Cartel FAQ
More and more of you are discovering us. If you have, then you know the whole truth about us: our addiction to coffee, our passion for beautiful clothes, our seemingly contradictory obsession with both novelty and cycling tradition... For others, it may be less clear: Le Cartel is not a place like any other, straddling several identities.
After all, that's the way things are these days: we are commercially gender-neutral.
So here, for the undecided, the perplexed, and the curious, are some simple answers to sometimes complex questions. Or vice versa. It depends.
What exactly are you?
Well, it may sound pretentious at first glance, but we are everything you need to live, apart from love, water, and air.
At Cartel, you will find the most impressive indoor cycling training room in Quebec City. Each session is designed by former pro, kinesiologist, and Cartel co-founder Bruno Langlois.
We are also a first-class coffee shop where you can enjoy mouthwatering lattes, impeccable espressos, divine filter coffees, and other delicious variations on the theme.
We also sell bicycles (Parlee brand), accessories, and clothing (mainly from Café du Cycliste Pas Normal ). We also offer a repair service.
That's a lot, it's true. But remember one thing: we never do anything halfway. Ever.
Your gym is just for pros, right?
Uh, no. Not at all. Our customers are of all ages, all profiles, and come from all cycling backgrounds.
Some of our customers were born at the time of the Normandy landings, while others have never known the Nordiques or the Expos. Some were born after Régis Labeaume's first election.
And all those people can train at the same time?
Yes. Because our training system is designed so that the same session can be adjusted to suit each individual's fitness level. This means that regardless of your strength, you can follow the same programs as the most experienced members of the group. We measure your fitness level and enter this data into the program that manages the workouts. Then, as you improve, we can gradually increase the load and help you progress. No one will judge you based on your fitness level. Here, everyone gives what they can, according to their abilities. That's what brings us together.
How does it work? Do you have adjustable bikes?
We have two. This is perfect if you are visiting the city or if your bike is being repaired. Otherwise, bring your bike with you. You can train on CompuTrainer-type trainers or Inside Ride rollers. For the latter, you need a Power Meter, but we rent them out if you don't have one.
Can I try it once, to see how it goes, before purchasing sessions?
Of course. Contact us to make an appointment. The first trial is free.
But if I don't live in Quebec City, it doesn't concern me...
It depends. Bruno Langlois also offers remote coaching with workouts that you can download in certain software programs designed for home use. Write to us for more information if you are interested.
For everything else, we also sell all our products online. We have exclusive rights in Quebec to Café du Cycliste Pas Normal clothing. So if you're interested in these lines, there's no need to even leave your home—just order online or by phone.
And can I just come over for coffee and study, for example?
Absolutely. We're in Vanier. It's not exactly a place with a lot of cafés (unless you consider McDonald's and Tim Hortons to be cafés). So if you're from around here or if you're passing through often, or even just occasionally, feel free to make us your second living room.
We have plenty of space, armchairs, sofas, free Wi-Fi, lots of light, and we even have a large table outside in the summer. We also have a nice collection of books and magazines about cycling to help you pass the time and relax for a while looking at photos of men grimacing in pain on their bicycles.
Do you serve food?
We offer smoothies and shakes at all times. Our café also offers cold drinks (sparkling fruit waters, juices, soft drinks, kombuchas) and teas or herbal teas. For food, we also offer lunches from Buddha-Station, while supplies last. And to satisfy last-minute cravings, we have a nice selection of energy bars, chosen for their taste and the quality of their ingredients.
Can we try out the bikes you sell?
Yes! You can rent a Parlee for a day, which is a great opportunity when buying a bike. Because a high-end bike is still expensive, and most of the time, you can't try it out before pulling out your credit card and leaving the store with your brand-new bike... crossing your fingers.
Of course, if you purchase a bike later, we will credit you for the rental.
It's also a very convenient service if you plan to spend a few days in Quebec City and want to drive without having to lug your bike around.
Take the opportunity to join one of our rides to discover the beautiful local landscapes. Follow us on Strava to learn more about this.