Even if it's possible to cycle in winter, when spring returns, the excitement of finding optimal conditions on the road is great. Marc-André Lebeau, owner of Bicycles Quilicot, tells us about some of the 2015 trends, just to make us wait a little longer...

The Fatbike

The craze for large tires, commonly called fatbikes, has swept across Quebec. "Companies really commercialized the product last year, and it was a huge success!" says Marc-André. "Since it's made for snow and sand, it's very popular in Quebec. It's good for customers who want to ride all year round, and it's much more versatile than you might think." Some bikes, like the Pivot Les Fat , are multi-functional: you can put large tires on in winter and downsize them to ride on trails in summer.

Carbon Fiber Hybrid Bikes

Marc-André noted a nearly 400% increase in sales of these models in the last two years alone! The supply is growing, which drives prices down. You can now get a full carbon hybrid bike for around $1,400. "The advantage, as Marc-André explains, is the comfort, lightness, and design of these bicycles. For someone looking for the ultimate in an all-carbon hybrid, the Specialized Sirrus (for men) or the Vita (for
women) are bikes to watch out for!"

Road/Gravel Bikes

These road bikes offer a high-performance experience on paved roads but also provide the advantage of being able to go off paved trails. "More and more of these bikes are designed with disc brakes," explains Marc-André, "which allows for wider tire configurations and makes the bike more versatile without losing the performance of a road bike." According to him, "someone who hesitates between buying a hybrid bike or a road bike stands to gain by choosing this option, because road/gravel bikes have the advantages of a hybrid, but also those of a traditional road bike. So it's an interesting product that we'll see more and more of in the coming years." The Specialized Diverge range is one of the options to consider for this type of bicycle.

For Aerodynamics Enthusiasts

For several years, cyclists seeking performance have demanded aerodynamic helmets, bikes, and clothing. "What has attracted attention in the last two years, according to Marc-André, are aerodynamic helmets, like the Giro Air Attack or the Specialized Evade . A more streamlined helmet makes a significant difference in energy savings and is increasingly appealing to customers."

Another trend: aerodynamic carbon wheels. "It's now the norm for road cyclists to have this type of wheel," adds Marc-André. "Aerodynamic carbon fiber wheels range from 35 to 60 mm, and they give the impression of being very high-end when you ride. Even among people who aren't avid cyclists, the demand is very strong. Often, it's for the look, but there's also a significant gain in efficiency at high speeds."

GPS for Everyone

Finally, GPS has been a popular gadget for some time. For Marc-André, it's mainly the advantage of having maps and routes readily available that pushes people to buy this very practical instrument. "For those who plan their route in advance, GPS tells them where to turn and which road to follow. You install it on the front of the bike, and it replaces the bike computer."

Bike GPS devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They indicate routes, maps, but also data regarding ascent, speed, and cadence. Some even show heart rate or calorie calculation!

In short, whether you're looking for more performance, comfort, or a more refined design, the big companies are offering plenty of eye-catching options!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Also a literature professor at Cégep de Saint-Laurent, Marie-France Bujold divides her time between teaching, journalism, and planning her next trip to an obscure land, from which she always brings back many photos... and ideas for reports.