Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join?

Firstly, join our Slack page for event announcements and updates. We offer 3 trial events to see if PCC is for you. After that, we ask for help supporting club functions through membership dues of $40 per academic year (fall + spring). If you’re interesting in racing for the club, dues are flexible dependent on yearly interest but generally hover around $90. There are no commitments or sign-ups required to participate in our events.

Paid members get discounts on our custom kits and various discounts on products from our sponsors. Paid members can also attend our social trips and racing trips. Lastly, our mechanic team offers 1-on-1 appointments.

Where do I get a bike?

Virtuous Cycles is currently the nearest bike shop to get a new or used bike from. Alternately, we would suggest students turn to Facebook Marketplace for a used bike. It is important to approach these sales equipped with knowledge of bike quality and pricing. For tips on pre-purchase checks and determining if a price is fair, share a listing in our Slack. We strongly recommend not buying a new bike from a big box store such as Walmart. These are designed to be manufactured as cheaply as possible and are a common sight at our repair sessions.

Where do I keep my bike if I live in the dorms?

If you have a nicer bike, your best bet is to find a way to keep it in your room. We recommend lofting your bed and using a floor stand if necessary. As drilling into the walls is not permitted in the dorms, you cannot mount it on the wall. Please keep in mind that you may have to remove one or both wheels and that bikes can sometimes fit between the end of the bed and the wall. Be courteous to your roommates.

When / Where are the rides?

For exact start times and locations for our rides, see our rides page, which has the schedule and other info such as what to bring and descriptions of paces. Rides typically start in the Purdue West parking lot (in front of the Purdue Federal Credit Union storefront).

Do you do mountain biking?

Yes, many of our members are avid mountain bike and cyclocross riders. Whether or not PCC plans official group rides in these disciplines is determined by demand each semester.

What kind of equipment do I need?

You will need a working bike with brakes, a helmet, and a water bottle to ride with us. A road bike, cyclocross bike, or hybrid is strongly suggested for road ride. Any bike is suitable for bike path easy rides. Mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes are necessary for any off-road rides. There is no need for a fancy, expensive racing bike. If you have a bike that needs a repair or tune-up, come to one of our free repair sessions to be helped!

Can I join if I don't ride competitively?

Of course! Racing is only a part of Purdue Cycling Club activities. All rides, unless they are named/stated to be “drop rides,” are cooperative, and we host rides for all paces (see our ride calendar for more information).

Are repairs free?

Unless it’s determined that you need a special component that we don’t have on-hand, you can get your bike fixed for free at one of our repair sessions, or you can book a 1-on-1 appointment with a mechanic if you are a paid member. For repair session hours, see the Mechanic Team page.

Can I still order kit if I’m an alumni?

Yes! We love seeing our alumni rep the club after graduation. The links to the kit store to purchase this year’s Purdue gear will be found here once the shop opens up (roughly mid-December).