Overview

Bamboo Bicycle Club was founded in 2012. Over the years we have grown from a workshop teaching frame building to also provide kits that are built all over the world. Ours is a club is like no other. Our success comes directly from our collaboration with our builders. Every bamboo bicycle is built by a customer, and our names and reputations ride with each build.

ABOUT THE CLUB

At Bamboo Bicycle Club, we’ve been perfecting the techniques of bicycle building for the last 10 years - the array of bicycles that have rolled out of the workshop are testament to the company’s unique self-build philosophy that encourages “learning by making". We offer in-house bicycle design experiences, home build kits and all the components needed for a a self build bicycle build. Founded by James Marr in London in 2012, through a love of bicycles and engineering, the aim was "to give everyone the opportunity to build a bike from scratch!" Regardless of being young or old, a cycling enthusiast or beginner, an experienced mechanic or novice – at Bamboo Bicycle Club, we are committed to enabling people to build cutting-edge bikes that are sustainable and can be completely recycled after many years of usage. All profits are re-invested in R&D, and we work closely with universities to continually test prototype technology for building bicycles. This knowledge is then passed on via educational programs to schools, and to anyone attending a weekend workshop or building at home.

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

We design and manufacture all the custom parts required for frame builds. By utilizing modern technology we are able to continually improve the build process and manufacture and virtual test designs and compatibility. Working with technology allows us to combine natural materials with modern manufacturing methods,.With each of our designs, we are able to align with industry standards so that components are compatible with all of our frames allowing, you the builder to create any setup you want, whether it’s a simple single-speed or a fully-loaded bike-packing endurance machine.By adopting technology we are able to make the building process more accessible and affordable allowing us to help more people to build their own bicycles safely and successfully.

How the Club Began

James Marr was working in rural Wales as an engineer in sustainability when he encountered the problem that would lead to the creation of the business he’s now runs in east London. “I was doing a lot of commuting and I was really uncomfortable on my bike,” he said. “I decided I needed a frame that would absorb more of the vibrations from the road and be more comfortable to ride.“ “I’ve always been someone who just gets on and does stuff and a bicycle gives you that ability. “I’ve always cycled – it gives you a lot of freedom, and I really enjoy that. “I’ve always tried to fix things and build things myself, so I thought I’d make my own bicycle.”


Having lived in the USA and seen people riding bikes with bamboo frames James began researching the material and found it to his liking. “That’s where I got the original idea,” he said. “Bamboo bikes are about 120 years old now – they’ve been around for a while. “Technology has obviously progressed in terms of how you build bikes over time and that’s made making your own much more accessible. “You’re able to create something really decent now, so I thought I’d build one. “I told my best mate Ian McMillan about it, and he joined in. “We used to meet up at the weekends – we’d have some beers and build our bikes. “That was really the inception of the Bamboo Bicycle Club.

Sustainability and self-sufficiency

Sustainability (being green) is a complex and loosely devised term that is used in many industries.

Amongst all this noise it’s difficult to understand what to do and how to make a difference. Ultimately everything comes down to an individual, whom we support, and how they live. This can be a basic choice of which product you choose or how much you learn.

We believe in the future of sustainability is in education and continual learning. We always promoted self-building and skill exchange to allow people to understand bicycles and ensure the longevity of usage.
Carbon Study on CO2 Usage per part.