VELO Opens Second Bike Shop In Dieppe
DIEPPE–Watching enthusiasm for biking picking up speed in Greater Moncton, VELO Bike Ski Trail opened a second shop in Dieppe.
Julie Belanger, manager of the Moncton-based bike shop’s new Dieppe location, said VELO chose to open at 185 Acadie Ave. on March 2 to keep up with accelerating demand for bicycles, and services for them, in Dieppe.
“A lot of people were going to the other shop at 1633 Mountain Road, from Dieppe. We decided this would be closer to them and a better way to serve the community,” Belanger said.
“We’re super-happy to be in Dieppe and help better serve people in Dieppe, and the area around it.”
Belanger said the rising popularity of the electric bike–with brands like iGo Electric and Velec Specialized’s e-bike line in stock at VELO–is also a driving force behind the growing numbers of butts on bicycle seats in the Moncton area.
“They’re super nice for people to get back in shape or just to get outside enjoying the outdoors,” she said.
Belanger said many bike shops have been integrating e-bikes into their inventories as it helps them offer something to everyone, regardless of age, physical activity, or mobility levels.
“We love to have a bike for everyone and believe there’s always a fit for everyone,” said Belanger.
VELO’s inventory includes a variety of bicycle categories, including mountain, gravel, and fat-style bikes.
Belanger noted another factor in the rising popularity of cycling was the pandemic; during the early months of Covid-19, a wave of people were looking for something to get them outside.
VELO is renting a berth in the Centre de santé du Marais Health Centre, which is home to the Dieppe Guardian pharmacy and a walk-in clinic.
Belanger said the space, which was used by the pharmacy before VELO moved in, required minimal fit-up work.
“There were some offices as well, and we’re using those spots as well,” Belanger noted.
VELO is in its fourth year of operation. In 2018, its owners took over and re-branded the former Consolvo Bike Shop (which opened in 2009) when its owner retired.
VELO sells, repairs, and maintains bikes and skis. It also provides rentals and sells footwear, nutrition products, car racks, apparel, and accessories. Its main bicycle brands include Specialized, Scott, Kona, Del Soil, and Santa Cruz. The shop also carries Atomic and Alpina cross-country ski products and Salomon trail running gear.
Sam Macdonald is a Huddle reporter in Moncton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].