Minneapolis worker-owned bike shop to close after 22 years

A pillar of Minneapolis’s cycling community is shutting down after 22 years in business. The Hub Bike Co-op announced Friday that it’s closing both of its locations, on Minnehaha Avenue and in Dinkytown, on Sept. 30.

Brian Dowdy, a worker-owner, said that industry conditions have been unfavorable to small bike retailers.

A supply glut followed strong sales during the pandemic shutdown, and he said that the e-bike boom has been of little benefit to the Hub because many manufacturers sell directly to consumers.

Dowdy said the stores drew a diverse clientele and offered space for DIYers to learn how to repair their own bikes.

“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,” he said.

People who’ve dropped bikes off to be fixed will have their repairs completed on the date promised.

Dowdy said staff and the ownership group are busy winding down the business and preparing to liquidate the inventory. He said that they’ve built valuable skill sets, and many may continue in the bike industry.

“Working at the Hub has been life-changing for a lot of us, 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,” Dowdy said.