FAQ
Why bamboo?
Bamboo is a great material for a bike frame. Evolving over millions of years to absorb wind loading, bamboo is a natural vibration dampener. When put into a bike frame, bamboo absorbs road vibration unlike any frame you’ve ever ridden.
Professor Wole Sobeyejo at Princeton University has done some initial modeling of bamboo frames and found the vibration dampening of bamboo frames to be 4 times that of carbon, traditionally the smoothest riding bike.
Our bike messenger test riders, including the maniacal riders at Clementine Courier Service, NYC’s only 24 hour bike messenger company, ride our bikes, and love the smooth riding.
Why build it yourself?
Because you can.
Are bamboo bikes stiff enough for aggressive riding?
Bamboo bikes are suited to any sorts of riding. However, we have not tested our bikes for mountain biking. We have built a couple BMX prototypes, and will keep the blog updated to let you know the results.
Who makes the best bamboo bikes?
We feel that the bikes built in our workshops stand up to any other bicycles on the road in terms of durability and ride performance.
Many of the most beautiful bamboo bikes have come from novice builders.
Why do you teach people?
A bicycle is the most perfect invention of man. It is the perfect tool. To help people learn to create this tool, and spread the knowledge we’ve learned, is a great honor.
The charge we get from spreading the knowledge is why we do what we do. There is no better feeling than seeing the pride on a builder’s face as they ride away on a bike they built themselves.
Can I build just a frame or do I have to buy components?
It is not a problem to build just a frame and install your own components. Frames start at $632 for a single speed. Front and rear derailleur hangers, cable stops and internal cable routing all cost a bit extra.
How much do the bikes weigh?
Our average workshop built frames weigh from 4.5 lbs to 6.5 lbs. They average 5.25 lbs, but the end result is heavily dependent on rider size and desired ride characteristics.
What is your work in Ghana? Is it related to Bamboosero?
No. We do not work with Bamboosero. Our model is different in a number of key respects. First, we are operating on a substantially increased scale. Our factory has a potential output of 20,000 bikes per year. In the words of Bamboo Bike Project head John Mutter, “we are trying to move the needle for transport.” Second, our consumer market is West Africa itself, we are not outsourcing. We are all about local production and local sale. Third, due to the needs of our target markets, our scale, and the sophistication of our production methods, we have created a model that builds $70 bicycles. These bicycles beat the price of imported Chinese steel bikes, and are much more durable. These are game changing bicycles
Are bamboo bicycles strong?
By any measure, yes. We field test our bicycles rigorously and have a tremendous track record of success. We have had two bicycles returned over the past three years, which gives us an incredible warranty rate.
Success aside, there is an inherent risk to building a bicycle from natural materials. This risk must be accepted and respected.
Are bamboo bikes susceptible to degradation due to heat and humidity?
Generally speaking, no.
Certain species of bamboo are more susceptible to splitting than others. This splitting is caused by changes in humidity and temperature causing hoop stress in the bamboo. Our first couple prototypes had some issues with this, but we’ve done a lot of research and development over the past 4 years to optimize the strength of the bamboo through careful species selection, treatment methods, and construction. We have had no splitting issues with the species of bamboo we use, including a few bikes that have had a couple harsh winters of riding in Montreal and Maine.
Do you miter the tubes?
No. We have found that a mitered tube offers a few significant disadvantages to our butted/cored construction, and have eschewed that technique.
How is the bamboo joined?
The bamboo tubes are joined with a combination of fiberglass tape/epoxy composite and carbon fiber roving/epoxy composite, woven together with specific patterns to create strong lugs.
Why don’t you use a biodegradable epoxy?
We do. We just haven’t had enough field test mileage to determine that it is safe to use in our workshops and kits. We expect it to take another 6 months before we are able to determine that we can safely use a biodegradable epoxy.
Can I harvest bamboo for my own bamboo bike?
Absolutely. We encourage it and provide free instructions! It can be quite a challenge to find, harvest, sort, treat and prepare bamboo for use in a bicycle frame. If you are not able to find or want to have us do that work for you, you can purchase bamboo from us in our “Supply” section.
We do not allow outside bamboo in our workshops.
Can I use any components (SRAM, Campagnolo, Shimano)?
Our bikes use 1 1/8″ head tube and English threaded 69mm bottom bracket shells.
We use certain SRAM and Shimano components on our builds on a regular basis. Campi can be a problem due to compatibility issues.
Can I leave my bamboo frame outside?
We have been leaving our frames outside in NYC weather (including 100 degree heat, rain, and nasty winters) for 3 years. We have not seen any discernible degradation due to exposure to weather.
Can I bring a friend to build with me?
Absolutely. Bringing a friend is no problem at all. There is no extra charge for two builders to share one frame.
What’s the estimated longevity of the frame?
Our frames have no known expiration date or mileage. We are entering our 5th year making bikes, and have not seen any failures due to age. Additionally, our known high mileage frames are over 8000 miles with many far exceeding that number (but without documentation).
Our bikes can withstand an enormous amount of abuse from our team of bike messenger frame testers.
However, a bike built from natural materials and hand built by an amateur has an inherent variability. We only offer warranties on workshop built frames.
How long does it take to build a bamboo frame?
For a first time builder, it takes anywhere from 18-24 hours to complete a frame in a workshop. Building with a kit is more variable, but you can expect to take between 20 and 30 hours. As you improve, you can cut the time to build and finish a frame drastically.
I want to build bamboo frames for resale, will I be able to after my workshop?
No. The workshop will teach you all that is necessary to build your own bike, under the eye of an instructor showing you our best practices. To make frames on your own, it takes a significant amount more training. Our master class in bike building, which takes 17 days, will give you the training necessary
I want to open a Bamboo Bike Studio in my community. How can I do this?
We want people to spread the love, but this is not an easy job. It takes dedication, a love of working with others, and no small amount of fabrication skill. Email us at bikes@bamboobikestudio.com, we’ll get you started.
Do you need to purchase a kit to do the workshop?
No, you do not need to purchase a kit for the workshop. The Kit and the workshop are two separate products and each provide the necessary materials to build a bike. The difference is that the kits are a tool set that allows you to build at home using our instructions while a workshop experience happens in our workshop, under the eye of an experienced instructor.
Why is there a $100 deposit on the jig?
The kit jigs can be used to build infinite bikes, we’d like to keep using them. The hundred-dollar jig deposit covers the cost of the jig if you choose to keep it and build many bikes.
Can I use different components than the ones offered in your standard build?
You can certainly use different components as long as they are compatible. We can most likely get them from our distributors and will re-price your bike accordingly. Our goal is to give you the ability to build your perfect bike.
If I do not live close to the studio how do I get my bike home?
You can either take the bike on the plane with you or we can help you pack and ship the bike. We have shipped many bikes for people.
Do you help with component installation in the workshop?
If you purchase components from us, we will help you install your components for no extra cost. If you bring your own components we will provide space in the workshop, but charge an extra $20/hour for component instructions. We can also build up your frame for you for an additional $20/hour. As always, we provide free access to tools without instruction.
Can I take longer than one weekend to build a bike?
Our workshops are priced for one weekend of building. If you would like extra time you may for an additional $10 an hour of shop time. We also offer a master class in which you will work one on one with an instructor and you can extend the workshop as long as needed. Master classes are priced upon request and recommended for anyone who hopes to set up a Studio, workshop, or factory of their own.