FAQs
Can I bring a bag with me or leave it in the shop?
Racks and baskets on bikes are provided, you are welcome to leave heavy baggage with us when you begin your short tour, but we cannot storage luggage for more than a day.
What days are you open?
Please see our opening times here.
Can I park my car nearby?
If you need to park a car the cheapest long stay option is next to the entrance of Port Meadow, this is at the very bottom of Walton Well Road, postcode for a Sat Nav is OX2 6ED. For more information on the car park please visit Parkopedia. Once you have parked it is a short walk back up to Walton Street, after parking and walking up Walton Well Road turn right at the mini roundabout we are the second bike shop on your right.
Can I bring my dog with me?
Most definitely but don’t tell our resident dogs “Scruffy” or “Kim” they will get jealous if they’re not going out. Contact us if you have a dog and need a trailer or basket provided, these are available for hire. We will also be happy to provide information on off-road routes which are dog friendly.
I am not quite sure what size bike I will need – can you help?
We can help of course, as we carry such a large number of bikes finding a suitable bike is not an issue. If you are extremely tall or short it may help to contact us prior to your visit but isn’t essential
If we wanted to hang onto the bikes a bit longer would that be possible?
If you are hiring you can rent for as long as you like, even years. (yes some do!) If you need to extent your hire at any point just contact us and we can amend your details. If you would like to return your hire bike outside of standard opening times this can also be arranged, please discuss this with us when collecting your bike
How can I pay my deposit?
Card, cash, BACS, paypal and business cheque payments are accepted for deposits, this can be done in the shop or over the phone.
Is there a delivery option and is there a charge?
Delivery is available depending on our delivery driver’s availability and notice. We will deliver small and large number of bikes within a 200 miles radius subject to availability. We do charge for delivery but it is dependent on a number of factors such as, quantity of bikes, location of drop off and collection and hire duration. The best thing is to contact us and let us know what you would like to do and we will get back to you with a quote, normally calculated at 40p per mile.
I want to bring my family but I don’t know where to go and how long to hire for?
There are many routes that you can choose from lasting from just an hour. For additional peace of mind there are also many nice off road, easy routes that can also be followed. We have maps available just ask for more information when collecting your bikes.
What happens if it rains?
We don’t want you to have a miserable time if the heavens are falling down we always give the option to cancel or change your date. However rain doesn’t stop us and we recommend bringing your waterproofs if there is a chance of rain.
What are the safety issues?
We follow carefully planned routes on our tours, which will keep you away from busy traffic and were possible using pedestrian crossings. Our hire bikes are regular maintained by qualified mechanics.
How big do the tour groups get?
Normally no more than 10 but this may be bigger if there are families with children. We cater for larger groups of up to 100 but these are pre-arranged, contact us for more details if you have a large group.
After a tour can we hang onto the bikes a bit longer would that be possible?
If you have been on one of our tours you can keep the bike until the shop closes or the following morning, we would require a deposit so let us know you beforehand.
How often can we go to restroom?
We have a toilet when you arrive and there are public conveniences on route, close to where our guides stop. If you are worried and think you may need to stop outside these breaks tell your guide beforehand and they will point out all facilities along the way. It is very relaxed and in no way a regimented tour, we always stop whenever anyone needs to.
Do you provide helmets?
For safety and hygienic reasons Bainton Bikes does not hire out helmets. Apart from no legal constraints compelling a rider to wear one we also believe we cannot guarantee the hygiene of the prior user or the care given to the helmet. A helmet’s safety is deemed compromised if it has been dropped to the ground as the inner shell must be intact, the only way to know this is through thorough examination using x-ray which we are unable to do after every hire. Please bring your own helmet if you are worried, alternatively we do also sell helmets in our shop.
Can I come and work for Bainton Bikes?
Yes we are always looking for vivacious, outgoing, friendly guides, contact us for more information.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes we accept all major credit cards except AMEX
Do I need to book a hire bike?
We have hundreds of bikes available for hire but we are very busy and to avoid disappointment highly recommend booking, especially during the spring and summer months. Please be aware we do not take bookings on hybrid bikes and run a first come first serve policy.
What should I bring with me when hiring?
This depends entirely on what you are planning. In general you should wear comfortable clothes and perhaps a wind proof or water proof if the weather is changeable. Of course at warmer times of the year make sure you have sunscreen and water. If you are planning a longer trip we have touring packs available with various tools and equipment.
What sort of bikes do you have?
We have a huge range of bikes available, suitable for all the designated pathways, roads and trails throughout the UK. All bikes are supplied by leading manufacturers. For the younger ones, we have Children’s bikes, baby seats, tag alongs and trailers as well.
Can I fit my own pedals?
Yes, this is a common occurrence in our touring and road bike hire range, please bring your pedals with you when collecting your bike so we can fit them.
I am not very fit, is Oxford hilly?
We’re not all Bradley Wiggins! You don’t need to be fit to cycle anywhere, especially in Oxford, there are few hills and the majority of local commuters do not tear around at high speeds. With so many fantastic sights to see what’s the hurry? Sit back relax and enjoy the ride.
Do I need to book tours?
Yes, please email or phone us before you come. If we have no guided tours running on your desired date we offer bike hire and self-guided maps for the tour.
Are the tours conducted in English?
Our tours are in English, our guides speak various languages and if you would like a tour in another language please contact us to arrange.
Do we go inside the museums, monuments and colleges?
It is always possible to pop into a college if the group wants to, some colleges charge small entrance fees which would not be included in the price. When booking your tour let us know and we can make suitable arrangements.
Are these tours appropriate for children?
Our day tours are very much so. We have child seats, trailers and trailer bikes. If your children can cycle let us know their age and we can reserve a children’s bike for them. Holiday tours may not be suitable, please contact us to discuss in more detail.
How fit do we need to be for a tour?
The group will always go as fast as the slowest rider, it is not a challenging ride anyway as you are always stopping to get information from the guide about history. You will not even get out of breath it is designed for all abilities.
I’ve booked a tour can I cancel?
Yes of course, please let us have 24 hour’s notice, our tour guides will come in especially for the tour.