Bamboo Bikes for Emerging Economies

Been doing a lot of online research in bike frame design. Repeatedly I find the links that lead to emerging economies and the development of bamboo frames.  Apparently, it’s possible for a group of people to assemble a durable bicycle out of bamboo, tires, wheels, tubes, rubber brakes and chain. The joints are made from glue and bamboo too.

Emerging economies are dependent on the ability to transport people and goods economically, and what’s better than a bicycle if it’s sturdily built? Here in Silicon Valley, the only bicycles I can find (and I’ve been visiting all the local shops) are made of metal and carry only one person. Granted Yuba makes a great cargo ride, and Flying Pigeon has it’s own version,  along with the Bullitt A8, these don’t compare to what I’ve seen possible with bamboo bikes.

I’m currently look for the Step-by-Step guide to making bamboo bikes for emerging economies. I’d like to test the process locally. I’m hoping such a bicycle can be made for less than $1,000.

Alternative Frame Materials

I’ve been thinking of proof-of-concept materials for a frame I’m designing. I don’t want to commit to using steel tubing at this point, and the frame I’m designing has flex built into the overall design. So, I’m thinking of using bamboo or graphite fishing rods, cut to size. My design compensates for twisting and warping of these lighter weight materials. For a concise overview of fishing rod creation, click here. While cost and time are factors to consider, getting my ideas into concrete form takes precedence. For the drawings, I’m using PowerShape-e, Delcam’s free 3D autocad software. It’s got a great user interface with intuitive controls.

Bike Builds

Have you been to Bike Forest’s Project page? Click on the Homebuilder’s Gallery link and you’ll see 28 pages of bike builds that challenge conventional wisdom.

If you had a full machine shop, unlimited supplies, and no price limit, what would your bike build look like? Would it be bamboo, carbon composite, titanium, or plastic and wood?

Existing Dream Bicycle

In looking around online at carbon composite bke frames this past week, it seems that China is producing some high end forms. But how can frames from China be pre-tested outside of Chinese social politics? If the frame is no good, who do you tell without someone losing face?  Could you ever get your money back? So while they may be producing some frames, it’s not entirely feasible to invest in them.

Better to look at the Pinarello Montello FM1 for inspiration and dealer accessibility. This dealer permits customization. This dealer ships internationally.

10 Speed Conversion Bicycle

Last summer, I converted a yellow Peugeot DuMonde 10-speeed racer into a single speed lightweight wonder. It’s fast and nimble. I swapped out the handlebars from drop to bullhorn. I flipped the handlebar brake grips so they look like an additional set of horns yet they are still functional. I added secondary handlebar brake grips for cruising. Wheels are yellow and black. Black racing seat sits on an alloy seat tube. Changed out the old rims for new forms which sit better in the frame and allow for better braking. It’s a sweet ride:

My Summer Project '09