Wooden bicycles, lots of pics

Sven works with wood too:
http://www.stolz-mit-holz.de/index.html

His site doesn`t show off his projects very well, but he`s posted this one video about his "Bulldog" bike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik5MEh3GAO4
[youtube]ik5MEh3GAO4[/youtube]

Not an ebike, but the same possibilities for pack storage, and it`s fun to see how he has integrated other electrics into the frame...

Looking forward to seeing watt his new "Pornobike" looks like.

Tks
Lock
 
http://www.splinterbike.co.uk/

as seen on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGMMDISadcw
[youtube]rGMMDISadcw[/youtube]

Screencap from the vid:


The splinterbike site has a page of pics of wooden bikes... eg:
wooden_bike_2.jpg


Probably Australian judging from the number of lightening holes...
:wink:

Wonder who'll set the first land speed record for a 100% wooden ebike... It'll have to be a downhill EVent... :D
10Ck
 
I'm still waiting for a levered front suspension using laminated bamboo as a leaf-spring, I may have to make it myself...

I am reminded of the exceptional British WWII DeHavilland Mosquito, and also the Germans used some wood laminates in supersonic missiles with suprisingly good results (Aluminum was in shortage near the end of the war)
 
splinterbike looks pretty cool but theres limited info on it. it would be interesting to know that there really is a bike made entirely of wood, no metal bearings or axles or anything like that. but it still seems like there isnt an wooden electric bike. :lol:
 
def215 said:
... it would be interesting to know that there really is a bike made entirely of wood, no metal bearings or axles or anything like that. :
Click to expand...

anything is possible...but why ?
wooden axles and bearings could not last and wooden wheels would be too heavy,...so why bother.
I doubt a wooden frame can ever be as strong, durable, or light weight as even steel.
wood has beautiful aesthetics, and is a delight to work with, but as a practical material for making bike components ...is is seriously limited. :cry:
 
Guess these are about as "wooden" as plywood:

These folks:
http://www.webking.be/museeuwbikes/
At Museeuw Bikes, we have perfected a process to combine flax fibre with carbon fibre which produces a composite material exclusive to Museeuw.

Museeuw Bikes hybrid weaves are made out of bast fiber bundles and loosened elementary fibers combined with regular carbon fibers.
Click to expand...
museeuw-mc5-med.jpg


Then this year:
The Schwinn Vestige bike has won a 2010 Eurobike Gold Award for innovative design. The Schwinn Vestige is built from natural, biodegradable flax fibers and coated with water soluble paint, a first in the bicycle industry.
Click to expand...
schwinn-vestige-flax-fiber-bicycle.jpg

Its organic, recyclable Flax fiber provides similar performance benefits as a carbon fiber frame, but its construction process produces a much lower carbon footprint. On top of that the natural flax fiber has a high phonic insulation which gives it a superior ability to absorb and dampen vibration, even compared to carbon. Product highlights include:

•Translucent tubes allow for stunning visual appeal when illuminated by the Vestige's internal lighting system. The frame lighting system is powered by the front hub dynamo, eliminating the need for batteries and maximizing energy efficiency.
•Fenders and grips are made of a natural bamboo material
•Tires are made by Schwalbe and include a unique recyclable rubber insert.
Click to expand...

Glow-in-the-dark wooden bike! ...errr, fiber bike...
Lock
 
Hillhater said:
def215 said:
... it would be interesting to know that there really is a bike made entirely of wood, no metal bearings or axles or anything like that. :
Click to expand...

anything is possible...but why ?
wooden axles and bearings could not last and wooden wheels would be too heavy,...so why bother.
I doubt a wooden frame can ever be as strong, durable, or light weight as even steel.
wood has beautiful aesthetics, and is a delight to work with, but as a practical material for making bike components ...is is seriously limited. :cry:
Click to expand...

that would be splinterbike, in the link that lock has posted below. id like to know the same thing when this bike is supposed to go for the world speed record for wooden bicycles. :|

Lock said:
http://www.splinterbike.co.uk/
Click to expand...
 
Hillhater said:
...anything is possible...but why ?
wooden axles and bearings could not last and wooden wheels would be too heavy,...so why bother.
Click to expand...

From the splinterbike site:
Ultimately we are doing this to prove a point, to turn a dream into reality but at the same time we would like to draw your attention to our chosen charity for whom we are raising money in order to support their worthy cause.
Click to expand...

So it seems just for fun, and for a charity... Looks like they will set a record in 2011 with a triathlon athlete on the seat. I'll guess he'll draft up to speed just to run a measured mile. So the bike only needs to survive a 4-5 mile run then fall apart after...

I doubt a wooden frame can ever be as strong, durable, or light weight as even steel.
Click to expand...

My only race experience is on the water, high performance (Olympic class) dinghies... The woodies were EVery bit as competitive as those built outta frozen snot (poly glass foam sandwich composites.)

Wood and other natural fibers eg flax are little different than carbon and glass and kevlar etc when it comes to plastic composites.

Lotsa competitive race vehicles (and vessels) out there that are completely impractical for "street", but they're "development" classes... pushing envelopes and blowin' stuff up so that the rest of us don't have to...

Cheers
Lock
 
Great to make things from wood to show it can be done , but lets not get carried away with the idea that it can be a genuine practical alternative to metals for bike components.
I Suspect most people would find it much more difficult to construct a frame from wood than from steel , for whilst it may be easier to cut and shape, making strong rigid joints is much trickier than welding /brazing etc.

PS: ..not many race sail boats ( Americas Cup, LV Cup, Sydney Hobart, etc) are made from wood these days.
 
Hillhater said:
PS: ..not many race sail boats ( Americas Cup, LV Cup, Sydney Hobart, etc) are made from wood these days.
Click to expand...
:D
Very good point Hillhater. I can only blame cultural basis... Lots of evidence to support natural fibers eg "wood"... The Gougeon brothers back in the `80's... where NASA was looking to replace aluminum wind turbine blades watt kept failing...The Gougeons produced much superior results from laminating Douglas fir:
http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19910000814_1991000814.pdf
http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19830019076_1983019076.pdf

Nice thread here:
http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/44136/Wind-Mill-Blades

One quote:
In my wing, I used pretty traditional wood stick ribs, spaced to keep the 1/8 thick skin from flexing. In a blade like yours, the skins could be relatively thicker, and the ribs could be integrally molded into the skins -- I'd think you could mold each blade in two pieces (front and back side) and glue them together.

All sorts of possibilities. Even thin plywood for skins and aircraft spruce (perhaps from the company of that name) for spars can make a light, strong structure. The old Bellanca had wood wings like this and performed very well -- better than the typical spam can (aluminum plane). Aircraft grade spruce is very expensive.
Click to expand...

...this from a fellow that that imagineers beautiful structures like this:
windrocket_pic_40BF99AA-C3B8-AE58-3302D660BA2063CF.jpg


1ocK
 
http://www.wheels.ca/article/792817
What are cars made from these days? Would you believe, vegetables?

This is not new. Bio-composite materials have been around since the 1920s, when Henry Ford built prototype car components, including dashboards, door panels and passenger compartment parts, out of hemp-derived plastics.
Click to expand...

“A car made from grass may not sound sturdy,” says Lawrence T. Drzal of Michigan State University’s Composite Materials and Structures Center, “but plant-based cars are the wave of the future.”

Bio-fibres like kenaf, hemp, grass, corn straw, flax, jute, henequen, pineapple leaf and sisal offer light weight and strength and thereby help extend fuel mileage...
Click to expand...
:D
loCk
 
http://www.rawbamboobikes.co.uk/
We offer a unique service to the UK Cycling industry; being the only dealer of bamboo bikes , offering a wide range of bike types suiting all ride disciplines, and budgets.

All frames are made entirely of bamboo, and are bamboo with hemp lugs, or with fibre glass/carbon fibre, making the frames flexible yet robust.

Bamboo bike frames create a smooth ride quality with a beautiful frame.

Based in the North of England, and serving the UK and Europe, we offer the opportunity to test ride a bike before buying, and guidance through the purchasing process.
Click to expand...

panda%20design%20green%20web%20small.jpg


New%20Geared%20Alfine%20web%20small.JPG


Some of the bikes they picture are labeled Calfee:
single%20speed%2029calfee%20mtb%20web%20small.jpg


tks
loCk
 
bbs_logo.png


about
We spread the benefits of bike-making.

We've taught over a hundred fifty people to make bikes at the Bamboo Bike Studio. Tens of thousands of miles of test riding. Riding through winter, through potholes and all over the world. We are helping to start a factory in Ghana in September, with the goal of providing the lowest cost and highest value bicycles to people who want them most.

We love what we are doing. It started and will continue in little rooms. I hope you take the lessons we've learnt and spend some time in a little room of your own. Bring in a friend, drink some coffee, put on your light and put on some music, and build yourself a bike.
Click to expand...

workshop
Build your own bike in two days at our workshop in Brooklyn or San Francisco.

We supply all tools and materials, and as much - or as little - help as you need.

We don't assume any prior experience, but a strong work ethic and an appetite for the unfamiliar is essential.

Build a Frame ($632), and add your own components at home or your local shop. With the Full Bike option ($948) we help you select and install all the components you need to ride away on a bike you made yourself.

Write bikes@bamboobikestudio.com for more.

Get started on your bike. Reserve your workshop by placing a deposit ($200) below.

For updates on workshop availability, follow our twitter feed or join our On-Deck List
Click to expand...

03.jpg
 
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=9200
MANILA, Dec. 26 (COMSTE/PIA) -- The Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) identified the development of electric vehicles and green transport as priority projects of the commission for 2011 in an en banc meeting held at the Senate recently.
Click to expand...
101226-ncr-ebike.jpg


The Bamboo electric bicycle is lightweight, weighing only 18 kilograms a full 3 kilograms lighter than conventional electric bicycles. The electric motor (200W, 36V-10A) and battery of the bicycle has a range of 30 kilometers on a 5 hour charge when used over level ground but since the bamboo electric bicycle is a hybrid, where the electric power is used only for assisting the biker for uphill climbs or to get a boost of speed, the range is multiplied several times over.
Click to expand...

Full article in the link
loCk
 
Lock, you're one of the posters that keep this place interesting! This looked familiar, so I whipped out my Google. Its a faithful replica of the first ICE vehicle. Daimler made it in 1885. He chose a motorcycle and wood as a medium for the same reason, he needed to show his vision of the ICE's application as quickly as possible.

Otto, Daimler, Maybach, and Benz knew each other. The common steam technology around them meant they could order readily available pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, and crankshafts of just about any size. Bosche invented the coil and spark plug, which allowed many municipal light generation power-stations to convert from steam over to burning natural gas.

Petroleum oil was being pumped to refine into now-valuable kerosene lamp-fuel, (since whale-oil had become scarce and expensive), and as a result benzine (gasoline) was a dirt-cheap byproduct.

Maybach went into designing airship engines, and since they (Zeppelins) could fly higher than ground-fire could reach, he hoped to get a big government contract by promoting them as a war-weapon.

Otto and Diesel both struggled and never enjoyed the success they deserved without a big-hit product. I think they both just wanted to license their inventions to manufacturers.

Benz immediately went into making cars, but with no car loans availble for several decades, buyers had to pay full price, plus common roads at the time were barely adequate for horses. His entire life was a struggle.

Daimler was the one who enjoyed almost immediate success. Every nation had many cities on rivers, and trade was conducted with boats. Steam-boats of all sizes and types required an expensive steam engineer, and even then there occasional explosions. Daimlers cargo-boat engines sold easily, and customers demanded ever bigger versions. (like RC motors now?)

Daimler only began making luxury cars later as a side business, because nothing that was for sale at the time suited him. The German depression in the 1930's resulted in the government ordering Daimler and Benz to merge (five other companies were similarly merged to form Audi), resulting in what we now have as Mecedes-Benz.
 
Thanks SM :)
spinningmagnets said:
Daimler made it in 1885. He chose a motorcycle and wood as a medium for the same reason, he needed to show his vision of the ICE's application as quickly as possible.
Click to expand...

Yah, kudos to Daimler, yet he still hadn't see this coming:
Parcelle_1890.jpg

:lol:
LocK
 
Now that is amazing! I think we all can appreciate his gear reduction methods. :lol:

Spin and Lock, you both contribute much to this forum. :p
 
http://www.boobicycles.com/world/index.html
Boo Bicycles was created in 2009 by Nick Frey, a multiple national champion, professional cyclist, and mechanical engineer. Over 18 months of research and development at Princeton University has resulted in high-performance, expertly-engineered bamboo bicycles.
Boo Bicycles are built with the highest quality and attention to detail. Every frame is handmade and requires 50 hours of labor. The ride quality of bamboo is unmatched--Boo is stiff and light, but the smoothest riding material on the market.
Click to expand...


Seen here:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/ar...frame-bikes-race-ahead-with-Des-Moines-native
Nick Frey believes he's the only professional cyclist who designs and sells his own bike frames — and likely the only Princeton University-educated engineer doing so.

Frey, 23, a native of Des Moines and a Roosevelt High School grad, has started Boo Bicycles. The custom bikes are sold in about a dozen stores nationwide, including Lance Armstrong's shop, Mellow Johnny's, in Austin, Texas.
Click to expand...

He and classmates built a bamboo bike for a class project and raced it. In 2009, after getting his degree in mechanical engineering, he launched Boo with loans from his parents and friends. The bamboo is specially grown in Vietnam and bikes are built there by James Wolf, who has two decades of experience building bamboo furniture.

Because of the labor involved, the frames, which are made with carbon fiber joints, cost about $2,700-$3,000. Frey, who now lives in Fort Collins, Colo., will outfit a full bike for around $4,500-$6,000, depending on the components.
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Frey has sold 60 bikes, but none through bike shops. His goal is to sell no more than 150 to 200 a year so he can provide personal service. Boo brought in about $260,000 in revenues last year, and he poured all his profits into the business.
Click to expand...

tks
10Ck
 
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