February 08, 2012 (Montreal, QC) – The 10th annual Montreal Bicycle Show / Salon du Vélo (formerly known as Expodium) takes place from February 17–19 in 2012.  The venue is again attracting some 200 exhibitors as in 2011. Pedal met recently with show promoter, Jan P. Dubé, to find out more.

“The 2012 exhibitors will include manufacturers, distributors, bike shops, tourist associations, and bike clubs,” explains Dubé. Garneau will be there and prominent companies such as  ARG,  Boutique Courir,  Cannondale,  Cycles Lapierre,  EKOI,  Felt,  Guru,  Katy St. Laurent,  Marin,  Marinoni,  Mountain Equipment Coop, and  Studio Cycle will be exhibiting. EKOI is scheduling a press conference on Saturday during the show. There will also be at least one new product launch—in this case a worldwide first and done by a company based in Europe.” The new product is reported to be a four-in-one item that combines a bike rack, a bike stand, mud guards, and a lock from a French-based company.

Updated Exhibitor’s List HERE.

“Marinoni will be at the Show with the new electronic power shift (EPS) group from Campagnolo – and it will be possible to try this at Marinoni booth!” continues Dubé. “Rui Costa (Movistar Team) won the 2011 Montreal Grand Prix Cycliste with the Campagnolo EPS on his bike. The Campagnolo EPS was not available at a retail level in 2011. But in 2012, I think it will be available in very limited quantity…”

A new service offering home bike repairs—Mechano-Oportes—will be exhibiting. There will also be electric bikes, clubs, a new association to promote bicycle safety, and classes for youths. Vélo Québec, which organizes the Tour de l’Ile de Montréal and other trips, will have a kiosk at the show. Cyclo Nord-Sud, which has shipped over 39,000 used bicycles from Canada to developing countries, will also be there.

Tourist associations from the Adirondacks region (New York State) and from Virginia will be there in addition to many Quebec and Ontario-based associations.

Conference topics include information about cycling in winter, nutrition for endurance sports, and preparation for recreational cycling. Pedal believe that most of the seminars will be given in French. Special activities include mechanic clinics by Techno Cycle mechanic school. Visitors can also try bikes at the show on a 100m track.

Sales are permitted on the floor, but most exhibitors simply take orders and direct clients to their retail outlets. Apparently, a $12,000 bike was sold by one of the exhibitors on the first day of the 2011 show…

Dubé says that, apart from keeping up with the latest tendencies in cycling and preparing for the 2012 season, there are other reasons for attending his show that falls the weekend after Valentine’s Day. “Some people have found their soul mate at my show. Josée Larocque* used to work at this show where she met Steve Bauer. Josée and Steve have been a couple ever since. Local bike manufacturer, Paulo Marinoni, also met his true love at the show. So you never know who you will find here…”

Some 18,000 visitors came to the 2011 show.

Montreal Bike Show: Feb 17—19, 2012
Friday: Noon to 9 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Place Bonaventure – Montréal
800, De La Gauchetière St. West
(metro Bonaventure)

Entrance fees:

Adult: $11
FQSC member / senior / student: $8
Children (6 to 12 years): $5 & FREE on Sunday
Children (under 6 years): Free all 3 days
Family Pass: $25:  (2 adults + 2 children 12 years old or less)

(514) 931-3336

Web site HERE.

*Josée Laroque and Steve Bauer now work as the directeurs sportifs (coaches) for SpiderTech p/b C10, Canada’s top road team