Joe Heart
29th March 2009, 09:47 AM
Greetings all!
This will be my first, and nor the last post on this awesomely informative forum/website. I started this about a week ago and its probably about 80% till done. Although it does hold rideable weight at this point, we'll see how it turns up once I get a 'real' set of wheels rather than the current junkers.
Its going to need a set of 20" BMX style wheels, which is funny because the orginal joints are from a 27 3/4" road bike. Somehow in the process of getting all those nice natural curves to line up, I was left with no option but to move things a little closer.
As far as materials; as said the joints are from an old bike of mine, while the rattan (similar to bamboo) is as well. Its a solid reed type and its kinda humorus where this harvest was got.
If youve ever had the pleasure of sitting in a 'papizan' chair, you might know where im going. I had an old one which after breaking, had to be kept for materials. There are two degrees of natural curve on the chair. I had to weigh out and puzzle piece the sections together to find an idea set of connection points without having to manipulate the shape at all. It was kinda ruff, but it turned out amazingly solid.
After a final lineup and tacking, I did two layers fiberglassing over the joints. Then lightly sanded/shaped, and followed up with one more glassing with burlap. It was cheap, reminded me of fiberglass sheet, and when you have no $$$, you get resourcful.
Im pretty stoked with the current. How do ya'll feel?
[edit] PLUS+++ I'm going to carry over ideas, and start on a actuall bamboo bike this week. After seeing this ride, a friend offered to dontate a MTB frame, and a local cat has a large grove of bamboo hes graciously willing to share. My question within this post is as follows tho; (being im fairly new to bamboo, let what has been shown be a mark at the level of my determination)
Is 'Giant Japanese Bamboo' (as titled by grower) an ideal constrution grade? Further, in such an application as a bicycle frame? Thanks a mill.
Joe
This will be my first, and nor the last post on this awesomely informative forum/website. I started this about a week ago and its probably about 80% till done. Although it does hold rideable weight at this point, we'll see how it turns up once I get a 'real' set of wheels rather than the current junkers.
Its going to need a set of 20" BMX style wheels, which is funny because the orginal joints are from a 27 3/4" road bike. Somehow in the process of getting all those nice natural curves to line up, I was left with no option but to move things a little closer.
As far as materials; as said the joints are from an old bike of mine, while the rattan (similar to bamboo) is as well. Its a solid reed type and its kinda humorus where this harvest was got.
If youve ever had the pleasure of sitting in a 'papizan' chair, you might know where im going. I had an old one which after breaking, had to be kept for materials. There are two degrees of natural curve on the chair. I had to weigh out and puzzle piece the sections together to find an idea set of connection points without having to manipulate the shape at all. It was kinda ruff, but it turned out amazingly solid.
After a final lineup and tacking, I did two layers fiberglassing over the joints. Then lightly sanded/shaped, and followed up with one more glassing with burlap. It was cheap, reminded me of fiberglass sheet, and when you have no $$$, you get resourcful.
Im pretty stoked with the current. How do ya'll feel?
[edit] PLUS+++ I'm going to carry over ideas, and start on a actuall bamboo bike this week. After seeing this ride, a friend offered to dontate a MTB frame, and a local cat has a large grove of bamboo hes graciously willing to share. My question within this post is as follows tho; (being im fairly new to bamboo, let what has been shown be a mark at the level of my determination)
Is 'Giant Japanese Bamboo' (as titled by grower) an ideal constrution grade? Further, in such an application as a bicycle frame? Thanks a mill.
Joe