FAQ

 

Are bamboo bike frames strong? 

Bamboo is a very light building material, yet it is three times stronger than timber. When compared with steel, bamboo has a greater tensile strength, meaning it can withstand more tension or stretching pressure before breaking.


Do bamboo frames last?

Bamboo frames can last for many years depending on how you care for it. Bamboo frames are tough and able to withstand pressure. Since the material is a natural, rusting cannot occur on the frame.


How do I care for my bamboo bike frame?

Bamboo frames do not require any special care. They can be treated just as you care for your steel or aluminum bike. They are easy to maintain. Please go to our product care page for more information on how you can care for your bike.

 

Is there a metal rod inside the bamboo frame? 

No. The bamboo fiber is designed to withstand shocks and also flex more. Bamboo is the strongest plant you can find and we select each piece with care. So there is no need for metal rods in our bamboo bike frames. 


How are the bamboo pieces affixed? 

The joints of our bikes are joined together with plant fiber and plant-based resin epoxy, making the joints very strong and resilient. 


How do you make sure it’s weather-proof? 

Our bikes are coated with a three part polyurethane coating to protect the frame against the weather elements. The coating also prevents the frames from rapidly changing temperatures which could otherwise lead to cracking. 


Is it easy to swap out components if I want to? 

Our bike frames use standard components and so it is easy to swap the components. Some people who have bought our bikes have used different brand components including Shimano, Microshift and SRAM.


Why isn’t bamboo used more widely?

The strongest, thickest bamboo needs tropical conditions to grow so the everyday bamboo you might have in your garden is unlikely to be suitable for products that need strength and longevity. It’s used extensively in Asia for scaffolding including  tower block builds which seems surprising to our Western eyes but its flexibility and strength works well in windy conditions. It’s also used as a building material in earthquake-prone areas.

How do I choose my size?

Your size will be based on your height and inseam measurement. You can choose your size base on the bike type in the diagram below:

Hybrid and City Bike Size Selection Guide

Rider Height

Inside Leg

Suggested Frame Size

ft & inch

cm

inch +/- 1

cm +/- 2.5

inch

cm

5.6+

167

29

74

18

45

5.8+

172

30

76

19

48

5.9+

175

30

76

20

52

6.0+

182

33

84

22

55

6.2+

187

34

86

23

58

6.3+

192

35+

88

24

61

 

 

 

Gravel Bike

Height

Inseam

Bike Size

160cm / 5’3”

75cm / 29.5"

48cm (X-Small)

170cm / 5’7”

80cm / 31.5"

52cm (Small)

180cm / 5’11”

85cm / 33.5"

56cm (Medium)

188cm / 6’2”

89cm / 35"

60cm (Large)

196cm / 6’5”

93cm / 36.5"

62cm+ (X-Large)

 

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