How to build a bamboo bike

Materials needed and procedure according to the instructions on the Instructables website

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Bamboo bike

A bicycle in Bamboo It's not just an aesthetic whim, but also has some sustainability advantages. It reduces plastic and steel consumption, while at the end of its life a bamboo frame is easily recyclable. Then there are the benefits in terms of driving and comfort: bamboo has an excellent weight-to-strength ratio, therefore it should not be considered as a material not suitable for cycling; its natural fibres offer a great capacity to absorb vibrations, so the pedaling is softer and more comfortable, especially on bumpy roads; bamboo  It is flexible but resistant, and thus reduces the cyclist's fatigue on long journeys; bamboo frames can be very durable and also withstand intense use, for example with cycle touring activities.

But let's see how we can build one bicycle in bamboo following the instructions of Instructables, the online platform dedicated specifically to DIY projects.

Necessary material

  • Bamboo canes of various sizes (diameter: 3 centimeters – length: 150 centimeters)
  • Epoxy resin
  • Handlebar support tube
  • Pedal support tube
  • Steel supports for the chain
  • Fork
  • Expanded foam for frame reinforcement and assembly
  • Blow torch or heat gun to heat and work the bamboo
  • A hacksaw
  • Machine for drilling hard materials
  • Scraper
  • CALIBRO
  • A permanent marker
  • A few garbage bags
  • Scissors, paper and newspapers

(The images in the gallery are taken from the blog Instructables.com)

Method

Download a bicycle frame drawing from the internet and use it as a reference. While you'll need 7 tubes to build the frame, you'll need 4 to assemble the support that holds the chain, saddle, and pedal. Join the tubes together using special metal interlocking connectors.

  • For metal components, go to a dealer where you can easily find chainrings, pedals, handlebars, chain, fork, seat post, handlebar and fork stems, pedal support tubes and chain stays.
  • To begin, cover the steel pedal support tube with bamboo cane. Using a hacksaw, cut a piece of bamboo the length of the metal support and, using the rasp, increase the internal diameter of the cane until the bamboo fits snugly against the pedal support. To ensure a perfect fit, heat the bamboo with a propane torch. The heat will melt the sugar in the cane, creating a caramelized effect that will bring the fibers together, naturally strengthening the sheath.
  • Shape the ends of the tubes so they fit together perfectly: you'll need some sheets of chalkboard paper, a black marker, some tape, the hacksaw, and the rasp. Use these as a guide. a bicycle Already assembled. Take measurements and shapes with the sheets of paper, shape the sheets, and wrap the canes as shown. By adhering the paper template to the bamboo, you'll know exactly where to cut. To avoid mistakes, you can mark the template with a permanent marker and start cutting along the line.
  • First shape the upper and lower tubes, using the joint between the handlebar and seat tubes as a reference. Then shape the end of the lower tube, which will adhere to the previously covered pedal support. Finally, shape the tube connecting the saddle to the pedal support. Glue the two parts together using epoxy resin.

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