UKC Forums - Carbon Fibre or Wood?

Carbon Fibre or Wood?

This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.

Christheclimber 02 Jul 2014

Looking to buy a bike would you recommend one made of wood?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28122309

Clarence 02 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:

It looks absolutely stunning but I am not sure I would trust it on the potholes around here. Mind you, a puncture repair kit and a bottle of Resin W would probably see it back in service after most mishaps.

LastBoyScout 02 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:

Saw some at the BeSpoked bike shoe earlier this year: http://woodelo.ie/

Beautiful, and surprisingly light (hollow), but I'm sticking with carbon fibre.

Also see: bamboo bikes, cardboard bikes, etc, etc.

krikoman 02 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:

Flint's a hard wearing alternative

Mikkel 02 Jul 2014

In reply to LastBoyScout:

I would love one made of bamboo, mostly to be able to say my bike is made of grass.

Timmd 02 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:
For some reason I'd definitely buy one from that man, with how he makes so few per year and has been building boats since he was a young teenager, he somehow inspires confidence.

Post edited at 21:32

The Potato 03 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:

Carbon fibre goes without saying. Wood will contain unpredictable structures and defects which would lead to handling and safety issues.
Might be ok for some applications but in general no.

OP Christheclimber 03 Jul 2014

In reply to LastBoyScout:

Thanks for the link, it looks great.
Have you read "Gironimo!: Riding the Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy" by Tim Moore? He rides it on a vintage bike with wooden wheels! Good humorous and well written read

GwilymR 03 Jul 2014

In reply to Christheclimber:

These guys seem to think they are a good idea.
http://www.renovobikes.com/
They can take a dent better than carbon apparently

gd303uk 03 Jul 2014

In reply to Mikkel:

i would like a bamboo bike also, £320 for a kit.

http://bamboobicycleclub.org/

Timmd 03 Jul 2014

In reply to ow arm:

> Carbon fibre goes without saying. Wood will contain unpredictable structures and defects which would lead to handling and safety issues.

> Might be ok for some applications but in general no.

That's a very sensible caution, if you look at how the craftsman in the video bonds the thin and flexible layers of wood together, it seems that any defects would be visible during the process of making the frame.