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Wood bike

’m a software engineer at Boeing and a weekend maker.

The thinking behind using plywood for a bicycle frame is to

replicate some of the shock absorption seen in mountain

bikes. Also, using wood as a composite can create a very

tough and strong building material. With the right design,

the bike frame should flex and offer a smooth ride. It took

around six months to build, with a lot of shaping, sanding, and

varnishing. I used it for three to four years as a mountain bike, and

it worked pretty well. However, I broke the head tube and the seat

post, and repaired it. Also, there is a bit too much flex in the crank

when you pedal hard. Some parts need to be as rigid as possible,

while in other areas I want flexibility, and with more engineering it’ll

work great. I have other ideas and designs for wood bikes that I’ll

build at some point, but for now I converted this bike into a cruiser-

style bicycle, and I enjoy riding it around my neighbourhood.

I

By Jason Cram hsmag.cc/wfMDej

Right

Plywood is light,

flexible, and perfect

for (most) of a

bike frame