High-Tech Hand-Crafted Wooden Bicycles Offer Better Ride [Video]

Renovo is a Portland-based bicycle builder with a twist. In-keeping with the philosophy of the founder of the company, Ken Wheeler, the bikes’ frames are all made of wood. A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine carves out the basic shape of the frame from a single piece of wood.

After the automated process ends, the frame is then hand shaped and polished to reach a level of quality (and look) unmatched by any bike - even one made of conventional materials. So, why has Ken chosen wood as the material of choice for his creations?

Well, according to him, the material has “excellent” properties, it’s light, strong and it gives the bikes an incredibly smooth ride quality. The bikes are also made from ‘sustainable’ hardwoods as well as bamboo and employ the use of low VOC finishes.

Factor in the excellent durability special look, offered by the lacquered wood and you will have a unique bike which will definitely make both you and other people smile as you ride along - a rarity nowadays.

Story via treehugger.com