There has certainly been no shortage of Bamboo bikes recently, though in most cases they have been from smaller hand built brands building custom bikes for their customers. Bamboo Bee bikes is looking to bring bamboo bikes to the masses, but not just any bamboo bikes – technologically advanced bamboo bikes.
Just what is a technologically based bamboo bike? Good question – to start with, Bamboo Bee points out very clearly that bamboo can crack when the fibers dry out. To prevent the frames from cracking, Bamboo Bee developed a proprietary frame strengthening method that is two fold. First, the bamboo is infused with honey. Yes, honey. We’re guessing that might have something to do with where the name came from, and probably keeps the internal structures of the bamboo from drying out. Second, each bamboo tube is actually double-wall. One smaller piece of bamboo is bonded inside of another larger piece, resulting in a much stronger tube.
In addition to the relatively low tech frame improvements, Bamboo Bee hints at utilizing modern technology like Bluetooth and GPS in their bikes as well.
The video mentions that the bikes could have built in alarm systems that will alert you via text message if your bike is being stolen, and then can be tracked by GPS to retrieve it. However, this technology looks like it will only be developed if the Kickstarter funding reaches the lofty $600k mark, a far cry from the $21,631 currently pledged with 27 days to go.
Never the less, the bicycles are intriguing without the electronic bits thanks to their hand built, reinforced design that carries EN certification and a 10 year warranty.Each of the bikes is hand built in a village in China, and supposedly takes around 38 hours to craft. In order to keep each bike unique, Bamboo Bee uses minimal processing of the bamboo’s exterior and offers multiple finishing options of the lugs.
Currently, there are only two models offered for the Kickstarter – the Revolution and the Sunny, though there are quite a few build options for each. In addition to the bikes there are a ton of options for pledges from clothing to bamboo water bottle cages, saddles, and even rims.
