History

Co-Motion Cycles started simply: We built a few bikes for ourselves and our friends, and discovered that we were able to rise to the occasion when challenged by new ideas or problems. Not once have we stopped questioning the way things have always been done. While finding better ways to make our bicycles stand apart, we’ve learned more than we ever imagined, from designing new bicycle tubing to the intricacies of our own CNC machining and maintaining an amazing, talented workforce.

• 1983 - Dwan Shepard completes his first bicycle frame, completing a framebuilding class taught by Master Builder Gary Hale
• 1984 - Hale takes Shepard on as apprentice builder
• 1988 - Hale closes shop, offering to sell equipment and transfer lease to Dwan S., who talks friend Butch Boucher into going in on the deal together. B & D start making a few frames for friends and build a robust frame repair business for bike shops around the northwest
• First tandem frame completed April 1988
• D+B hold a “name the bike” party. Hundreds of potential names are scribbled on slips of paper to be read aloud and voted upon. “Co-Motion” is the clear winner, with “Cycles” added on by B+D. A brand is born.
• Dan Vrijmoet and Butch Boucher win the country’s first tandem stage race- sponsored by Burley Design Co-op, (best known for bicycle trailers, but at the time a rival tandem maker as well)- on a Co-Motion tandem, of course.
• 1989 - Winning Bicycle Racing magazine publishes a story on the winning tandem in Burley’s tandem stage race, a Co-Motion tandem, naturally.
• 1990 - Dan Vrijmoet joins D + B to help with the new biz
• 1991 - Dan is voted in as full partner. Business moves from original 1000 sq ft space to 3000 sq fit space in a former cannery bldg. 2 blocks away
• 1992 - The early years are an exercise in humility. We survive on moldy bread and tears, the occasional fabrication job, and a ridiculous helping of youthful optimism
• We make our first foray into custom tubing, having special tubes drawn by Tange of Japan
• -Our lineup: The Double Espresso, Java and Bofus tandems, and the Espresso road bike
• 1994 - We introduce our Co-Pilot line, becoming the first bicycle co to include S+S couplings on stock bicycles. Co-Motion hires its first employee, Bob Westman
• Co-Motion begins working with Reynolds Cycle tubing of England on more sophisticated tandem frame tubes
• By the mid-90’s Co-Motion has been featured in every major bicycle publication. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive. We’re thriving
• 1996 - Butch heads off in pursuit of his future wife, accepting an offer from D+D for his share in the company. Co-Motion appears on the Internet with a complete website
• 2000 - Construction of Co-Motion’s 13,000 sq ft current building is completed, winning awards for its energy efficiency and livability. We move from the old cannery site in November. We launch a new touring model called the Americano
• 2004 - Our new PeriScope line of tandems is introduced
• 2007 - Dwan is diagnosed with cancer. Dan breaks his pelvis in a fall. Time to reflect, re-focus and commit to goals
• 2008 - D+D recover fully, company running well at the 20-year mark
• 2009 - Economic crash reminds us how important every customer, every call is. We must communicate the value of integrity
• 2012 - Co-Motion’s touring bike line expands with new models with capability for more rugged terrain
• 2017 - 2017- Dan V retires, accepting Dwan S’s offer on his share of the company
• 2018 - 2018- Co-Motion celebrates 30 years!
• 2019 - 2019- With a staff of 18, over 30 bicycle models, and a world-renowned reputation for outstanding quality, our story continues with you. What kind of bicycle can we build for you?