From the comments on a post that is still getting new comments, which is worth highlighting 0n the main page:
I just dropped by the MEC downtown Toronto and… I see the bikes! They have some really nice models, I like what I see. (I’m liking the hub gear ones and they even have fixie.) Based on the prices and the models I saw, they are competing with mid to high-end small bike shops, like the local bikes shops that sell nicer Trek, Devinci, or nicer Norcos.
Anyone else seen them?
I’m planning on stopping at Ottawa’s MEC tonight, so we’ll see if they have anything. I’d previously been given the impression by someone that works at the retail level of MEC that they were a couple of years out. In any case, I tend not to buy the noise about the evils of MEC (MEC as Wal-Mart? Please.), so welcome anything that helps people have better access to good bicycles. When people can buy a better bike, it means that they are more likely to keep using it. That’s good for all of us.
Cycling in Ottawa 
I will probably be in Westboro at some point in the next few days. If I get a chance to take a peek, I will let you know.
I’ll drop by the new Longueil store openning tomorrow morning to see those famous bikes.
A few weeks ago I bought a Devinci hybrid bike, the cheaper one. I’d love to ride a cyclocross or a road bike, but they are a bit expensive considering that I’m a lazy student who works two to three months a year.
If MEC sells its bike 100 to 200$ cheaper than my local retailers, I’ll probably buy one by the end of the year. If the prices are equivalent or so, I’ll keep riding my Devinci alone.
Here MEC has the opportunity to fill indeed a hole for low-income cyclists who wants to embrace new cycling experiences.
I asked at the Ottawa MEC and was told the bikes would only be at larger stores to start with.
The bikes look great, but we have come to know MEC as having good gear at low prices. I’m not sure that these bikes are going to have the low prices we usually associate with them. While to components used are pretty good, I might wait a season and see how good the reviews are. I certainly like the look of the 1971.