The point of this product (besides transporting one from a place to another) is to point out that we can reduce our dependence on metals and other non-renewable materials when we replace them with more sustainable ones. The design itself, is the result of an attempt to create a strong structure with an aesthetic form, enabling a greater appreciation of the incredible material that wood is, emphasizing its colours, grain patterns and texture.In the native Brazilian language (tupi-guarani), Embira means wood fiber. The 3kg frame is structured like a box. The walls are made of 4mm plywood and are structured internally with a simple truss of plywood which is later filled with the *mamona p.u foam for extra strength. No screws or nails are used to assemble the frame, only wood joinery and glue.
Although the main target was the frame alone, other parts of the bike are composed of biodegradable products, such as the Brooks leather saddle and grips. The handle bars were picked up free of charge from a bicycle scrap yard and then refurbished.
Materials used for frame:
Freijó wood,
Goiabão wood,
cedar plywood,
Mamona based polyurethane foam,
Pva based glue,
Old metal tubes (steel and brass)
*Mamona = plant which produces oil similar to castor oil[/size]
Materials used for frame:
Freijó wood,
Goiabão wood,
cedar plywood,
Mamona based polyurethane foam,
Pva based glue,
Old metal tubes (steel and brass)*Mamona = plant which produces oil similar to castor oil[/size]
Thomas S.
The bike has clearly a 'cruiser' kind of look to it. I like the concept of an 'organic fiber/resin material combo' is a modern approach. Possibly, the steel use reduction in the bike can be considered an environmental plus, as steel mills are very polluting in general... What about natural rubber on a bike like this?
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