Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join?

Firstly, join our Slack page for event announcements and updates. After that, just show up to one of our rides with a working bike and a helmet and we’ll be glad to have you! 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 $45 per academic year (fall + spring). 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?

There are two local bike shops, Hodson’s Bay (West Lafayette) and Virtuous Cycles (Lafayette) that are best suited for new and used bikes respectively. Many students also 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 given posting is priced fairly, feel free to share a listing in our Slack and ask questions to experienced cyclists. 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 to prevent theft and keep your bike clean is to find a way to keep it in your room. This is usually possible with a little creativity. Having a lofted bed it is helpful and you may need to remove one or both wheels. 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 will typically start outside the Corec east entrance (opposite to Wiley Dining Court) or 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 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. Most of us like to ride our bikes casually and participate in noncompetitive cycling events and group rides. The majority of our daily rides are not competitive in nature, and only our fastest rides are “drop rides”. Otherwise, we don’t leave anyone behind on our rides!

Where can I get a new bike or get my bike repaired?

Our Mechanic Team’s toolbox and skillset are comprehensive. 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.