Imke's Custom Touring Bamboo Bike was built at Bamboo Bicycle Club, Amersfoort, NL 

What made you decide to build a bamboo bike?

I thought it was a very nice challenge! I am a real “do it yourself person” and so this suited me completely. In addition, Bamboo is a very beautiful material. I usually work with wood. But bamboo has naturally beautiful round shapes and is hollow and therefore light. I wanted to build a super sustainable bicycle with mostly recycled parts. Because I also make furniture with recycled bicycle parts.

What did you find most difficult about your bike build?

Fitting up the frame when to use as a bicycle. Ensuring I could fit tires that would provide enough comfort. So tire clearance was really important to my bike frame. Furthermore, it was very precise work to join the bamboo connect tightly to the metal parts.

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

Building the frame is an experience in itself! It is a challenging activity for people who like to work with their hands and who can work precisely. And when you have finished your bicycle, you feel really proud to ride something you've built yourself. After all, you know every inch of your bicycle.

How would you describe the ride of your finished bike? 

The bike rides beyond expectations! I was very excited the first ride. But it was a really nice experience. And since then I have driven quite a few km with pride and pleasure.

What's been a fun experience while riding your bamboo bike?

You get a lot of kudos when you ride this bike! People especially watch a lot or want to touch him. Comments like: “Did you see that bike ?! Made of bamboo? How cool! ” It's not uncommon. Or questions about the bicycle and how it was built. I consciously kept visible how the lugs were made. With flax cloth and epoxy. People find it super interesting to see.