Calfee Bamboo?

[Jeff N.]

The latest issue of "Bicycling" has a short writeup about a frame made of bamboo from, I think it was, Calfee. They're pulling my leg, right? Jeff N.

[DfCas]

If you go to the Calfee site,they are now in production.One was used several years ago at Ironman,and Craig Calfee has commuted on one for some time.I think its the the most elegant frame I've ever seen.

dan

[wasfast]

The latest issue of "Bicycling" has a short writeup about a frame made of bamboo from, I think it was, Calfee. They're pulling my leg, right? Jeff N.

River City Bicycles in Portland, Oregon has one on display. While it's not a bad idea, I thought it wasn't very pretty appearance wise. It's certainly a novelty though.

[JohnS]

I wonder if it has that "dead wood" feel like cf? :D :banana: :D :banana:

[1centaur]

Craig Calfee asked on the Calfee forum a few years ago if we would be interested in a bamboo frame. My answer was that the natural variation in bamboo would make each bike ride somewhat differently, and I would be unwilling to buy into that randomness when I can choose materials precisely engineered to the task, but I was almost alone in the opinion.

I like the looks, and can imagine buying one that was in a store, but I would still be uninclined to order it as a custom. Maybe a test ride would change my mind - a great example of how those saying test rides never tell you anything just don't get it when it comes to understanding frame materials.

[ClutchCargo]

I wonder if it has that "dead wood" feel like cf? :D :banana: :D :banana:

if Robin Williams rides a Serotta, maybe Cheech and Chong will ride the Big Bambu! :D :D

[Kevan]

You gotta install your bottles tri-style, off the back of the saddle.

[The Spider]

Tri style?

Well that's done it! No bloody way! Why don't I just wear a t-shirt with the word "dork" on it?

(cheque book thrown away in disgust)

[William]

Pretty cool looking. What do one of these puppies run?

Hmmm, it's got a bamboo tube set....

Yellow Bamboo, 2" x 12' at about $14.30

What about Green speckled Bamboo generally used for construction? About $12.50 for 1-1/2" x 12', $15.20 for 2" x 12'

Ok, let's say they get fancy and use "Tortoise Shell" Bamboo which runs about $35.00 for a 2" x 10' length.

Carbon lugs, glue and a fork? This thing should come in well under $1,000. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

William ;)

[dave thompson]

Pretty cool looking. What do one of these puppies run?

Hmmm, it's got a bamboo tube set....

Yellow Bamboo, 2" x 12' at about $14.30

What about Green speckled Bamboo generally used for construction? About $12.50 for 1-1/2" x 12', $15.20 for 2" x 12'

Ok, let's say they get fancy and use "Tortoise Shell" Bamboo which runs about $35.00 for a 2" x 10' length.

Carbon lugs, glue and a fork? This thing should come in well under $1,000. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

William ;)
The Bamboo Calfee, made from Black Bamboo, runs from $2695 to $3195.

[William]

The Bamboo Calfee, made from Balck Bamboo, runs from $2695 to $3195.
Small diameter Black bamboo used for musical intruments & decorative projects:

1-1/2" x 12' at $11.90
1' x 12' at $6.25

Larger Diameter Black Bamboo used for construction and decorative projects:

2' x 12' at $15.20
2.5' x 12' at $16.75
3" x 12' at $21.50

Either your paying for the "Name" or it must ride really, really, really, really nice.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

William ;)

[DfCas]

What do you think the tubesets cost on high-end bikes?I've heard that a ti tubeset costs $400,but I really don't know.I think raw materials are insignificant in the costs involved to bring a frame to market.

Being in business is just expensive.

dan

[Jeff N.]

Tri style?

Well that's done it! No bloody way! Why don't I just wear a t-shirt with the word "dork" on it?

(cheque book thrown away in disgust)Agreed. Finally someone said it. Jeff N.

[William]

What do you think the tubesets cost on high-end bikes?I've heard that a ti tubeset costs $400,but I really don't know.I think raw materials are insignificant in the costs involved to bring a frame to market.

Being in business is just expensive.

dan

I just try to be an edumacted consumer. Research the product, compare to the competition, and understand what goes into it. I understand people are trying to run a business, but by the same token I'm trying to spend wisely. If I feel the mark up is above and beyond reasonable, I'll pass. I know different people have different definitions of "reasonable". I guess to me it's a difference of what I feel is healthy profit vs. gouging profit.

Again, just my take on it.

William

[gasman]

From what I understand it takes a long time to find the right diameter bamboo that will be structurally sound enough to make the frame. They waste or don't use a lot of bamboo. Of course each one is hand built .
I wouldn't think of these bikes as custom jobs tuned to your specifications, they really are just a novelty that will give you something to talk about when you ride it or hang it on your wall. I would love to have on just for fun--too bad I can't afford that kind of fun.

[gdw]

Interesting concept. Does anyone know if dried black bamboo and hemp string can survive a wet ride?

[Blastinbob]

CALFEE bamboo tandem (http://www.bikefanclub.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1852&password=&sort=1&size=medium&cat=506&page=)

[split]

I took these pics in SF last year. It was a sweet looking frame and VERY light.

[The Spider]

Check out the handlebar....it's a Calfee carbon project bar...but they have used an MTB riser bar!

This sport makes me smile!