I could only add one more bike shop to Tourist’s list that is near campus:
http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/eriks-b...-WI-53715.aspx
I have been to all the bike shops including Dream Bikes but not all locations and have not had a bad experience with any of them. Of course, I have a hard time believing that there is a bike shop that I wouldn’t like.
What I might suggest is to shop with a truly Madison experience. You might like to park the car at the Monona Terrace or between Monona Terrace and Machinery Row where you can rent a bicycle to do your bicycle shopping with:
http://madison.bcycle.com/
Over the 4[SUP]th[/SUP], Machinery Row will probably have a number of bicycles to try outside under a tent and with the bike path there it would be easy to try one out for fit and function. This path is right along the lake and immediately you’ll see how popular biking and bike friendly Madison is.
Ask for a Madison bicycle map and you can plan your route to the next bike shop if you’d like to move on. Your son and you will also enjoy a ride around campus. I like going near the Union and along the lake. There are many great routes around and out of town as well but you probably won’t have time for everything—good excuse for your next visit. Your son will find that Madison biking and fresh air will be a great break from studying.