The Bunch Squad Handbook

Welcome to the Bunch Squad - we're so glad you're here!

The Bunch Squad is our network of enthusiastic owners who volunteer to answer questions, give test rides, and advocate for family biking.

There are points, perks and cash rewards - but to be honest, most of us do it because it's fun and we're obsessed with showing off our bikes!

In this handbook, you'll find everything you need in order to help build your local family biking movement - and unlock special perks and rewards, too.

What's required?

You are eligible to join the Bunch Squad if:

You currently own a Bunch Bike 2.0, 3.0, 4 or 4+
Secondhand owners are welcome too!
You would like to appear on our test ride map
(NOTE: This map uses SMS relay. Your real contact information is never shared.)
You have a cell phone number that can receive texts
You can reply to texts promptly, with warmth and kindness!

That's all! Many low-stress members hang out quietly on the map, sharing their story on their profile and answering a question every month or two.

If you receive a test ride request, you can always say yes or no and schedule at a time and place that's convenient for you. The typical time commitment is one hour per month or less, and we will always take care to compensate you fairly for your time.

Some super active members also choose to organize community events, lead a bike bus, create online content, participate in contests, set up rentals and more - but all that is very much extra and optional.

Simply by appearing on the map, you are helping to normalize family biking and spread the joy of active transportation in your community. This is how we create change!

How to join

If you don't own a Bunch Bike yet, you can click here to get connected to a member of our Bunch Squad, ask questions or set up a test ride!

Current owners: To join the Bunch Squad, first complete the application: www.bunchbike.com/squad

From there, we'll create a profile for you on Stoked - that's the platform we use to power our test ride map. This allows Bunch curious folks in your community to contact you via SMS relay - in other words, they can text you and you can text them, but your actual phone number will remain private.

You'll be able to use your cell phone to log in to your profile and edit, update or pause it at any time.

You may also want to join the Bunch Bikes Club on Facebook to stay up to date on events, contests and challenges!

Bunch Squad Expectations

Be responsive: We ask that you reply to messages from Bunch curious folks as soon as you can - even if it's to say "I'm not sure" or "I'll get back to you later" or "I can't help with that."

You are part of our team now, and you know we like to build trust by replying promptly!

Of course we also all have our hands full with jobs and kids and dogs and we don't have our phones out all the time! But when you can - please reply. If you need backup, a break, or a sub, just let us know.

Be respectful: Participate positively in your communities, both online and in real life. We are here to advocate for active transportation in all its forms. You can share your real experiences, good and bad. The truth makes the best messaging!

The Bunch Bike isn't the right fit for everybody, and that's totally fine. All bikes are great bikes :)

We know you would never do this, but just in case: Please don’t spam your Facebook groups, trash talk other bikes, push to make a sale, or post a discount code publicly. Stay cool, calm, and collected, and trust the process!

Keep in touch: We want to make sure that the Bunch Squad is a great experience for you, for your family, and for the folks who connect with you. If you get a question you’re not sure how to answer, if an interaction doesn’t sit right with you, or if you need help or support - we're here for it! squad@bunchbike.com or 940-536-0597, call or text.

Bunch Squad Perks

Getting to share the joy of family biking!
Welcome Kit: Awesome t-shirt, business cards and bumper stickers for you
Test Ride Rewards: We care deeply about respecting your time. When you give a test ride, you earn $50 (usually paid via PayPal) and 50 Bunch Squad Points. Read the test ride section to learn how to make sure your test ride is logged in our system!
Referral Rewards: When you score a referral - ie, someone who test rode with you or was referred by you buys a new Bunch Bike - you earn $100 (usually paid via PayPal) and 100 Bunch Squad points. All Stars earn $250 per referral.
Referral Code: There is a special referral code you can share to make sure we "connect the dots" on your referral - please contact us to receive it. The old SQUAD100 code is no longer in operation.
Discount: All Bunch Squad members get a 10% discount on accessories and upgrades. Use code BUNCHSQUAD10 at checkout - and make sure you are logged in with the same email you use for Bunch Squad! All Stars use ALLSTAR30 to get a 30% discount.
Community Events: If you are a member of the Bunch Squad - any event you attend or organize is a Bunch Squad event! We're always glad to support your bike bus, neighborhood ride, block party, bike playdate, preschool fun fair, school auction, and more.
Protection: All test rides and events are covered by our Bunch Squad Protection. If your bike is ever damaged in the course of Bunch Squad activities, we will cover it for you! All Stars also receive our special All Star Care service plan, for as long as you continue in the Bunch Squad program.
Points: You can earn points by giving test rides, scoring referrals, and participating in events or contests. You also score bonus points when you reply to messages promptly. You can trade in points for swag or prizes and they also help you progress toward All Star status!

Giving test rides

WE LOVE TEST RIDES!

The Bunch is different enough from a regular bike that folks really need to try it for themselves in order to get what it’s all about. Sometimes they fall in love – other times they realize it’s not the right fit for them. From our point of view, either outcome is good news! We want folks to find the bike that makes them happy.

Whether or not they buy a Bunch Bike, we want every test rider to have a wonderful experience with the Bunch Squad. That way we’re building our community, spreading goodwill, and getting folks excited about family biking.

New to giving test rides, or rusty after a long pause? Please check out this blog post or this video for tips on giving a great (and safe) test ride.

What counts as a test ride?

Some folks reach out to you via Stoked or get connected to you through Bunch Bikes. Sometimes you give test rides to people in your own network - that's even better and yes it totally counts!

Giving your bestie a quick spin around the playground during a playdate doesn't count as an official test ride. But if they go on to buy a Bunch Bike, that is absolutely your referral 😎

In general, we trust your judgment! Here are a few ways to tell if you should count it as an official test ride or not:

Did you schedule a time and place in advance? (Although we know spontaneous "real" test rides happen sometimes too!)
Did they complete the waiver? www.bunchbike.com/waiver
Did you spend 30+ minutes teaching them about the bike and letting them try it?

If so - it definitely counts! Let us know it happened so we can give you credit for it :)

Organizing events

Check out this blog post for tips on organizing a community event

Check out this blog post for tips on organizing a bike bus or group ride!

We don't usually itemize individual test rides at events (because you'd have to count 20, 30 or more!) but you DO get credit for organizing - plus we will do all we can to sponsor, support and provide what you need to make the day a success.

Becoming an All Star

The All Star Squad is our way of recognizing Bunch Squad members whose experience, enthusiasm, and commitment make them leaders in the Bunch community.

We give these members extra perks and extra care because we know they’re out there representing Bunch Bikes and family biking to the max!

Our All Star members unlock a Bunch (LOL) of exclusive perks, including…

Exclusive Bunch Squad All Stars hoodie or fleece
30% discount sitewide - bikes, accessories and upgrades
Bigger cash rewards for referrals
Bigger budget for events
Special All Star Care service plan for as long as you maintain All Star status

All Star membership is at Bunch's discretion. You may be invited to join the All Star Squad when you have given 5 or more test rides, earned 3 or more referrals, and earned 500 points or more, especially through in-person events and activities.

Once you become an All Star, your All Star membership will continue as long as you remain active in the Bunch Squad. If you become inactive (no participation for 6-12 months) you may return to regular Bunch Squad status.

Questions or feedback?

We're here for it! You can reach out to us at any time at squad@bunchbike.com, or by phone or text at 940-536-0597.