Steez was born from the lifelong friendship and shared passions of Kuan Chang and Chuck Byakweli. The duo first met in middle school in a small Appalachian town in eastern North Carolina. Both new to the area, they quickly bonded over their love for adventure, spending countless afternoons biking through the backwoods trails. Kuan's love for mountain biking only grew stronger over the years, while Chuck pivoted towards organized sports such as football, track and field, and basketball. Despite their different paths, the bond between Kuan and Chuck remained strong.
Fast forward to the pandemic, Kuan is living in Calgary and Chuck is in Minneapolis. During the unrest following the murder of George Floyd, Chuck found solace in biking as a way to stay active, clear his mind after a long day, and reconnect with nature. He quickly realized the high cost of entry and the lack of diversity within the cycling community. This sparked an idea: what if there was a way to make high-quality cycling gear more accessible and infuse it with a unique street style to attract a more diverse group of riders.
With this vision in mind, Chuck teamed up with Kuan to create Steez. Our mission is simple: to offer top-notch, comfortable cycling products at fair prices, all while infusing a fresh, street-inspired aesthetic. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy biking, and we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and bringing more diversity to the cycling world.
Supporting Steez not only helps break down these barriers but also contributes to a greater cause. A portion of our proceeds supports the Ntibonera Foundation, an organization founded by Chuck's cousin, Emmanual Ntibonera, and his brothers, Barka and John. This foundation is dedicated to bringing hope to the underprivileged through education, creating economic opportunities, and improving health in the Democratic Republic of Congo—a country with over 7 million displaced people today, yet rarely heard about. The Ntibonera Foundation has donated over 125,000 pairs of shoes, helped build and support numerous schools, and provided crucial support to hospitals.
By choosing Steez, you are supporting diverse communities locally, nationally, and in the Congo, where attention to the ongoing crisis is desperately needed. Join us in making a difference. Ride with Steez and be part of a movement that’s about more than just biking.
Get involved. Ride with Steez. Make a difference.
Click here to learn more about the Ntibonera Foundation.