Custom Gravel Bike by Joesph

Design: Gravel Bike
Build: Custom Gravel
Location: Folkstone, UK

What made you decide to build a bamboo bike?

Loved the idea of being able to understand how everything on a bike comes together.

Did you enjoy building the bicycle from scratch and would you recommend the experience?

I loved it, learnt a great deal. Was a bit pushed for time at the end (because I made so many changes which James patiently enabled) it was a learning curve adding the final finishing touches at home but have learnt so much, now know how to bleed brakes and index my gears and feel confident that I can fix a range of issues that might occur. Would definitely recommend it.

What did you find most difficult about your bike build?

Getting my head around the components, there are so many different variations of fits and adapters and tools, nothing is easy when it comes to bike parts!

What was the easiest part of the build?

Putting the frame together was surprisingly straight forward, though i'm well aware that a lot of work has gone on in the background to ensure that the length and angles are right for each builder.

How would you describe the ride of your finished bike?

Really comfortable and surprising nippy, rigid and robust I love riding it.

What would you improve about the build experience or your finished bike?

The option of an extra day would have been good. As i went through the process i started to appreciate that with more time i could have given the lugs a flawless finish. I think this alone could be a day of sanding perfection (for the hardcore perfectionists)