Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show rolls in as enthusiasts search for new trends

E-bikes are proving popular at the Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

Ottawa residents will have the chance to ride their way into the world of cycling this weekend at the Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show.

Biking enthusiasts are gearing up for the sixth annual cycling show at Palais des congrès de Gatineau, which promises to bring the newest trends for the 2026 season.

“If we’re talking about road cycling, it’s aerodynamics. Electric bikes versus the first generations. Now, the batteries are smaller, the bikes are lighter. Gravel bike is still growing a lot. There are quite a few different trends,” says Yvan Martineau, spokesperson for the Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show.

The event will feature almost 100 exhibitors on site with bikes, equipment, clothing and accessories for road cyclists, mountain bikers and e-bikers.

Experts say the bike market is now 60 per cent e-bikes.

Cecile Mercier attended the bike show last year and is back to buy her new ride. Mercier test rode an e-bike last year, fell in love and has been thinking about it for the whole year.

“It was wonderful. It’s very nice because there’s possibility of having power to go up a hill and it’s very nice, but you have to keep pedalling,” Mercier says. “I’m excited. Now, I’m sold.”

Mercier says purchasing her new bike will get her back outside bicycling more.

The Gatineau-Ottawa Bicycle Show will also feature service launches, mechanical workshops and a test track to try out various demo models of bicycles from more than 30 brands. It will also showcase popular cycling paths, events, trips and conferences with specialists speaking everything there is to know about the bike world.

Sylvain St-Germain travelled from Montreal to see one particular bike.

“This is the best thing since sliced bread. This bike is foldable. It’s electric. Extremely modern. This is like top-of-the-line technology in today’s terms,” says Germain. “This is a pure electric motor that you want to get for your next bike.”

Martineau, of the Bicycle Show, says the bike market is still evolving and so are helmets.

“They’re more secure for people in case of a fall. Those brand-new bicycles are very impressive,” says Martineau.

The show runs this weekend until Sunday at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit salonduvelo.com/en/gatineau.

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