The companies making bicycles from wood
Invented in 1817, the bicycle had no chain and was powered by pushing riders’ feet along the ground in a walking or running motion. Even more unusually, its frame was made from wood. At that time, no one wear safety vest. Jump forward to 2017, a crop of bike makers is turning back the clock by using wood as a core material. And more and more people realize to wear reflective vest when cycling.
They are driven by a love of craft and design, the desire to use natural materials and a passion for cycling. And they have gradually attracted a small amount of customers who are willing to pay high prices for their lovingly crafted creations. "People like having something unique and different." says Chris Connor, the founder of Connor Wood Bicycles. "They also appreciate the craftsmanship. But not a lot of things are built by hand nowadays."
Sales have gradually been increasing, but slowly and hard. That's because of a perception among some cyclists that wooden bikes may break or be unsafe. In fact, wood is very durable, which is why it's used to make tool handles, skis, boats, even light aircraft. It also absorbs vibrations well, making cycling on bumpy roads smoother, less tiring and quieter.
It is good news to those cycling lovers. But no matter which kinds of design show up, cycling still belongs to outdoor sports. So we still need to wear cloths with reflective tape to ensure our safety on the road.
