NEW BLOG: Build by Charlie - What advice would you give to other bamboo bike builders? Enjoy the pro

"Enjoy the process." That's Charlie's advice to other bamboo bike builders, and looking at his touring setup, he clearly practises what he preaches.

High-vis vest over a windproof jacket, panniers loaded, GPS mounted on the bars — this is a bike built for actually going places. The British high street behind him suggests a pit stop, but the gear suggests many more miles ahead.

Red panniers add a splash of practicality to the natural bamboo frame. The setup is classic touring: drops for variety, rack for carrying, mudguards for the inevitable British weather. Nothing flashy, everything functional.

What makes touring special is the self-sufficiency. You carry what you need, fix what breaks, and arrive where you arrive. Building your own bike amplifies this independence — you understand every component because you assembled it yourself.

Charlie's smile says it all. This isn't posed; it's mid-journey. Somewhere between start and finish, with enough experience to know what works and enough optimism to keep going.

The advice lands differently when you see the bike: "Enjoy the process" isn't just about workshop hours. It's about the whole arc — building, loading, departing, riding, arriving, and everything between.

Proper touring energy. Where's the next stop, Charlie? 🚴