Built to Last
When MADSEN Cycles was conceived in 2007, our mission was clear: to build bikes that last. Our founder, Jared Madsen, envisioned a bicycle that would stand the test of time. With the MADSEN name on every bike, the commitment to quality and longevity is personal.
A Labor of Love
The journey to creating a MADSEN bucket bike is as meticulous as it is purposeful. Each model begins as a series of thoughtful sketches and prototypes, undergoing rigorous hands-on tests and retests. Jared, an engineering master, brings each design to life with great precision and care. Every detail on his products is carefully thought out and is continually perfected over the years, living up to our company motto of “Always a Better Way.”
Core Values and Design Choices
One of the core values of our business is simple yet profound: "We build bikes to last - that will be ridden 50 years from now." Jared envisions a day, well after his own life has come to an end, when a bucket bike is discovered and pulled out of a garage, hidden by years of dust and clutter, and comes back to its life of creating joy and memories for its discoverer. This guiding principle of making his bikes last influences every design decision we make, and it reflects a conscious decision against “planned obsolescence.” For instance, our mid drive motor mounts to a traditional bottom bracket that will never become obsolete. Unlike most other popular cargo bike companies, which have shifted towards proprietary motor mounts that keep changing, MADSEN Cycles prioritizes longevity and ease of maintenance. This choice ensures that new motors won't outdate our frames, maintaining the bike's usability over decades.
Similarly, when it comes to brakes, we could follow the trend and use less expensive hydraulic brakes, but instead, we opt for a high-end mechanical system. While hydraulic brakes have their place, they require regular servicing and maintenance. The 2025 model uses a 203 mm rotor upfront and a 180 mm rotor in the back, paired with high-compression Jagwire Kevlar-wrapped housing and super slick polished cables, combined with one of the best one-piece calipers we have tested. This combination provides exceptional stopping power while ensuring long-term reliability and ease of maintenance for MADSEN riders.
MADSEN bikes are made with parts that are easily sourced with just a few MADSEN-specific parts. Tires and other components are intentionally stock sizes for simple replacement over years of use.
Adventures Await
MADSEN Bucket Bikes are more than just bikes; they are vessels for adventure, designed to be a lasting part of your family’s journey. Built with a commitment to durability, these bikes are engineered to withstand the challenges of time and terrain, ensuring they are not just a purchase but an investment in a lifetime of adventures. Whether you're biking your dog to the park, dropping kids off at school, cruising through city streets, running errands and picking up groceries, keeping it at the cabin for the grandkids to enjoy, or transporting the bike cross-country for your next adventure, MADSEN bikes are built to handle it all. The memories created with loved ones on these bikes will last forever.
The Future of MADSEN
Looking ahead, MADSEN Cycles remains dedicated to the innovation and quality you have come to expect. Our goal is to continue building bikes that are not only functional and stylish but also capable of creating lasting memories for generations to come. As we move forward, we hold true to the belief that a well-crafted bike can enrich lives, foster connections, and become a cherished part of your family history.
In a world where disposable products are all too common, MADSEN Bucket Bikes stand out as a testament to enduring craftsmanship. Built with passion and precision, these bikes are designed to last, carrying forward the legacy of their maker and the countless stories of those who ride them. Whether it's the daily commute or an unforgettable journey, a MADSEN bike is a faithful companion, ready to share in the adventure for years to come.
Embrace the journey, create lasting memories, and ride with confidence on a MADSEN Bucket Bike—built to last, designed for life.
