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Bamboo I-drive Proto

Apr 22, 2008
92
3
Rotorua, NZ
Built this for 4x & trail riding. I belive it is a 1st for bamboo rear suspension category, could be for a reason will see how long she lasts. Not a fan of I-drive but got a good deal on carbon rear end so it seems like a good time to log in some hrs on this system. Any pros & cons with I-drive would be appreciated.
 

skatetokil

Turbo Monkey
Jan 2, 2005
2,383
-1
DC/Bluemont VA
Interesting. I have a bunch of similar looking bamboo on my property in VA, but I'm not sure it would be strong enough once it started to dry out. How did you treat the raw bamboo? Also, what kind of fiber (w/epoxy i assume) did you use to lash it all together?
 
Apr 22, 2008
92
3
Rotorua, NZ
Interesting. I have a bunch of similar looking bamboo on my property in VA, but I'm not sure it would be strong enough once it started to dry out. How did you treat the raw bamboo? Also, what kind of fiber (w/epoxy i assume) did you use to lash it all together?
Its not so much the type of bamboo that you use but how you treat it is the key. I use a combination of torching and solar oven to treat the bamboo to cure it. I have been using native NZ flax fiber dipped in epoxy to lash together.
 

skatetokil

Turbo Monkey
Jan 2, 2005
2,383
-1
DC/Bluemont VA
Also, if anybody wants to try their hand a building a frame like this, I'd be more than happy to supply fresh cut or even cured bamboo poles. You could even send me the frame dimensions and I could select a complete tubeset for you from the huge goddamn grove of 30 ft tall bamboo plants that has taken over my yard.

PM me with details of what you want and I'll give you a quote.
 
Apr 22, 2008
92
3
Rotorua, NZ
Finally had a chance to get in two 4 hour epics with a bit of every kinda terain to test out bike performance. I changed frame design to beef up shock mount area. There is definetly an extra demension of shock absorbtion going on compared to the aluminium I drive front end. The bamboo version is just as stiff but has a much creamier ride in that high frequency to mid-range bumb chatter area, very smooth. Will post action shots when I get a chance.
 

skatetokil

Turbo Monkey
Jan 2, 2005
2,383
-1
DC/Bluemont VA
Finally had a chance to get in two 4 hour epics with a bit of every kinda terain to test out bike performance. I changed frame design to beef up shock mount area. There is definetly an extra demension of shock absorbtion going on compared to the aluminium I drive front end. The bamboo version is just as stiff but has a much creamier ride in that high frequency to mid-range bumb chatter area, very smooth. Will post action shots when I get a chance.
Awesome.
 

bdamschen

Turbo Monkey
Nov 28, 2005
3,377
156
Spreckels, CA
What did you do to install a headset? metal inserts? or just press the headset directly into the bamboo?

Cool idea... can it get soggy if it gets too wet?
 
Apr 22, 2008
92
3
Rotorua, NZ
Had to go with poor mans build for now but I am not Mr. Gucci as I like to push the limits of mid to low end old parts as a hobby. Still using sram 9.0 sl rear der from like 97, I give it a break every 2 to 3 bikes but the thing just wont go away. Overall bike wieght is a hefty 32lbs but plenty of room for improvement when I drop some coin on some gucci stuff, its been awhile since I've ridden something cool enough to inspire a parts fetish. Switching some parts over from trail riding mode to 4x parts for some shuttling this weekend, will get some vid & action shots if the thing doesn't snap in half.
 
Jun 20, 2007
349
9
Wow, that is amazing. Very cool idea. I would be scared to ride it hard, but if it works, huge credit to you. Very interesting project, thanks for posting! Action shots, please.
 
Apr 22, 2008
92
3
Rotorua, NZ
cool enough to inspire my first post.
Thanx for kind words bro! These pics are not of free ride bikes but of latest comuter bamboo bike. Hooked up with Craig Calfee & joined his bamboosero program. Check out bamboosero.com for info on purchasing or just want more info on bamboo bikes. Working on rear suspension stuff for NAHBS in Virginia next year.:thumb:
 

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