It would be surprising if Paul André Berthiaume, whose hobby was to repair neighbourhood bicycles, could have imagined that his hobby would become a flourishing business managed by his sons 50 years later.  However, that is what happened: Polo Vélo is a leader in bicycle sales and repair in the Outaouais region.

This love of bicycles and this family story began in the early 1960s, when the patriarch's pastime was to repair the bicycles of neighbourhood children.  Due to his skills, Mr Berthiaume developed a clientele in Old-Gatineau.  He straightened, repaired and painted bicycles before and after his real job in the research department at the CIP.  In 1972, the research division was transferred to Hawkesbury, Ontario.  Mr. Berthiaume took the opportunity for retirement and a sabbatical.

Soon afterwards, he decided to go full-time with a bicycle repair shop in the basement of the family home at the corner of Main and Saint-René.  He soon built an excellent reputation.

In 1982, the business was nothing more than a 600 square-foot store, with a small repair shop in the basement.  It was around that time that the business was named Polo Vélo, from the nickname 'Polo', derived from Paul André.

It became so successful that the store had to be enlarged for the first time in 1991, when a second story was built.  At the turn of the millennium, it was time for revamping and redesigning the store.

In 2002 came the chance to buy the building next door and hence to improve the repair service.  Faster and more professional service was the chief reason behind this purchase.

The ever-growing customer base called for another expansion, this time in 2006.  Management made the leap and enlarged the showroom to more than 5,000 square feet.

True to its reputation, Polo Vélo is still prominent with its peerless after-sale service and the quality of its products.  Polo Vélo is the largest retailer of its kind in the area.  A visit to this family store dedicated entirely to the cycling world is undoubtedly an extraordinary experience and the start of a love affair with cycling, this wonderful activity which has become a lifestyle for many.