Stephen's 29er Bamboo Build
Steve built a bamboo 29er using a home build kit. He built the frame over a long period of time. He created a reliable and smooth ride! read more about what he found tricky.
What Made You Decide to Build a Bamboo Bike?
I wanted to build my own bike frame but I didn't want to braze or weld a metal frame. I became interested in working with composite materials and was particularly drawn to bamboo for its sustainable qualities.
Did You Enjoy Building the Bicycle from Scratch and Would You Recommend the Experience?
Yes, I did. Although the process took two years, there were times when I was nervous about something going wrong or had to troubleshoot specific issues. I can be a perfectionist at times, which added to the challenge.
What Did You Find Most Difficult About Your Bike Build?
- Rear Triangle Alignment: Ensuring everything lined up correctly was challenging.
- Tyre Clearance: Getting the tyre to fit properly required extra attention.
- Chainset Clearance: There were issues with ensuring sufficient clearance around the chainset.
What Was the Easiest Part of the Build?
Gluing the front triangle together came naturally and was by far the easiest aspect of the build.
How Would You Describe the Ride of Your Finished Bike?
The ride is very smooth, and the frame is notably stiff, providing a reliable and comfortable cycling experience.
What Would You Improve About the Build Experience or Your Finished Bike?
I would like to develop a quicker method for mitering the bamboo, especially for the larger diameter pieces, which took a long time to work with.
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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