It's really important how you store and care for your bamboo before you use it.

Our community of bamboo bicycle builders have given us great feedback and insight on some useful ways to make sure you don't damage your bamboo. So before starting to work with the tubes, do give these tips a read and make sure to enjoy your build.

Preparing bamboo tubes during a summer workshop in London, U.K.

TIP #1 NO SUN

One of the most important tips to keep your bamboo from getting damaged is to keep it out of the sun. If too much moisture leaves the bamboo it will crack.

TIP #2 COVER IT

Completely cover the bamboo when working with it, either with tape or paper this will stop cracking when cutting and protect the bamboo from UV and drying out.

Protecting and storing our bamboo tubes in our London workshop.

TIP #3 NO CHANGE IN TEMP

If not using immediately store in a place where the bamboo will not experience rapid temperature change and not in direct sunlight

A bright yellow finishing with a decal on the final frame

TIP #4 PROTECT

Once you have completed the frame you must protect the bamboo using Polyurethane spray or yacht varnish this will prevent cracking and allow you to use the frame in rain.