Custom MTB 29er by Xavier

Custom MTB 29er by Xavier

Design: MTB 29er with Custom Geometry
Build: 29er Home Build Kit
Location: France

What made you decide to build a bamboo bike?

After a first experience of building steel bike during a workshop with LaFraise Cycles, I wanted to make it myself at home. With bamboo bike, no need of blowtorch, marble... Just few tools are needed.

29er Home Build Kit

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

The experience is really awesome, and the first wheel turn on the bike are incredible between the fear of breaking and the joy of riding with it.

Joining the bamboo tubes for a custom 29er Frame

What did you find most difficult about your bike build?

I wanted a custom geometry but it was for me the biggest difficulty. Finding the good length and angle in order to obtain the bike I wanted. But I think now It is a success and it is very satisfying. The building process itself is quite simple, I hope the frame will be strong enough! The finishing process is also quite long to obtain a good result.

Bamboo frame ready for finishing

What was the easiest part of the build?

In comparison with steel frame, you only have to glue the tube together instead of weld it. It is very easy and It is easier to get a straight frame.

Fitting the fork to the frame

How would you describe the ride of your finished bike?

It is a modern MTB with low fork angle, low BB, 29 inch. Everything I want to ride in mountain. The first ride is very cool, smooth but for now I made only easy single tracks. I will try it on single tracks with more rocks and difficulties soon.

Bamboo cable support

Finishing of bamboo frame

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

I have some regrets for the integration of cables, If I had to do it again, I will make a fully integration of cables.

Finished MTB 29er with custom geometry

Finished MTB 29er with custom geometry

Finished MTB 29er with custom geometry