To support the growing number of cyclists at Georgia Tech, which has been named a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists, a new bike shop has opened to serve the community.   

Located inside the Campus Recreation Center, the shop opened in August and offers a range of services, from shifter adjustments to 10-speed chain replacements. With many students and CRC members relying on bikes for transportation and exercise, Expeditions and Adventures Coordinator Tyler Joing and Assistant Director of Outdoor Recreation David Knobbe sought to create a conveniently located and efficient option for bike repairs.  

“We know that riding a bike is a healthy and positive transportation choice, but if you don't have the know-how or the tools, something as simple as a flat tire can take your bike offline for a couple of months. Now, if you have a flat tire today, Campus Recreation’s Bike Shop is conveniently located on campus and can get you back up and running by the end of the day,” Knobbe said.  

In addition to repairs, the shop performs general maintenance. Coinciding with the expansion of the campus cycle track, Joing sees the shop playing a role in supporting the growing cycling community at Georgia Tech.    

“Cycling is an essential part of moving us in the direction of being a more eco-friendly campus, reducing traffic congestion, and placing an emphasis on catering to the well-being of our campus. The more we can help foster relationships between riders and create a space for repair and education, the more this becomes a win-win for all,” Joing said.  

The shop is open Monday – Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m., for all students as well as faculty and staff with an active CRC membership. Customers can drop in for a free assessment or fill out an intake form ahead of time. For all repairs, the shop charges $5 for up to the first hour of labor plus the cost of parts. The shop keeps popular sizes of tubes, tires, and commonly replaced parts like chains, brake pads, and shifter cables in stock to expedite simple repairs. Mechanics will work with customers in need of a more complex repair to offer recommendations and estimate costs.  

The shop, managed by Outdoor Recreation, is currently staffed by eight student mechanics. Students interested in applying to become mechanics can fill out an application. As operations continue to ramp up, a lead mechanic position is open to the public.  

In the future, Joing hopes to organize local rides for cyclists of all skill levels and provide educational tools on riding safely around campus and the city.