So I was at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show yesterday and was in awe of everything that was there. The amount of work and the size of this thing was impressive. With retailers and bike companies that seem to be omni-present its easy to forget that there are still artisans out there keepin’ it real.
There were many things that struck me at the show, not the least of which was the occasional wood bicycle. I don’t think this is terribly new as a artsy cool little project, so let me clarify. There are bikes made of wood that I saw that are sustainable as working bicycles. Let’s be honest here, we are in a sport and culture that embodies the desire to have cool and unique things. Little else feels better than the vanity of showing up to a group ride or race and have people visually oogle your rig.
So I was already on the lookout for the legendary Calfee Designs and his bamboo bikes. I did catch up with him and discuss his work that we’ll include in the podcast. When I spoke with creator Craig Calfee I was struck by his humility and approachability. In talking to him you could see the twinkle in his eye when you talked about his bamboo bikes. You have to see these bikes. They are simply beautiful and totally customizable! I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I have a desire to own one of these plush bikes. A bamboo cross bike or mountain bike seems in order. Calfee said that the bamboo ride is even more supple than carbon when done right and has the right stiffness. Ok, give me a moment to compose myself.
There were other bikes made of wood in the show. Now that I’m sitting down and writing about it, I’m so taken with Calfee Designs that I can’t remember the other wood bikes. Man am I a tool or what? I do have pictures though, so enjoy! More to come!
