Mahogony Frames
 

So not sure where to put this, "Framebuilders" seems about the best spot.

Just found this guy making custom frames out of mahogony.

http://sanomagic.world.coocan.jp/Lin...bikelineup.htm

Not sure how light or practical they are, but they sure look great.

You have probably seen these guys:

http://www.renovobikes.com/

Mahogany is a medium weight and hardness wood that is used in many structural applications, from boats to guitar necks.

Considerations include:

- Tropical wood which means there is figure, at times, but no early and late wood growth rings in some instances, which makes it difficult to assess for faults in the wood, at least if you are far from the point of production.

- There are many different things sold as Mahog, much of it is closer to pine, so beware what you buy.

- The wood is constantly hovering on the endangered wood list. If it flips onto it, it can mean major trouble for anyone who wants to sell it, import it, export it, take it across state lines. Tons of unreasonable documentation rules, and under some of the regs there is a presumption of guilt. Also, some people get in trouble even when the wood in question is merely deemed to be the controlled species. And a product/possession can be seized for "testing", which is kinda the same logic as dousing to prove/disprove witchhood.

Does anyone know the price of these things? I've heard JPY 2 Million, I'm assuming that's for a complete bike.

He was at the North American Handmade Bike Show last year and I saw his bikes. Not really into wooden bikes but this guy is truly a craftsman. He honed his skills as a boat builder. I talked to him but never asked the price.