What made you decide to build a bamboo bike?

I've always wanted to build my own bike but absolutely no idea where to start. I'm also a fan of the left field and wasn't really interested in buying a bike that everyone else had. When I read about the Bamboo Bicycle Club in timeout it was exactly what I was looking for

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

I had no previous experience of bike building of any sort so the learning curve was steep but I loved the experience as I've always loved doing things with my hands. I also have so much more love for my bike than if I'd bought it because I built it myself. When I'm riding the bike I have the added satisfaction of knowing it's been put together by me.

What did you find most difficult about your bike build?

The more regular bike building once the frame was built was all new to me so putting the brakes and the gears together was all pretty tricky. But now I've been through that I find bike maintenance so much easier than before.

What was the easiest part of the build?

Putting the frame together was the most fun aspect for me as you can really see your bike coming together as you go. Once the various bits of bamboo and hemp start to resemble an actual bike you really feel like you're achieving something and can start to imagine riding it.

How would you describe the ride of your finished bike?

It's great! I'm loving wizzing past drivers, Santander bike users and other commuters on my way to work. I also get into a lot of conversations with cycling fans and just curious people so I get to relive the experience through their intrigue. It's been really rewarding overall.

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

The bike is so adaptable. I wanted a bike rack and couldn't work out how to attach one. No problem. The guys at Bamboo Bicycle Club were really helpful and we simply drilled a couple of small holes into the frame where needed and, hey presto, bike rack attachment! And with no detrimental effect to the integrity of the bike. The Bamboo Bicycle Club helped me adapt my bike at no extra cost which was super kind.