VeloSwap Lazy Bee Cross Boo - Bamboo Frameset Build

[MazdaFlyer]

My previous build thread became encumbered with an attached cartoon meme which I can’t seem to shake.

I obtained the bamboo frame from the 2019 October VeloSwap meet in Denver. An amazing array of bike stuff there and the previously built bamboo frame is the piece that spoke to me.
I started a fresh find thread for the frame for which I’m providing a link.

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/bamboo-frame-set.109966/

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[MazdaFlyer]

I’m not looking to build a theme bike with this frame. I had the springer fork which I salvaged from a Felt bike that was sitting unused. I had some of the other mock-up parts and I sourced a few others.
The two main triangles are bamboo with typical metal components for attachment of mechanical parts. It’s interesting how it all fits together, maybe somewhat crude but early carbon fiber followed the the same technique. Bound together with hemp fiber and epoxy.
I purchased the frame from the builder but didn’t write down and don’t remember his name. He was from a Denver area and has a shop. He did autograph the CAD geometry drawing. Guess I need to change the build title to match the frame name.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Current mock-up as of now.

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[MazdaFlyer]

The rear dropout width was 130mm my wheelset was 120mm. So I added a longer axle and a 5mm spacer on each side to get the wheel centered up.

The rear cogset is an older Maeda Suntour 5 speed. I’m trying to used a NOS 7 speed non indexed derailleur with Suntour friction shifter. Just got the crankset so the chain and adjustments are forthcoming. May work, may not, time will tell.
The frame geometry was set up for 700c, I’m using 26”x1.75” tires due to the limited lower chain stay spacing. Keeps my old body and soul active.
If this becomes a rider I’ll probably shorten the steering tube some.

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[MattiThundrrr]

What is the weight of the frame? In my mind, it's heavy like wood, but I know bamboo is light, with good strength. I'm also curious about flexiness, but that will have to wait until the test ride. This will get you lots of attention on the bike path!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

What is the weight of the frame? In my mind, it's heavy like wood, but I know bamboo is light, with good strength. I'm also curious about flexiness, but that will have to wait until the test ride. This will get you lots of attention on the bike path!

Forgot to weigh the frame prior to adding parts. Didn’t seem much heavier than a comparable aluminum frame though. I’m also curious about the possible flex.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Put the crank, chain and pedals on today. The rear derailleur adjusted pretty easily and after checking tightness of stuff and adjusting seat height I went for a couple of test rides. Frame is sorta compact but seems to ride smoothly. Not noticing any frame flex and it survived my 225 lbs.

Pro-Class dimpled Maeda Suntour 5speed wheelset and NOS Suntour derailleur.

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[MazdaFlyer]

I need to decide on grips, leaning towards the wood but the orange are more comfortable.

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[MazdaFlyer]

Lazy Bee Cross Boo

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[horsefarmer]

All very awesome! What kind of pedals are the build?

 

[MazdaFlyer]

All very awesome! What kind of pedals are the build?

Thanks! It’s one of those projects that I think has some room for future improvements in terms of components. Now that I know it works I’ll start with a little better brake calipers.
The pedals are from Specialized, maybe 10 years back. Think they were called “The World” pedals. I bought three pairs when a Specialized store was closing them out. I figured this bamboo frame bike was unique enough to rock them.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Current condition.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Really man, the brown grips look ugly.

To each his own, they match the bamboo look.


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[MazdaFlyer]

Some chrome cottered cranks would look good. Not the old rusty ones, but some brand new ones. https://www.ebay.com/i/122315983466...jdE5aY_c22sDBAJ1wJ-xF_DuftHv0WPRoC9G0QAvD_BwE

We have a good square taper bottom bracket at present. I’m watching some other crank options.


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[MattiThundrrr]

I'm not calling out anyone specific, I've been involved too, but I've never seen a bike receive as much criticism as this one does. I feel bad for it, it'll develop a complex if we aren't careful!

 

[MazdaFlyer]

I'm not calling out anyone specific, I've been involved too, but I've never seen a bike receive as much criticism as this one does. I feel bad for it, it'll develop a complex if we aren't careful!

Not your typical metal frame material bike. A minority material bike, not mainstream, haters here, sadly just like the real world.

During the #14 build off I was chastised for stating what a “rat rod bike” meant for me. Seems like negative criticism is in violation of one of the forum rules.

FORUM RULES - READ THESE FIRST!
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...SE-FIRST!.79330/&share_type=t&link_source=app

I have big shoulders though, again to each his own. Build what you like, ride what you build.

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[order99]

Well, I consider Bamboo to be an excellent material for Bikes-a bit trickier to work with than cro-moly and a torch, but very rewarding...

And MazdaFlyer, as far as i'm concerned you can build with PVC, Jute twine, Crazy Glue and parts from a wrecked Baby carriage and i'll still cheer you on from the sidelines-seriously, have you SEEN some of the builds around here? If these:

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-goon.82022/#post-960599

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/phantom-retroadster-mk-2.92285/

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/check-out-this-fold-up.96353/#post-960598

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/steampunk.93382/#post-926982


-are considered Rat Rod Bikes, why NOT yours? Looking forward to your build...

 

[MazdaFlyer]

Well, I consider Bamboo to be an excellent material for Bikes-a bit trickier to work with than cro-moly and a torch, but very rewarding...

And MazdaFlyer, as far as i'm concerned you can build with PVC, Jute twine, Crazy Glue and parts from a wrecked Baby carriage and i'll still cheer you on from the sidelines-seriously, have you SEEN some of the builds around here? If these:

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-goon.82022/#post-960599

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/phantom-retroadster-mk-2.92285/

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/check-out-this-fold-up.96353/#post-960598

https://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/steampunk.93382/#post-926982


-are considered Rat Rod Bikes, why NOT yours? Looking forward to your build...

Thanks! The burrito style bikes have never been a draw for me probably because my old body wouldn’t work too well with them and I don’t have welding equipment.
The pedal car talks to me, I’ve seen some other neat ones, the mini bike not so much.
The steam punk bike is over the top, my kind of stuff.
Yes there is a multitude of creativity in this forum.


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[RustyGold]

I'm not calling out anyone specific, I've been involved too, but I've never seen a bike receive as much criticism as this one does. I feel bad for it, it'll develop a complex if we aren't careful!

I just looked through all the comments on this bike frame set in both main threads as well as the bamboo bikes thread, and aside from Grant's tactless grip comment...and perhaps your giraffe comment (I saw it as a funny comment, not a criticism)...there is nothing but good vibes being directed at this bamboo creation. There is no persecution of bamboo or MF.

 

[RustyGold]

During the #14 build off I was chastised for stating what a “rat rod bike” meant for me.

If these:

...

-are considered Rat Rod Bikes, why NOT yours?

NOBODY has criticized MFs bikes...he does GREAT work...his bikes are WIDELY applauded. There was no persecution. A rule has been made, long ago, because discussions based on this one silly question have led to chaos and discord. Those two posts I quoted are proof in the pudding. One mention in a post...and then the very next post tries to re-stir up a hornets nest THAT NEVER EXISTED!

Come on guys...lets focus on the VERY COOL bamboo bike, please .