sleuth DLX 2 is so casual, in fact, that they look a lot like the everyday white leather sneakers that so many people wear (in the white color, anyway). And I mean that in a good way; these shoes are stylish. I could wear them walking around downtown in Reno, Copenhagen, or New York City, and they wouldn\u2019t be out of place. And they\u2019re comfortable, too. The soles are quite forgiving and flexible. I walked several miles in them the other day, and it didn\u2019t feel like I was walking around in flat-pedal mountain bike shoes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Five-Ten-Sleuth-walking.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Five-Ten-Sleuth-walking.jpeg\" alt=\"wearing the Five Ten Sleuth DLX 2 shoes\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-408050\" style=\"object-fit:full\"  \/><\/a>I\u2019m going to wear the heck out of these shoes in my everyday life. <\/p>\n<p>And when I jump on my townie to run some errands, that grippy rubber sole clings to the pedals well. Given the softer flex, I probably won\u2019t take them out for pedal-heavy trail rides, but that isn\u2019t really what they\u2019re designed for, either. These shoes are made for the rider who appreciates a softer flexing sole for jumping, pumping, and pedal feel. And even though I don\u2019t really fit that description, I\u2019m pretty into the new Sleuth DLX 2 for kicking around town and casual wear. They\u2019re comfortable, and I think they look great. And if bright white isn\u2019t your thing, they come in black and cardboard (tan-ish), too.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adidas.com\/us\/sleuth-dlx-2-shoes\/JR3871.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">adidas.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Riding bikes is one of my main passions in life. It\u2019s my primary form of exercise; I do&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":473466,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[192460,49,48,192461,635,192462,192463,192464,192465,192466,192467,82],"class_list":["post-473465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-beyond-the-bike","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-curious-creatures","tag-cycling","tag-fabric-hop-fizz","tag-five-ten","tag-hungry-horse-jacket","tag-post-ride","tag-post-ride-beverage","tag-sleuth-dlx-2","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/473465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=473465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/473465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/473466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=473465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=473465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=473465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}