Everyone is their own worst critic. Perfection is not easy but if it were what would be the fun in doing anything. I just finished watching all of the instructional video's for Calfee's Kickstarter kit and there is a judicious amount of filler putty used in the final finishing. Bamboo bikes are after all a handmade product and shouldn't look like they were produced in a laser guided factory. The end result loses some of its appeal then.

I was surprised - not as much as you - by the need for long reach calipers. My only experience with needing them was converting a 27" wheel frame to 700c. But live and learn. At least there is a reasonably priced commercially available work around.

Mik Efford out of Melbourne, Bamboo Bikes Australia , started out just like we all do and is now selling his creations. He's even devised a frame testing machine to test the strength of his joints. His blog is worth a read if he's new to you.

I'll be happy if somebody simply asks if I built that when they look at my creation.