Craig Lambard of 2nd Life Bikes is kicking off his new “Where I Bike” video series with a visit to Sam at the Bicycle Ambulance in Cambridge, England. In episode one, learn more about Sam, his shop, and his online store, Freshtripe…

Words and photos by Craig Lambard

In this episode of Where I Bike, I meet Sam from Bicycle Ambulance, a small workshop in Cambridge that grew from helping friends fix their bikes. What started as a few roadside repairs has become a local repair shop dedicated to supporting the community and keeping you rolling.

Tucked inside a modest office, Sam also runs Freshtripe and serves as the Velo Orange UK distributor, surrounded by shelves of parts, tools, and well-loved components, each with its own bit of cycling history. It’s the kind of place where nothing matches perfectly, labels are hand-written, and you’re encouraged to dig around until you find the part you need. But it can equally serve as a boutique with some of the best parts from around the world.

The name “Bicycle Ambulance” came almost by accident, after buying an old ambulance and turning it into a fully kitted-out mobile workshop. From market stalls in a car park to today’s permanent home, the idea has always been the same: to keep bikes rolling and riders riding.

For Sam, repair isn’t just a service, it’s a statement. “It feels better to make something last than to throw it away,” he says. “You end up with something that works better and means more because you’ve put the time in.” It’s that spirit of longevity and care that keeps Bicycle Ambulance at the heart of its community. A reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your bike is simply to keep it alive.

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