riddler 0 #1 May 30, 2011 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/05/30/eco.wooden.bike/index.html?hpt=C2 Quote ... Six months later the SplinterBike emerged from Thompson's workshop in Norfolk, England. It's a massive undertaking for something ridiculous like riding a wooden bike. Made from a mix of hardwoods and plywood, getting around having chain was one of biggest challenge as the bike needed to have a high gear to theoretically reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). The result was a 128-tooth gear cog that connects the pedals to the rear hub. It's at a similar gear ratio to the kinds of bikes ridden by World Champion Chris Hoy, says Thompson, "but we're looking to get something like half of what could be achieved on a normal bike like that because of the other factors involved, such as friction as wood is being used for bearings and things like that." ... Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #2 May 30, 2011 I've seen a few wooden bikes here in there at bike shows. That's on top of all the bamboo ones out there. But they've always looked like a traditional bike, not like that one!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiLFy 0 #3 May 30, 2011 Though nowhere near as intricate, this reminds me a little of John Harrison. One of the earliest proofs that he was a genius came w/a tower clock he was commissioned to design & build on a large estate. It took him two years, being completed in 1722. It's in Brocklesby Park, & has been running continuously ever since. Almost three hundred years from a radical new design, made almost entirely of various woods. Key to his design, was using a tropical tree's wood for specific parts usually requiring lubrication. Lubricating oil was a major cause of a mechanism's inaccuracy. This wood slowly exudes its own natural oils = problem seen & solved. Those interested can learn more, here: http://www.amazon.com/Longitude-Genius-Greatest-Scientific-Problem/dp/080271529X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306768959&sr=1-1 It's a wonderful little book. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,393 #4 May 30, 2011 What the hell has happened to the BF?Riddler's wooden bike thread has already had 2 responses, (3 now), but my Boob-Cam thread has none. "There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #5 May 30, 2011 Boobs are pretty common...not every day ya see WOOD! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 1 #6 May 30, 2011 Quote What the hell has happened to the BF?Riddler's wooden bike thread has already had 2 responses, (3 now), but my Boob-Cam thread has none. If the cam actually showed boobies the whole time the guys would flock to it. She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #7 May 30, 2011 Quote Boobs are pretty common...not every day ya see WOOD! That's cause yer gettin old! They make a pill for that problem of yours."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opendore 0 #8 May 30, 2011 I find it strange that there are over thousand views in less than a day... with only, now, seven replies. Very interesting. Most threads I see (Bonfire only) that have over 1000 have about 40 replies, and they are around for a few days at least. People must really like wooden bikes. I don't have a license for this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,051 #9 May 31, 2011 Hi riddler, A local guy: http://www.renovobikes.com/ JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,257 #10 May 31, 2011 Quote Hi riddler, A local guy: http://www.renovobikes.com/ Those things look absolutely gorgeous, and it sounds like they ride pretty well too. A little bit cheeky though, to use light weight as a selling point when you're charging $3k for a 5lb frameDo you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #11 May 31, 2011 Quote Quote Hi riddler, A local guy: http://www.renovobikes.com/ Those things look absolutely gorgeous, and it sounds like they ride pretty well too. A little bit cheeky though, to use light weight as a selling point when you're charging $3k for a 5lb frame Well bike frames don;t grow on tree, tho'knows. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #12 May 31, 2011 Quote$3k for a 5lb frame A little cheeky? lol They are gorgeous... And I guess for a TT they would work, but for all day ridding, 5lb is a bit much!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shah269 0 #13 May 31, 2011 Does that have rubber wheels or is it going to be wood on wood...insert gay joke here.Life through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds is necessary to ensure happiness and to keep chaos at bay. The only thing that falls from the sky is birdshit and fools! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #14 May 31, 2011 Quote Boobs are pretty common...not every day ya see WOOD! particularly at your ageYou are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #15 May 31, 2011 I put it out...took THAT long for someone to come back with it...kids huh Divot?! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldwomanc6 38 #16 May 31, 2011 Quote I put it out...took THAT long for someone to come back with it...kids huh Divot?! Check post #7 lisa WSCR 594 FB 1023 CBDB 9 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #17 May 31, 2011 Quote Quote I put it out...took THAT long for someone to come back with it...kids huh Divot?! Check post #7 Ahhh....I never pay any attention to what that Polack says! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #18 May 31, 2011 What can I say. Not much internet access in Cloverport, KYYou are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #19 May 31, 2011 Quote Does that have rubber wheels or is it going to be wood on wood...insert gay joke here. How did Pinocchio know he was made out of wood? His hand caught on fire! "I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #20 May 31, 2011 Quote What can I say. Not much Internet access in Cloverport, KY Not much electricity or running water either I'm betting! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #21 May 31, 2011 Quote Quote What can I say. Not much Internet access in Cloverport, KY Not much electricity or running water either I'm betting! Why for you need electricitie or watar? Ya ain't gotta get showr'd up to take yer sista to them movis 'for she puts out!"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #22 May 31, 2011 But plenty of fishing, four wheeling, and grilling or frying dead animals-good weekend but no boating (too much debris floating down the Ohio)You are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,051 #23 May 31, 2011 Hi jakee, Quote A little bit cheeky though, Do you know the difference between rape & romance? Salemanship! JerryBaumchen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #24 June 1, 2011 QuoteA local guy: http://www.renovobikes.com/ Wow. Those are beautiful.Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #25 June 1, 2011 Quote Quote What the hell has happened to the BF?Riddler's wooden bike thread has already had 2 responses, (3 now), but my Boob-Cam thread has none. If the cam actually showed boobies the whole time the guys would flock to it. Boo! Bies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
