Trailnet Champion: Hobo Hub Works
Every month, Trailnet celebrates a Trailnet Champion, someone helping to move the needle on the idea of streets for all. This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Hobo Hub Works and its owner and operator Matt Steward.
For many people, bikes are about much more than recreation or exercise; they’re freedom, joy, transportation, community, and connection. That spirit is at the heart of what Hobo Hub Works owner and operator Matt Steward is building here in St. Louis.
After spending more than a decade working in bike shops, Matt began noticing something that didn’t sit right with him: despite cycling’s “green” reputation, the bike industry can produce a tremendous amount of waste through constantly changing technology and standards. Meanwhile, countless older bikes, many of them durable, repairable, and full of character, were being discarded simply because they weren’t shiny and new.
“I fell in love with the idea of these super durable and affordable used bikes that were simple to fix and maintain and last for decades,” Matt shared.
That philosophy became the foundation of Hobo Hub Works. What started as a basement side project in 2023 has now grown into a mission-driven shop focused on rescuing bikes from landfills and making cycling more affordable and accessible for everyone.
“I started Hobo Hub Works on the side as a way to keep some of these bikes out of landfills and get folks who can’t afford even the cheapest new bike at a bike shop a bike they can start riding on and fall in love with bikes the way I love bikes.”
That love of cycling — not as competition, but as joy, exploration, and community — shines through in every aspect of the shop.
Matt hopes Hobo Hub Works feels welcoming to anyone, regardless of their cycling background, experience level, or budget.
“I hope I’m creating a space where anyone is welcome, no matter your background in cycling, your knowledge of bikes, or your bank account. Everyone deserves a bike and an experience at a bike shop that isn’t snobby or not welcoming,” he said.
That mindset has helped create a unique atmosphere around the shop. Beyond repairs and bike sales, Hobo Hub Works has become a gathering space, a “third space” where people can connect face-to-face in an increasingly isolated world. Through community rides, partnerships, and educational events, Matt is intentionally building a culture centered on belonging and friendship.
“I envision a shop that people can come hang out at, creating friendships, memories, and fall in love with cycling in the non-competitive form,” Matt explained. “Don’t get me wrong, there is always a place for competition, but let’s not make everyone feel the need to be the best or fastest.”
That philosophy is reflected in the shop’s popular coffee-and-donut rides, where riders gather simply to spend time together outdoors and enjoy the city by bike. Hobo Hub Works has also hosted educational programming like Fly By Bike classes, helping more people feel confident and connected in the cycling community.
Matt sees Hobo Hub Works as one piece of St. Louis’ broader and wonderfully diverse bike culture.
“St. Louis has tons of amazing shops that all have their priorities and that’s what makes the cycling community in St. Louis so strong,” he said. “We need all these shops for every type of rider. More shops the better! More riders the better!”
That same spirit of collaboration is what led Matt to partner with Trailnet over the years, from supporting events like Bike to Work (or Wherever) Day and Bike Month to providing safety equipment for bike rodeos and youth programming.
“Trailnet is a real rad company that dips its toes in so many different realms of cycling here in St. Louis and helps create amazing rides for people to see different parts of the city, helps create safer streets for us commuters, invests in the community through children’s safety classes, and I couldn’t be happier to support them in any way I can,” Matt shared. “St. Louis is a different place with them and would be missing so much without them.”
We’re grateful for Matt’s partnership, his passion for building community, and his commitment to making biking more welcoming, joyful, and accessible for all. Thank you, Matt, for helping make St. Louis a better place to bike, and for reminding us that sometimes the best rides aren’t about speed or competition at all, but simply about connection.