Build story

Dave's Custom MTB Build

I found it very satisfying and cant think of any change that might improve it.

A rider on a bamboo mountain bike with purple joints and 'Bamboo Beauty' lettering, on a residential street
A rider on a bamboo mountain bike with purple joints and 'Bamboo Beauty' lettering, on a residential street

Design: Custom MTB build
Build: MTB build
Location: Burnley, UK

What made you decide to build a bamboo bike?

My " vertically challenged "wife was having trouble finding a modern MTB that would fit her size and the global pandemic was making that search even worse.

Bamboo rear triangle with metal dropouts on a full-size frame drawing, next to a Deore crankset

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

Can't say that enjoyment was the correct word as I was building it in my garage in winter. My garage is unheated! But yes, I would recommend the process if only for the final outcome.

What did you find most difficult about your bike build?

Cold! But seriously the main issues came in designing and building the chainstays to suit a 148 boost axle and 12 speed oneby system. After several attempts to get it right ( its good that it is not difficuilt to cut and recut the bamboo stays). Also I didnt check the internal routing for the rear brake hose correctly so will have to return to that at a later date (aren't zip ties great)
Pair of bamboo chainstays taped into position on a full-size frame drawing, with a saw, chisel and calipers

What was the easiest part of the build?

Setting up the jigs

How would you describe the ride of your finished bike?

My wife is very pleased with the comfort of the ride
Bamboo mountain bike frame covered in brown and blue tape, with metal dropouts, lying on a carpet

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

Build it during the summer! Again seriously , I found it very satisfying and cant think of any change that might improve it

Finished bamboo hardtail with purple joints and a yellow saddle bag, parked against a brick house wallBare bamboo mountain bike frame with purple-finished joints lying on a carpet

Build your own: Our MTB Frame Build Kit has the materials and step-by-step instructions to build your own bamboo mountain bike frame at home. Or browse all our bamboo bike frame kits.

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