Photo: Rob Meendering – @robmphoto | Digital Composition: Mike Rendel
Locals –Meet Bob Hammond.
Owner of Common Bond Mobile Bike Shop, Coach of Dirt Dawgs & 906 Adventure Team
Story by: MWV Staff
If you’ve ever met Bob Hammond, you know he’s one of the most down-to-earth people you’ll ever talk bikes with. The kind of guy who makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years within minutes of chatting. And that’s no accident. As the owner of Common Bond Mobile Bike Shop, Bob’s mission is simple: keep people riding and having fun. No frills, no upsell, just honest-to-goodness bike love.
Bob grew up in Allendale, Michigan, where his love for bikes started out of necessity. “Living in the middle of nowhere, you had to find ways to entertain yourself,” he laughs. And that’s exactly what he did—building jumps, carving trails, and riding whenever he could. A job at a bike shop soon followed, and he’s never left the industry since.
In 2020, Bob’s dream of opening a traditional bike shop hit a snag—loan officers deemed bike shops riskier than restaurants. But, thanks to his wife Emily’s suggestion, Common Bond Mobile Bike Shop rolled into existence, allowing Bob to bring his services directly to the people. “I was pretty scared at first—Midwesterners are set in their ways, and a mobile shop isn’t exactly the norm,” Bob admits. But with the community’s support, he’s busier than ever, fixing everything from flat tires to the most technical suspension issues (one of only two shops in town that offer this service).
Photo: Rob Meendering – @robmphoto
Photo: Rob Meendering – @robmphoto
“I just want to do good work, be reliable, and get people out there riding. When something goes wrong, I want people to know I’m the guy who can fix it.”
When it comes to Midwest riding, Bob is an unapologetic advocate. “We ride things here that people will travel all over the world to ride, and it’s all within a reasonable drive,” he says. He loves the variety—whether it’s fast-flowing singletrack, gnarly downhill, or scenic gravel routes. “What we have here in the Midwest is unique, and people don’t always realize it.”
Bob is quick to remind anyone who complains about the Midwest’s terrain to remember why they choose to live here. “We have freshwater lakes that are like mini oceans—without anything trying to eat you. We’ve got varied terrain and excellent trails just a short drive away. Plus, everyone has their own reasons for calling this place home—whether it’s the affordability, friendly communities, great schools, or being close to family. You really can’t beat it.”
Bob also points out that the Midwest has done an incredible job creating dedicated trails. “Out West, most trails are multi-use, and that includes horses. You do the math on that. Here, we’ve got trails built specifically for riding. As Midwesterners, we’ve taken all of this for granted for a very long time—myself included.”
Bob’s bike philosophy is refreshingly straightforward. He’s brand agnostic, which means he’s not tied to any one bike manufacturer. “It’s not about selling high-end gear; it’s about getting people on bikes they can actually ride,” he explains. And his shop’s customer base reflects that—almost a 50/50 split between men and women, all feeling equally welcomed.
Photo: Brandon Doran – @freshcoastexposures
What keeps him motivated? It’s simple: he wants to keep people riding. “If kids aren’t riding these trails in 20 years, they’re going to disappear,” he says. Coaching youth teams like Dirt Dawgs and the 906 Adventure Team gives him the chance to nurture the next generation of riders. “Watching them build confidence, seeing their progress—it’s the best reward. I hope I play a small part in creating that fun.”
As for the future, Bob’s goals are down-to-earth: “I just want to do good work, be reliable, and get people out there riding. When something goes wrong, I want people to know I’m the guy who can fix it.”
For Bob Hammond, the Midwest isn’t just where he rides—it’s home. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
