Travel can lead to amazing discoveries, often when you least expect it. A few weeks ago I was vacationing in Camden, Maine. Camden is known for its port and its picture-perfect marina, where sloops and schooners vie for attention from the fashionable summer crowd. On the corner of a little street, between shops selling souvenirs and nautical-themed knick knacks, I saw a bike mounted above a doorway, with a frame that looked like it was made of bamboo!
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Welcome to Bamboo Bike Studio.
I’d stumbled upon an example of a renaissance in the cycling industry. Bamboo Bike Studio is a super-friendly and talented team that makes original, light, solid and durable bikes. But it’s also a concept and a philosophy.
Created in 2008, BBS makes quality, affordable bikes for developing countries, using frames made from sustainably-harvested bamboo. They’ve opened a factory in Ghana in partnership with the United Nations Millennium Cities Initiative and the Columbia University Earth Institute. Plans for a second factory in Quito, Ecuador are in the works.
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For the past few years, they’ve been sharing their designs and their building and engineering know-how with schools and universities. By teaching others, they’re building a legacy of bike builders within the cycling community.
In Canada and the US, BBS sells custom bikes, using a design model that reminds me of a certain Swedish retailer: “Build it yourself!”
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BBS provides DIY assembly kits for custom bamboo bike frames, according to individual specs and measurements. They want people to have their dream bike, and the sense of pride and pleasure that comes with building it yourself. You can buy your own parts and accessories or choose from the options available at BBS.
The frame kit comes with a diagram of the frame, a detailed how-to guide, the bamboo tubes, and other material needed to build your bike. And it’s way more satisfying than assembling a shelving unit. Those who prefer the guidance of tech support can build in a BBS studio in Brooklyn, Camden, San Francisco or Toronto, under the watchful eye of an expert.
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The frames are made of bamboo tubes joined by carbon lugs and fibreglass. The process has been developed, tested, and improved over three years, hundreds of bikes, and several thousand kilometres. The frames meet all safety standards, they’re as sturdy as conventional frames, and have better shock absorption, yet are still affordable.
The quality is undeniable. Even New York City’s hardcore bicycle messengers, who test rode BBS bikes daily, have given their stamp of approval.
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There are two frame geometries to choose from: the Local, a hybrid-type cruiser, and the Express, a more athletic design. The BBS co-founder told me that recently, they even made a mountain bike and the owner absolutely loves it.
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Much to my dismay, I didn’t have time to try out a bike. But I love their unique appearance and was impressed with their quality. Add in the satisfaction of buying a useful item and the “I made it myself” feeling, and I’ll have to admit I’m very tempted.
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If you’re going to be in Camden or Toronto any time soon, stop by the Bamboo Bike Studio! And keep an eye out in cities like Vancouver, and Portland where bamboo bike builders are sprouting up.
Filed under: Activities, Cycling, Sustainability Image may be NSFW.
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