An increasing number of of bike makers now work with bamboo, but for cyclists not quite ready to trade in their steel, aluminium or carbon frames, American woodworkers, Ruphus, offer a first step towards the light, strong and durable natural material in the form of ‘Slim’ – a rear mudguard made from bamboo that doubles as a carrier for a Kryptonite D-lock.
Bamboo bicycles
The development of bamboo bicycle frame building has continued apace over the last few years; what started as novelty alternative to conventional materials is now producing impressive results. According to bamboo bicycle experts, Calfee, the material produces frames that are very stiff, durable and comfortable, surpassing aluminium, steel, titanium and most carbon frames for smoothness.
It is claimed that the building of a bamboo frame has a relatively small carbon footprint, and the associated processes are kept as environmentally friendly as possible – Calfee makes frame lugs from pounded ficus tree bark cloth coated with a plant-based resin.
Bamboo frame with luggage rack
Anthony
Typos: Ruphus makes the mudguard, Ficus (fig – there are lots of species) bark is used for the Calfee lugs