“We are rebels” — that’s how Velet Bike Ski Cafe presents itself online. For regulars, the story behind this café’s name is well known: velet means “rascal” or “rebel” in Turkish.
Founder Hakan Kayabasi, originally from Turkey, has lived much of his life in sports. Reflecting his energetic and bold personality, he chose the name Velet for his café.
Kayabasi had been in the ski industry since 2009, but a serious accident pushed him to reimagine his lifestyle. “I had to change my plans. Then, almost one year ago, this time, I decided to rent this place,” he says. Inspired by the European model of bike cafés, he opened Velet in Calgary — a hybrid establishment that combines café, bike and ski repair shop, and cultural hub.
With its entrance through a back alley, the café sits inside a red-brick building. Inside, vintage bicycles, wooden furniture, and carpets create a vintage, cozy atmosphere. The space is divided into three zones: a coffee bar, a community area, and a quieter corner for work or study. The repair shop is tucked behind the main area.
Paintings brighten the café’s brick walls, rotating each month as part of Velet’s exhibition series.
“We’ve been hosting one local artist every month,” Kayabasi says. “It all started when, early on, an artist came in looking for a place to show his work.”
The shows are commission-free, ensuring emerging artists keep all of the money from their work.
From the start, Velet became known for its fast and sustainable service — bike or ski repairs are done in just a day or two. Now the café has expanded its focus to host more community events.
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“I want to make this space for everyone,” Kayabasi says. “Like a community space and a cozy home.”
That ethos shows up in the performance programming. Autumn kicked off with Volume 7, a party featuring DJs and community partners (Wild North Gear, Take Care Matcha, Monkey Bike Art, and more).
The café has also recently launched a series of talks featuring Olympic athletes, opening with Mirela Rahneva, a two-time Olympian who competes in skeleton.
“I’m planning to host them every two or three months,” Kayabasi says. “The athletes can share their experiences, because lots of kids and young people are asking, ‘How can I start?’”
These events blur the line between sport and culture, offering something for both athletes and city dwellers who just want a good coffee and an enjoyable atmosphere. In fact, not all the customers are hardcore skiers or bikers. “Maybe 60 per cent — they like coffee, have a bike, and have skis,” Kayabasi says. “But many just like the vibe.”
That speaks to Calgary’s identity as a sports city, while opening doors for beginners. “I like the bike and ski culture here — it’s a really big community. I want to encourage beginner people by offering affordable services, so they can upgrade their gear,” says Kayabasi.
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Sustainability is another key value for the café. Velet uses eco-friendly cleaners and products, recycles wherever possible, and sells repaired second-hand bikes to prevent waste. “Hopefully, one day I can get an eco certificate,” Kayabasi says. “But for now, I just want to protect the environment.”
He runs the café largely alone, but is undaunted. “Here, the weather doesn’t affect you. You don’t have to work in temperatures below minus 40. You can grab your coffee and talk to customers,” he says, contrasting it with his ski resort days.
Still, skiing remains his passion. When asked about the best thing in the sport, Kayabasi doesn’t hesitate: “Freedom — and a lot of fun.” That spirit also runs through Velet. For all its variety, the café’s elements fit together effortlessly, with an easy sense of fun.
Volume 8: Caffeine Party will take place on October 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more details, follow them on Instagram: @veletcanada.
QUICK FACTS
Location: 105, 206 11 Ave. S.E. Enter through the back alley
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Private event bookings available after closing time)
Food & Drink: Coffee and pastries (no alcohol). Highlights include Turkish coffee, apple cookies, and börek.
Parking: Bikes welcome inside.
