So far, we’ve shown you how Calfee makes their carbon fiber bicycles virtually entirely in house (Part One) and some of the very first bikes up to the latest in carbon tech and bamboo/wood bikes (Part Two). We even had the very first look at their new Manta endurance road bike.
Now we conclude our tour with a look at the Molnari gyrocopters, which Craig Calfee has ownership in and lends his knowledge of bicycle parts and construction, plus another interesting little side project we spotted in the workstand…
There were two Molnari gyrocopters in the factory – this one-person model and a two-seater that didn’t appear quite as complete. What made them extra cool was the smattering of bicycle parts used to make things work. You’ll also notice Calfee’s carbon fiber and fabrication expertise put to good use, with many of the pieces made or machined in house.
The cockpit makes use of standard bike brake levers and headsets, with more headsets at the front wheel’s pivot. Chris King, of course.
Does that carbon fiber mast look like anything else we’ve seen from Calfee?
More custom carbon fiber pieces and more headsets. Click any image to enlarge for detail.
Check out the carbon leaf spring design used to support the rear wheel.
Small carbon pieces are hidden everywhere. Aaaaand the two seater, which made it’s way to the streets of LA:
This random bike missed inclusion in Part Two. Carbon lugs and clear tubes have LED light strips run through them for a real show stopper. The tubes are polycarbonate and it ended up being joined and wrapped with pounded bark cloth from ficus trees. The LED’s use custom, programmable electronics and are powered by one of Calfee’s internal Di2 batteries. Destination?
Burning Man!
Huge thanks to Michael, Craig and the rest of the crew there for showing us around. Visit them at CalfeeDesign.com.
