December 9/09 11:31 am - Hello Velo intros new products and Retul bike fit system

Posted by Editoress on 12/9/09
 

Hello Velo consolidates its leadership as Toronto's top performance cycling shop with new products and services

Adds three new brands: Argon 18, BH and Felt and implements Retül, a revolutionary fit and performance system

Hello Vélo (hellovelo.ca) has consolidated its position as Toronto's top performance cycling boutique with several announcements today, coinciding with its move to a larger street-side location. Hello Vélo is now offering three new performance bicycle brands in road, time trial and mountain bike models with the addition of Argon 18, BH Bikes and Felt Bicycles.

Hello Vélo also announced today that it has joined the ranks of North America's best bicycle fitters with the revolutionary Retül System featuring 3D Motion Capture Technology meant to optimize fit and thus performance.

Most bike fit specialists fit riders in a static position indoors using tape and ruler measurements to determine the optimal fit. Retül takes this to the next level by providing dynamic data in real time from key anatomical markers. Highly accurate measurements are taken while the rider is pedaling providing the best fit in a real world situation. Detailed information about this innovative technology can be found at retul.com.

"Proper fit is essential to achieving the best possible cycling experience for all types of cyclists, not just elite athletes," said Paul Parker, Owner of Hello Vélo. "We've become known for what we call the consensus fit. Our approach is to optimize the bike for the unique needs and desires of the cyclist and the Retül system allows us to customize the fit using state of the art technology for excellent results."

For Paul Parker it's about a collaborative process between the cyclist and himself as the bike expert. Over the past year, the company has served triathletes and road cyclists but increasingly as Hello Vélo becomes better known charity and commuter riders are being attracted to the store.


 "Triathletes and road cyclists are two very informed groups of people," explained Parker. "They know what they want - which is 'how can I elevate my performance to the next level.'  The charity rider or long-distance rider may not be looking to go as fast but their concerns for comfort are just as valid. I want to make every minute on your bike as enjoyable as possible, so that you can achieve your goals, whatever they are." 

The addition of three new high-performance brands also means a broader selection of some of the industry's most exciting and successful road, time trial and mountain bikes.

Hello Vélo is the exclusive Toronto retailer for BH bicycles, a leading manufacturer from the Spanish Pyrenees. The AG2R pro team rode the BH G5 for eight days in the yellow jersey at the 2009 Tour de France and was the most successful bike brand during the tour.


Felt Bicycles is a leading brand among pro teams and is the bicycle of choice for the Garmin Slipstream (recently changed to Garmin Transitions) pro tour team. Popular pro tour rider, Bradley Wiggens topped Garmin's dominance in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia this past October with an overall victory riding Felt road and TT bikes.

Québec-based Argon 18 is quickly establishing a name for itself among the pro tour as the official bike of the Canadian professional team, Planet Energy, managed by Steve Bauer and featuring leading riders such as Martin Gilbert who won Stage 7 of the Tour of Missouri this past September.


"Being able to offer our customer's their choice from these top brands means greater flexibility in optimizing fit and performance for our club riders and customers," added Parker. "We are well on our way to becoming a major force in the cycling scene in Toronto offering our customers an unmatched portfolio of products and services. We're really excited about further growth in 2010 with several key initiatives, one is offering products and services focused on women cyclists and triathletes."


About Hello Vélo

In less than a year, Hello Vélo has become Toronto's top performance cycling boutique attracting riders from across Toronto and the province who appreciate Hello Vélo's focus on providing the optimum riding experience for cyclists of all types. The philosophy of "riding beautifully" is embodied in custom fitting using the state of the art Retül system and custom ordering the right bike for achieving the rider's particular goal. Hello Vélo offers other unique services including mechanic classes, training seminars and spinning classes. Hello Vélo is located at 262 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 101, in Toronto.

Hello Vélo owner Paul Parker also owns and manages the Dark Horse Flyers cycling club composed of elite racers and club riders. Members of the elite squad have achieved podium finishes at international triathlon events and provincial road, time trial and mountain bike races. The team is sponsored by Dark Horse Espresso bar and Gryphon Partners. More information about Hello Vélo and the Dark Horse Flyers can be found at hellovelo.ca.

Press release