Behold, the SplinterBike — a bicycle made completely from wood that is capable of hitting a top speed of 31 mph! The cycle uses exclusively wooden components — from axles formed from hardwood ekki to cogs, wheels and a frame built from birch ply to “metal bearings” made of oily ironwood. The pedals and handlebars were constructed from an old broom handle. The design team believe that the bike has the potential to set the speed record for wooden bikes, but alas, none of them have actually ridden the bike, as there is no surface smooth enough to ride it.
Via Gizmodo
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What … no surface ANYWHERE is smooth enough to ride it? Even indoors at a velodrome, or on a rubberised running track?
Then … what is the point?
Also 31mph is pretty paltry, not to mention a meaningless figure (surely depends on the rider?), unless it’s geared so that it’s likely to break your kneecaps and tear your achilles tendon at 32… I’ve broken 35+ on mild downgrades and Tour de France riders can maintain that on the flat quite often.