What bike to choose for riding in the fall in Quebec

September and then October are often the best time of year to ride. Less traffic, the colors come out, it's cool. But the ground, it changes.

The wet leaves become a slippery film once crushed by cars. Worse, they hide what's underneath: a pothole or a manhole. The waterlogged asphalt also loses grip, especially when braking and in corners.

The thing that helps the most: wider tires, inflated a little less. More rubber touches the ground, so more grip. Lower your pressure by about 10% compared to summer and you will feel the difference in wet corners.

The other thing is the darkness. After the time change in early November, it gets dark before 5 p.m. in Montreal. If you commute home from work by bike, you ride in the dark. We'll come back to that below.

In autumn, it’s cooler in the mornings, and you’re less inclined to arrive at the office drenched in sweat. That’s where the electric bike shines. You ride at your own pace, the assist does the rest, and you can keep riding much later into the season.

The big advantage for autumn: many models come fully equipped right out of the box. Take the Maui Bronte 2026 (on sale for $2,249.99). It comes with alloy fenders, a luggage rack, and full lighting (front and rear lights with turn signals). As for the motor, it’s a 500W Bafang torque-sensor unit with a 48V Samsung battery, offering a rated range of up to 140 km. You leave the shop ready to ride in the dark and the wet, without buying anything else.

The Maui Hera (on sale for $2,249.99) runs on the same mechanics: 500W Bafang torque sensor, 48V Samsung battery, and 140 km of range, also delivered fully rigged for autumn. Want maximum grip in the leaves? Look at the Maui Bobby (on sale for $2,159.99). It’s a foldable step-thru on 4-inch fat tires, with front suspension, Tektro hydraulic brakes, fenders, and lights already installed. The wide tires stick to damp ground.

More affordable, the Maui Molly 2026 (on sale for $1,799.99) keeps the torque sensor and comes fully rigged with fenders and LED lights, for a range of up to 100 km. Prefer a mid-drive motor over a rear hub? The Maui Nova ($3,299) features a 90 Nm Bafang mid-drive motor good for 130 km, with a MIK luggage rack and Apple Find My tracking. And for a Bosch motor and trekking finish, there’s the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep (on sale for $3,499.97), a 75 Nm Bosch Performance Line with an integrated battery.

Two things make all the difference between a great autumn of cycling and a bike that gathers dust in the garage: fenders and lights.

Fenders. Without them, the rear wheel sprays a streak of brown water up your back and the front wheel drenches your feet. With them, you stay dry and clean, and your drivetrain picks up less mud. A complete set like the SKS Bluemels 56 700c ($108) fits most hybrids and gravel bikes. See the full selection here: fenders.

Lights. In Quebec, the law requires you to have a white headlight at the front and a red light at the back when riding in the evening. It’s written in the Highway Safety Code, and riding without them can cost you a fine. A set like the Bontrager Ion 100 R / Flare R ($104.99) does the job. Check out our light sets.

The thing to remember: in October, you leave work in the light and arrive in the dark. Plan for it. Not sure what fits your bike? Come show it to us at the shop at 688 Bd du Séminaire N in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, or give us a call at 450 357-9229. We'll get you set up in a few minutes.