This is a part of our Q+A series. Know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.
Profile: Kevin D. — Sales Manager at Motorless Motion Bicycles — an avid cyclist, community friend, and all-around fountain of bike-related knowledge.
Join us for a conversation with one of Madison’s premier bike shops, plus get the wheels turning with the best tips + tricks for cycling in the 608.
Q: Tell me about how you got started on the bike.
A: I grew up BMXing + mountain biking. I was a competitive soccer player and got injured my freshman year of college which really got me going on the bike — as a low-impact sport.
Q: How did you end up here, in Madison + at MOMO?
A: I originally worked for Trek, doing inside sales there. I came to Madison for work and this ended up becoming my favorite cycling community in the country.
Q: What is about this city that makes it such a special community for cycling?
A: We’re right there on the Isthmus between these two bodies of water, and between them are all sorts of bike paths, lanes, intersections, and infrastructure to protect riders. The community is just unlike a lot of other places.
Q: Tell me one thing you love about this shop. [Motorless Motion Bicycles]
A: We’re just so accessible. The bike path is right next to us. For commuters, anyone looking for an emergency stop, etc., we can take a look at their bike + they’ve got coffee, food, and more right here in the historic train depot.
Pro tip: The coffee and food Kevin is referring to include Bandit Tacos & Coffee + The Harvey House.
Q: What’s got you excited on the sales floor right now?
A: Having as many brands represented as possible. Coming here you’re able to try a Trek, a Giant, a Cannondale, a Felt, a Fuji, pretty much everyone.
Q: To someone who’s never been in, what would you tell them about the shop?
A: Our shop is unique because we have everything on the burger. Gravel bikes, road rigs, commuters, plus we have an entire trike and tricycle showroom, and folding bikes and two-wheel recumbent bikes.
Q: What is the MOMO approach to selling bicycles?
A: We do the full education + set up customers with the right bike for them. We create a relationship with them, learn about their riding goals and habits, and then put them on a bike that best suits their needs.
Q: Give us the inside scoop on best tips and tricks for getting a bike in for service?
A: Bring your bike in during the week, the earlier the better. Weekdays are 100% better than weekend walk-ins when we’re busier selling bikes + getting things off the floor.
Q: Favorite ride in the greater 608 area?
A: For a quick ride, the arboretum is great. If I’m setting out for a few hours, the Badger State Trail. In the months of May + June — when everything is blossoming — it’s just incredible. You can bike all the way to Illinois, all on a bike path.
Q: In 30 words or less, what do Madisonians need to know about the shop?
A: What you see is what you get. We’re a one-stop-shop, a hub for gear + truly everything you need to get riding.
