Try Before You Buy scheme
Try Before You Buy Scheme
4 – 8 Week Bike Loans for University of Cambridge Staff
The Try Before You Buy scheme has been designed to give University staff the opportunity to trial a bike over a number of weeks.
This could be to trial commuting by bike for the first time, or to trial a new type of bike, such as an e-bike. With options of 4 or 8 weeks, staff can live with the bike and have the confidence to know if it works for them.
The scheme is subsidised by the University and in order to offer the scheme to the greatest number of staff, it is geared towards trialling a bike, rather than functioning as an on-going hire solution.
Collections and returns take place monthly at the Downing Site in Central Cambridge. If you need any help or advice before booking, feel free to get in touch!
Note: Each employee can borrow for a maximum of 8 weeks in total. This can either be split into two 4-week periods, which enables trialling two different types of bikes, or trialling the same bike for 8 weeks.
The scheme is only available to University of Cambridge staff, unfortunately students and visitors are not eligible.
Hire Process
Collecting the bike
When you sign up you’ll need to book a 15-minute collection slot where we will hand over the bike and accessories. Our friendly team will show you how to use the bike and answer any questions.
The bikes will be supplied with locks, lights, and in most cases, panniers. We can also supply a helmet if required, helmets can be purchased on the booking page.
Returning the bike
Your booking confirmation email will have the return date, but we will also send a return reminder a few days before. For returns you don’t need to book a slot, just simply return the bike during our Downing Site session.
In the meantime, we hope see you out on the cycle paths of Cambridge before long!
What Bikes are available?
City Bikes
Our city bikes are Gazelle Esprits (in 7-speed). We have chosen these bikes because they have a comfortable confidence-inspiring upright ride, low maintenance and fuss-free features like integrated lights, hub gears, rack, mudguards and enclosed chains, making them perfect for everyday use.
Gazelle Esprit C7
Weight ~ 17kg
Hybrid Bikes
Raleigh Strada
The Raleigh Strada is a great option for comfort on mixed-terrain routes. The very wide gear range is perfect for travelling further and in hillier areas with a more sporty position.
Weight ~ 13.5kg
Electric Bikes
Gazelle Orange C7 HMB
These bikes share many attributes with the Esprit comfort bike, such as the comfortable upright ride and low maintenance features like integrated lights and hub gears. They have a powerful Bosch mid-drive motor, and super smooth braking and front suspension forks.
Weight ~ 26kg
Ebco Urban 3L
The Urban 3L has a low-step alloy frame, allowing for easy access and providing a comfortable upright riding position. It features Tektro 9-speed gear system and Hydraulic disc brakes, as well as a sturdy rear luggage rack. The bike is only available in small size with a removable battery.
Weight ~ 22kg
Ebco Urban 2T
The Urban 2T features a step-over allow frame for easy access. It is suited to getting around town and exploring the countryside in comfort and style, making it both an ideal commuting and leisure bike. Shimano 7-speed gear system, Clarkes Hydraulic disc brakes and rear luggage rack are the main highlights. The bike is available in medium size with a non-removable battery.
Weight ~ 20kg
Folding Bikes
Brompton
The Brompton is renowned for its quality and ease of use. With a 3 speed hub gear and integrated mudguards it’s perfect for riding around Cambridge. The Brompton isn’t compatible with racks or panniers, so any luggage will have to be transported on the rider.
Weight ~ 12kg
Cargo Bikes
Bicicapace Justlong (electric)
The Bicicapace Justlong is an agile electric cargo bike that handles like a regular bike. It is powered by a Shimano mid-drive motor and has smooth rear hub gears. The cushioned rear seat has safety rails, and it can be fitted with a child seat, making it suitable for 1-2 children from 6 months upwards. The bikes comes with a convenient bag on the front.
Weight ~ 40kg
Babboe Curve (non-electric)
The Babboe Curve is a three-wheel cargo bike with a large box in a rounded curved design. This tricycle can carry up to four children, and it is suitable for children 9 months up. The Babboe Curve has steering dampers, anti-tip system, extra thick spokes, 3-point seat belts, rollerbrakes and parking brakes, double headlights and kid steps. We can also provide a rain tent to keep your children/cargo dry!
Weight ~ 50kg
What Accessories are available?
Child Seats
This child bicycle seat is only suitable for carrying children with a maximum weight of 22kg (children with recommended ages from 9 months to 5 years of age, their weight being the decisive variable).
Trailers
The manufacturer’s recommended maximum height is 117cm, and maximum carrying capacity of 45kg (i.e. total of all children and luggage).
Kids' Bikes
We have a variety of children’s bikes which are suitable for children aged from 18 months up to 8 years old.
Frog Tadpole
Frog balance bikes make learning to ride fun and effortless. They boost balance and coordination, making the switch to pedal bikes a breeze.
Frog
Frog hybrid bikes are lightweight, adjustable, and ready for adventures on all kinds of terrain.
Book a Bike
Click the button below to start the booking process. You can access the booking page after submitting a pre-rental survey.
Session Dates:
- Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Wednesday 9 December 2026
We are at the Downing Site once every 4 weeks. For collections, please prebook a 15-minute time slot, returns are available between 10:00-10:30.
Please do not make bookings for Saturdays as these dates are for a different scheme and we cannot accommodate University bookings on Saturdays.
If you wish to collect and return from our office outside of the dates above, please contact us at team@outspokencycles.co.uk, and we can help you with your booking. We will try to accommodate shop collections where we can, however please note that this may not always be possible.
Need more inspiration? Check out our Case Studies below
How to Get Your Child to Wear a Bike Helmet
Helmet battles before a family bike ride? You’re not alone. Here are simple, parent-friendly ways to help children feel happier wearing a bike helmet.
Cycling Instead of Driving: Could One Journey Feel Better?
Imagine what the school run could feel like by bike? A small change to one everyday journey could make a bigger difference than you think.
Test Ride our Cargo Bikes at Herne Hill Veldrome
Join us at Herne Hill VeloPark to test ride cargo bikes in a safe, traffic-free space. Compare models, bring the family, and see what works for you.
Scheme FAQs
How much does the scheme cost?
The scheme is subsidised by the University, costs are as follows:
4-week loan – £20
8-week loan – £50
Are the bikes insured?
The bikes are insured against theft providing specific conditions are met.
The bikes must be stored within a secure location overnight, such as in a locked garage. When in use and left unattended the bikes must be locked to an immovable object (such as a Sheffield bike stand) through the frame using the lock we have provided and must not be left unattended overnight. Any damage or thefts must be reported to us within 24 hours and in the case of criminal damage or theft must also be reported to the Police and a crime number taken. If in doubt contact us for guidance.
In the unfortunate event of a theft, the person trialling the bike would need to pay a contribution towards the insurance excess of £250 if all conditions are met. If the conditions have not been met, for example the person trialling had not locked up the bike while leaving it unattended, they would be liable for the full replacement cost.
Are you able to deliver a bike direct to my home or workplace?
Deliveries and collections will be arranged after you have made a booking and will be billed separately.
Deliveries and collections within Cambridge will be billed at £48 each way (so £96 in total for delivery and collection).
If you live in one of the surrounding villages, this rate will be £58 each way. If you are further afield then please get in touch for more information.
Please consult this map to see the two areas we operate this service in.
What happens if I have a mechanical problem, such as a puncture, during the trial?
If this is the case, you will need to contact us asap and we’ll book the bike into our workshop (see our website for opening times). You are responsible for getting the bike to us at your cost, however we do offer a collection and drop off service at a small fee. See here for details: https://www.outspokencycles.co.uk/repairs/workshop-repairs/
Providing the repairs are not due to improper use, we will fix them at our own cost.
Can the bikes fit on a bike rack on a car?
Why Choose Outspoken Cycles?
At Outspoken Cycles, we’re passionate about making cycling accessible, practical, and fun for everyone. Whether you’re commuting, delivering, or adventuring, we’re here to support you every pedal of the way. So, let’s get rolling - visit, or contact us today and experience the joy of life on two (or more) wheels!
