Why hand-crafted, high-tech wooden bikes give a better ride
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When CNC (computer numerical control) technology reached a point where wooden bicycles could be made- at least partially- by machine, Ken Wheeler- who is neither woodworker nor engineer, but a very advanced tinkerer- decided the time was right to start building wooden bikes. Wheeler built the first 12 and then set up shop in Portland, Oregon, where today, a CNC machine can build up to 1000 frames per year. Though the automated part is only the beginning. Once the frames come off the machine they need hand-crafted finishing work. At first Wheeler tried employing cabinet-makers to smooth and perfect the bicycles, but "that didn't work" so he turned to artists and today many of his employees moonlight as sculptors. This dependence on crafters makes wood a demanding material, but the extra labor pays off. While wood lacks the structural firmness of carbon fiber, Wheeler argues it more than makes up for this with its ability to absorb vibration better than carbon, making for a very smooth ride. Also, given the wide range of woods to choose from- Wheeler has identified 53 different hardwoods qualified to be used for bikes-, wooden bikes can be more closely-tailored to individual riders and their riding styles. Wood also withstands impact very well. Wheeler showed me a test block where they'd dropped a weight on frame tubes. The steel and aluminum tubes had obvious dents. I had to look closely to see the mark left on Renovo's wood composite. A crafted bike is also a more expensive bike (at least 4 thousand dollars for just the frame), but Renovo cycles are comparablely-priced with high-end carbon race bikes. Some professional riders have made the switch to wood. Even Robin Williams is a fan and a frequent visitor of the Sausalito showroom. What makes a wooden bike truly magical is its ability to outlive us. When you crack a carbon-fiber bike, it's usually time for a new bike and perhaps, a stint on bustedcarbon.com. If you bust a wooden bike, it can be mended and can recover most, if not all, of it is original strength. There are no dents that can't be refinished, so timber-built two-wheelers can be, in Slow Design parlance, heirloom pieces. "You can pass them along to your grandkids," hopes Wheeler. More info on original story: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/why-hand-crafted-high-tech-wooden-bikes-give-a-better-ride/ Music credit: "Cannonball" by Paperhand Lincoln http://www.paperhandlincoln.com/
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Very beautiful. Which glue did you use to resist wood?
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Proof bike designs have tipped. There's nothing left to try it's all been done
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The forks on backwards
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how much does it weight?
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from the Renovo channel: "The frames are hollow; road, 4-5 lbs, mtn, 5.5-6 lbs"
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Bravo I love it. Who does your wheels?
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Nice idea and they look great imho. But what about wood eating bugs? What if my wooden frame will be hijacked by a bunch of some tiny creatures who eat my frame up while I'm driving on my wood bike.
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Brit's are so stupid.
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The problem I see with using wood is that there is no precedent that has withstood the test of time. Show me a functioning wooden bike in 20 years and I might become a believer.
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If I had that kind of money I would love to get one. Nice looking.
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Retarded crap for retarded hipsters
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I don't understand why anyone would say wood is not stiff in torsion. I found a reference that gives the Modulus of Rigidity as 1.7E6. Steel is 11.5E6 but ten times heavier than wood. With a lighter material it is possible to exploit the advantage of a larger diameter. Seems to have a lot of potential.
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What about weight? Is it much more heavier than carbon frames..
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So, would momentum be lost in a wood frame?
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They are beautiful wooden bikes.
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i like!!!
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It's going to suck when it snaps on you while your riding
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I've broke steel frames on trees. So would hitting a expensive piece of wood on a bigger piece of wood break? Mind blown
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Something to make your self and hand down!!
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