New video series - complete build introduction.
Share
Introducing the Bamboo Bicycle Club complete build video series — your guide to building a bamboo bicycle from scratch.
This introductory video sets the stage for the BBC's most comprehensive build series to date. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced cyclist who wants to understand the craft behind bamboo bicycle construction, this series covers everything you need to know — from selecting the right bamboo culms to taking your finished bike out for its first ride.
"The whole goal of Bamboo Bicycle Club is to make bike-building accessible to everyone."
What the Series Covers
The complete build series is structured around the BBC's workshop curriculum, adapted for self-guided learning at home. The series is divided into seven modules:
- Introduction to bamboo: Understanding the material — species selection, culm harvesting, curing and storage
- Geometry and design: Reading a geometry chart, adjusting for your body measurements, marking out tubes
- Jig setup: Building and setting up the alignment jig for your specific frame geometry
- Front triangle: Assembling the main diamond — down tube, top tube, head tube and seat tube
- Rear triangle: Chain stays, seat stays, and dropout installation
- Lugs and finishing: Wrapping joints with flax fibre, curing, sanding, and finishing
- Component installation: Fitting drivetrain, brakes, bars and wheels — making it rideable
Who This Series Is For
The series is designed for BBC home kit builders, but the techniques and principles apply to anyone interested in bamboo frame construction. Previous experience of bicycle mechanics is helpful but not essential — the series assumes no prior frame-building knowledge and explains every step from first principles.
Tools needed throughout the series: workbench or stable table, hand saw or mitre saw, drill and bits, mixing cups and brushes for resin, sandpaper (80–400 grit), disposable gloves, and the BBC build manual included with your kit.
"Bamboo Bicycle Club follows a niche-manufacturing business model that prioritises knowledge-sharing over profit-making retail, charging for workshops and kits rather than pre-made products."
Subscribe to the Bamboo Bicycle Club YouTube channel to follow the complete series. New episodes release weekly, and the full series playlist is available now with existing episodes.