About this project
Our bamboo kit is an easy to follow system for building bamboo bikes. With ten detailed how-to videos, a comprehensive tool kit, and tested materials, you can build as many bikes as you'd like. Some have started their own business around this system. Schools and Universities have offered it as a special project or extracurricular activity. Ride with pride when you build your very own bamboo bicycle frame.
And your choice of drawing printed on tough vinyl banner material is included in the Tool Kit: Road, MTB26, MTB27.5, MTB29er, City, BMX
You'll also get an extra Down Tube to practice mitering. It's the most difficult one to miter, so this gives you an extra chance!
Road and City bikes use 700c wheel size.
MTB is available in 26", 27.5" and 29" wheel sizes. BMX is 20" but we'll soon offer 16" as well.
You'll choose the drawings from the bike types mentioned above but you can customize to your heart's content. Once you get the idea on how to do this, you can make any kind of bike. It's a good idea to start with a "normal" bike for your first try. Then you can see the possibilities and build any kind of bike!
Rear Spacing: We are currently set up to supply tooling in 130 mm and 135 mm rear spacing.
Dropouts: The dropouts are able to accommodate disc brakes and derailleurs but are also slotted so you can make a single speed or internal gear hub bike. Thru Axle dropouts are not available at this time.
Head tubes: Available for use with 1 1/*" steerers and 44mm (tapered) forks. You'll choose this, and the size frame at the end of the campaign.
Bamboo makes a fine material for a bike. Since we built the first modern bamboo bike in 1995, we've been amazed by the strength and the ride quality. It has the best vibration damping for the smoothest ride. But best of all, you can build it yourself without needing a welding setup. And it's so cool that nature provides it in a huge range of tube diameters and wall thicknesses.
Our design allows you to build any size of any type of bike. For each size, we select the right set of bamboo for you. You will choose your size after the campaign.
Risks and challenges
This kit has been under development as an educational kit since 2007. We have seen lots of success but also some real challenges. Some people take to building their own bikes very easily and are used to spending time making something they are proud of. Others have not done well and have simply given up on it, saying it's just too hard.
Making the tools and providing quality metal parts and bamboo will not be very risky at all. We've already got the supply of those things set up. It's just a matter of submitting a larger purchase order. The real challenge will be in supporting those who are struggling too much building their own bike.
In the early days, some unsafe bikes were built. That was with the epoxy and natural fiber wrapping method. With the casting tape method, we've eliminated most of the risks of not wrapping in the proper direction. But there will likely be a headstrong kid who rushes into this and tries to build a bike with not enough careful consideration for the task at hand. If that describes you, then ask a friend who does more of this sort of thing to go in on it with you. Or suggest a class at your school.
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Funding period
- (30 days)