To our loyal customers and fellow cyclists:

Effective August 29, 2011, Hello Vélo as we know it, is closing.

As most of you know, I opened Hello Vélo with these things in mind: to help riders of all abilities achieve their two-wheeled goals; to deliver unique enthusiast focused service; and to be an ambassador of the sport. The shop was not just a retail location but also a centre for cycling.

We grew a lot over the past four years, going from a bike shop out of a car, to a small location down an alleyway and finally front and centre on a busy street in Leslieville. With every change I have kept the best interests of the cyclist at the front of my mind, doing everything I could to make sure that people were loving their bike. That will never change.

I believe we achieved most of what we set out to do and that Hello Vélo fills an important niche in the biking community in Toronto. We have the most advanced fitting service in the Province, excellent bike service, top level training and racing programs, all supported by hands-on customer service. However, the financial strain of other aspects of the business, such as inventory costs and high rent for premises that are not ideally configured for our business, created a burden that was overbearing.

This has been a very tough decision for me to make, but I know it is the right one for now.

Rather than dig a deep hole that would be difficult to climb out of, the decision became clear -- Close the shop for now and re-open down the road with a business plan that is focused on our strengths and in a location that is appropriate and affordable.

Some logistics during this transition:

• Customers with outstanding orders will be contacted by phone or email by the second week of September or earlier for final arrangements.
• Customers who have left bikes or parts to be repaired with the shop and have not picked them up will be contacted to arrange delivery or pickup.
• Those requiring warranty repairs to their Felt, Argon18, Marinoni, BH, Pivot or Soma bikes and frames can email service @ hellovelo.ca for assistance.

In the interim, while I prepare, the club and our racing team will continue to ride and race. 2011 has proved to be our biggest year yet with racers taking top podiums on road and off, including two Provincial Championships.

To stay up to date with developments, you can manage your subscription to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/fh7ys or follow the updates at hellovelo.ca. We are going into the incubator and will come back with a focus on our strengths, providing more of what you have come to expect of Hello Vélo.

Thank you for your business and for riding your bike with me.

Paul, Chief Bicycle Officer of Hello Vélo.