After serving the Minneapolis cycling community for over two decades, The Hub Bike Co-op, a cornerstone for local cyclists, has announced it is closing its doors. Both locations of The Hub Bike Shop, situated on Minnehaha Avenue and in Dinkytown, are set to cease operations on September 30th, marking the end of an era for this community-focused business.
Brian Dowdy, a worker-owner at the hub bike shop, explained that several factors contributed to this difficult decision, primarily challenging industry conditions for smaller bike retailers. The boom in bike sales experienced during the pandemic lockdowns led to a subsequent oversupply in the market. Simultaneously, the rise of e-bikes, while generally positive for the industry, hasn’t benefited the hub bike shop significantly as many e-bike manufacturers adopt direct-to-consumer sales models, bypassing traditional bike shops.
However, the hub bike shop was more than just a retail space. Dowdy emphasized the unique and welcoming environment the co-op fostered. It attracted a diverse range of customers, from seasoned cyclists to beginners, and crucially, provided a space for DIY enthusiasts to learn and perform their own bike repairs. This commitment to accessibility and education set the hub bike shop apart within the Minneapolis cycling scene.
“I think we’re of course sad about the closure and really proud of the work we’ve done as a democratically-run workplace and all the people we’ve welcomed into that shop,” Dowdy stated, reflecting on the co-op’s legacy. The worker-owned model was central to the hub bike shop’s identity, creating a unique and collaborative atmosphere for both staff and customers.
For customers who have bikes currently in for repair at the hub bike shop, there’s reassurance that all repairs will be completed as promised. Looking ahead, Dowdy mentioned that the team is focused on managing the closure process and preparing for inventory liquidation. Despite the closure, he highlighted that the experience gained at the hub bike shop has equipped many staff members with valuable skills, and many are expected to remain within the broader cycling industry, carrying forward the spirit of the hub bike shop in new ventures.
“Working at the Hub has been life-changing for a lot of us,” Dowdy concluded, “both because we love bikes, we love what cycling does for our community, and because of the unique community of people that run that shop.” The closure of the hub bike shop will undoubtedly leave a void in the Minneapolis cycling community, but its impact and the community it built will be remembered for years to come.
