Fifth Annual Bicycle Show Expodium Preview

Ride your way into the world of cycling

Story by Carl DeNovio
Photos Courtesy Expodium.ca

From February 16 to 18, Place Bonaventure in Montreal will once again become home to Quebec's only consumer trade show dedicated to bicycles and cycling. The fifth annual Bike Show Expodium is set to please both casual and professional cyclists as the ultimate way to discover new products, services, and destinations.

Last year, nearly 30 exhibitors and brands were present representing the bicycling community. The show is designed to bring the cycling sport to help encourage personal growth, as well as bring awareness to Quebec's tourist assets and attractions.

There will be a bevy of products on display from all aspects of the cycling world. Mountain bikes, road and racing bikes, triathlon, cross-country, BMX, monocycles and tricycles, and even electric bikes, are just a few types to expect at the Expodium.

"The information we provide is helping people find a bicycle that will really answer their needs"

In addition to the cycles themselves, there will also be bike accessories such as frames, brakes, saddles, and peddles. Clothing and equipment will also be shown, which are designed to help cyclists make the best of their experience on the path. Speaking of paths, they aren't forgotten either, as cycling maps, travels, organized tours, travel agencies, clubs, parks, mountain bike stations, and lodging are also explored.

Exhibitions will include manufacturers, rental services, designers, publications and trade journals, tourist associations, and cycling clubs.

Last year, the show garnered record numbers for the Expodium, drawing over 18,000 visitors, despite poor February weather.

"In Quebec, the cyclists are really passionate and look forward to the new releases in the world of bicycle. We are happy to offer variety for everyone: for experts, for [the] curious and for cyclists that look for a bicycle that will meet their needs," show promoter Jan P. Dubé said in a press release regarding the 2006 show's success.

Retailers relish the opportunity to display their company's products and mingle with people as in love with the sport as they are. “It is great for a retailer to be here and have a direct contact with the cyclists, otherwise we don't have the opportunity to [meet] them. The Bicycle Show Expodium gives us the opportunity to provide education to the public about the components and technical points,” Stéphane Lebeau of Opus recalled of the previous Expodium.

Christian Brault from Boutique Le Yéti loved the idea of being able to come together with cyclists and enthusiasts in the middle of winter. "I was surprised with the number of people. The information we provide is helping people find a bicycle that will really answer their needs. It's motivating to speak with passionate people in middle of February!"

"It is great for a retailer to be here and have a direct contact with the cyclists"

For the 2007 edition of the show, there are currently 81 exhibitors lined up, all clamoring to show off their products and interact with the fans. The majority of the exhibitors represent French-Canadian companies, but that shouldn't deter any English-speakers from visiting the show, should they have an interest in the subject. As anybody with a passion will tell you, love of a subject transcends many cultural barriers.

Have you ever been to the Bicycle Show Expodium or similar exposition?

Expodium Show Details

Location: Place Bonaventure– Montreal 800, De La Gauchetière West, Montreal
Bonaventure Subway Station 

Date: February 16 to 18, 2007

Times: Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.