Quick, what can you make from some wood, axe and hammer handles, some pipe, saw blades, and a handfull of bike parts? Answer – Craig Calfee’s humorous take on the “workhorse” bike. Easily one of the most creative uses of non-bike-parts-as-bike-parts of the show, the Workhorse is definitely hand built, and definitely unique…
Getting over the obvious fact that this bike is made predominantly out of wood, a cursory glance at the front of the bike clues you in that this is not a normal build. Sporting a handlebar made from segments of pipe, and ergonomic grips made from the wooden handles of hammers (hatchets?), the wacky handlebar sits on top of a custom made dual crown fork.
The fork legs are made from axe handles, of course. The rest of the bike makes the 29+ wheels seem completely normal.
Normally you shouldn’t stick your fingers near the rotors, but in this case you should definitely stay away. Who needs rotors when you have circular saw blades? Who knows, they might actually be cheaper than replacement rotors!
All of the bits add up to one hefty bike, so the Workhorse is equipped with a rear wheel stand. Again, it’s made from pipes.
A Workhorse is no good if you can’t stash your tools, so the bike features a massive seat/bench that includes a lockable storage space that also holds the battery.
The Workhorse was part of the Gates Carbon Belt drive electronic display, which included a number of bikes equipped with various e-motors and systems. The Calfee addition uses a Bosch Power drive motor with a Nuvinci rear hub.
ANT’s BioniX equipped townie had some nice lines, and this awesome shifter built in for the rear hub.
Co-Motion brought Bosch power to a tandem that was equipped with a Nuvinci rear hub as well. Tandem power plus electric assist? This will be one fast tandem. Where’s the battery?
Dean Titanium’s Bosch Bike looked really good, and features an integrated rear rack. Just don’t impale yourself on the back…
Ti bikes were a popular choice for the display with additions from Eriksen and Ti Cycles. Even though the Eriksen commuter has a nice rack, the battery is mounted in the frame freeing up cargo space and keeping it from being back heavy.
Not an e-bike, but this beautiful Shamrock commuter was decked out with a Shimano Alfine Di2 system.
