Photo: My Boo
People have started to pay more attention to how their lifestyle choices impact the world and are more interested in learning about sustainable living practices. Since cycling is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable modes of transportation, many choose to travel on two wheels. All the better if those two-wheelers are also made of sustainable materials.
Some of the most eco-friendly materials for bicycles are wood and bamboo, and the manufacture of these kinds of bicycles is slowly developing. A great example of a sustainable two-wheeler comes from the Germany-based company My Boo, which specializes in the manufacture of bamboo bicycles.
Bamboo bikes are nothing new, as several manufacturers have experimented with the material before, but My Boo has decided to take the idea a bit further by building an electrically-assisted mountain bike from the same material. It is called My Atakora and is specifically created for riders who want to venture deep into the backcountry wilderness but also care about the planet.
The performance-oriented eMTB comes equipped with the popular Shimano EP8 motor delivering 85 Nm of torque and a 504 Wh battery capable of up to 111 miles (180 km). Thanks to its innovative sensor technology, the EP8 drive ensures driving dynamics that adapt to every riding situation.
Now, some of you might be wondering if bamboo is strong enough for a mountain bike. Bamboo is, in fact, among the strongest materials in nature, so bicycles made from it are incredibly strong and durable and have a very low carbon footprint, especially if the bamboo is sustainably sourced. Moreover, bamboo is completely renewable, as it only takes three years to grow, and it also generates 30% more oxygen than other trees.
Considering the powerful motor fitted on it, the frame needs to be built to exacting standards, and the company claims the frames they use on their bikes undergo rigorous quality testing before venturing on the trails.
Each bamboo frame is unique as they are hand-made in Ghana and receive a high-quality varnish for a long service life. First, the bamboo stems are dried for several months, and when they are completely free from moisture, they are cut to measurement and joined together with hemp cords soaked in glue to create the frames. After going through strict quality checks, the frames are painted and then sent to My Boo's factory in Kiel, Germany, to be used in future bikes.
The My Atakora is the first e-mountain bike model of the German brand and is made to the European safety standard for bikes EN14746. It is an e-hardtail bike featuring a 100mm-travel RockShox Recon suspension fork and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Depending on the configuration, the eMTB can be fitted with a Shimano Deore XT or SLX circuit with 12 gears each.
Besides stability and solidity, bamboo was also chosen for the My Boo bikes for its lightness. The My Akatora EP8 tips the scales at just 50.7 pounds (23 kg) and rides on Shimano MT501, 27.5" wheels shod in Schwalbe Smart Sam tires.
A My Atakora Pro model is also available for purchase, with a Fox Performance suspension fork, Shimano XT 12-speed gearbox, and DT Swiss H1900 wheels.
In terms of pricing, the basic My Atakora EP8 starts at 5,499 Euros, which translates to about $6,092 USD at current exchange rates.
Bamboo bikes are nothing new, as several manufacturers have experimented with the material before, but My Boo has decided to take the idea a bit further by building an electrically-assisted mountain bike from the same material. It is called My Atakora and is specifically created for riders who want to venture deep into the backcountry wilderness but also care about the planet.
The performance-oriented eMTB comes equipped with the popular Shimano EP8 motor delivering 85 Nm of torque and a 504 Wh battery capable of up to 111 miles (180 km). Thanks to its innovative sensor technology, the EP8 drive ensures driving dynamics that adapt to every riding situation.
Now, some of you might be wondering if bamboo is strong enough for a mountain bike. Bamboo is, in fact, among the strongest materials in nature, so bicycles made from it are incredibly strong and durable and have a very low carbon footprint, especially if the bamboo is sustainably sourced. Moreover, bamboo is completely renewable, as it only takes three years to grow, and it also generates 30% more oxygen than other trees.
Considering the powerful motor fitted on it, the frame needs to be built to exacting standards, and the company claims the frames they use on their bikes undergo rigorous quality testing before venturing on the trails.
Each bamboo frame is unique as they are hand-made in Ghana and receive a high-quality varnish for a long service life. First, the bamboo stems are dried for several months, and when they are completely free from moisture, they are cut to measurement and joined together with hemp cords soaked in glue to create the frames. After going through strict quality checks, the frames are painted and then sent to My Boo's factory in Kiel, Germany, to be used in future bikes.
The My Atakora is the first e-mountain bike model of the German brand and is made to the European safety standard for bikes EN14746. It is an e-hardtail bike featuring a 100mm-travel RockShox Recon suspension fork and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Depending on the configuration, the eMTB can be fitted with a Shimano Deore XT or SLX circuit with 12 gears each.
Besides stability and solidity, bamboo was also chosen for the My Boo bikes for its lightness. The My Akatora EP8 tips the scales at just 50.7 pounds (23 kg) and rides on Shimano MT501, 27.5" wheels shod in Schwalbe Smart Sam tires.
A My Atakora Pro model is also available for purchase, with a Fox Performance suspension fork, Shimano XT 12-speed gearbox, and DT Swiss H1900 wheels.
In terms of pricing, the basic My Atakora EP8 starts at 5,499 Euros, which translates to about $6,092 USD at current exchange rates.
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