General Cycling Discussion - Bamboo bike

Looks like an interesting project (http://duck-rabbit.ldeo.columbia.edu/bamboo/Home.html).

For some people, It's more than just a project :) ...

http://www.calfeedesign.com/images/bamboo.jpg

Yeah, a bike shop owner in Seal Beach has one. He's a Calfee dealer. I remember about a year ago he was riding on that Calfee bamboo bike on Pacific Coast highway in Corona Del Mar area and got hit going downhill by a Harley Davidson that swayed to the right and landed on him. Police and ambulance came and took the Harley rider to the hospital.

But Craig just had a few scratches on him. He actually got back on the bamboo bike and rode back to the shop. I happened to walk in to his shop that afternoon and there he was still sore but the bike is still good.

For some people, It's more than just a project :) ...
You guys should read whats in the link:

http://duck-rabbit.ldeo.columbia.edu/bamboo/Home.html

Craig Calfee is teaching bamboo bike building in Africa. That is the project.
The article even makes it sound like the bamboo bikes built in the US were part of a feasibility test.

You guys should read whats in the link:


Yea I just read it. Guilty as charged...

I'm in the midsts of building a bamboo bike right now.
A 29er project. I've lofted the plans and am building the jig while I wait for the bamboo to be shipped.
I looked at Calfree bikes, as well as this (http://www.bmeres.com/bambooframe.htm) bamboo mountain bike.
I like the jig that Brano Meres (http://www.bmeres.com/carbonframe1.htm) built, and am basically copying that. I've sourced my bamboo from Bamboo Hardwoods (http://www.bamboohardwoods.com/index.asp). After I tack the frame together (I'll use an epoxy adhesive), I'll wrap the joints with carbon to make the lugs. Both the adhesive (which I have) and the carbon (yet to get) are from Aircraft Spruce & Speciality Co. (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/) I'm using a bottom bracket shell, and head tube from Henry James (http://www.henryjames.com/)
I've yet to decide if I want to use TOW carbon or prepreg cloth; when I get to that point I'll ask those with greater experience than I which would be the better route.

Resources:
Aircraft Spruce & Speciality (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/)
Framefourm (http://www.frameforum.net)
Calfree (http://www.calfeedesign.com/)
BME (http://www.bmeres.com/bambooframe.htm)
Daedalus Custom Bamboo bikes (http://daedaluscycles.com/bicycles/home)
Damon Rinard, "How I built a carbon bike in my garage (http://www.damonrinard.com/carbon_fiber.htm)
and
Henry James (http://www.henryjames.com/) where I got a copy of the Paterek Manual (http://www.henryjames.com/patman.html), which is about building steel bikes but a must read for anyone considering building their own frame.
Oh, and if you want handmade wooden rims--Cerchio Ghisallo (http://www.cerchiinlegnoghisallo.com/homeeng.php). He'll make them to your specs for about $250 a rim. Not this go around but they are beautiful. They are on this Calfree (http://www.calfeedesign.com/singlespeed.htm)
I should also add:
BambooCraft.net (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/)
And I find this video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7914646950791304015) intriguing.

--A

{edit** I'm using black bamboo, which was recommended by Bamboo Hardwoods, and is the verity used by Calfree, Daedalus, and another bamboo builder I've seen. My total costs in bamboo, with quite a bit of excess material, was around $200.

"I swear my bike was RIGHT HERE dude...."

http://www.lawrence.edu/library/music/panda-bamboo.jpg

Heh, heh. When I talk about my project I either call it the Bamboo Bomber or Panda Fodder.

I want a Calfee...

I think bamboo bike will be more heavy than normal bike because the density is bigger.