Renovo’s Hardwood Bike Frames

(Via Core77)

Check out Portland-based Renovo Hardwood Bicycles’ R4 Pursuit, made from two CNC’d halves of wood bonded together lengthwise (yielding a hollow core). I love the blending of media and these are a beautiful example of art and craftsmanship. In their web site, designer Ken Wheeler makes the argument for why wood makes for an “heirloom quality” bicycle frame that competes quite nicely against steel, aluminum and carbon bikes.

Be sure to take a look at take a look at how they make the frame, their beautiful product photography and their luscious wood selection. They also make bamboo frames. These guys have really propelled this novelty application of natural materials into art and a real-world, viable technology… These bikes are sweet.

Wood Tires Might Be More Fuel-Efficent

Researchers at Oregon State University say they have found a way to use wood fibers to make car tires better for the environment. By replacing up to about 12 percent of the silica used as reinforcement in conventional tires with microcrystalline cellulose (a product that can be made easily from almost any type of plant fibers), researchers indicate they could have traction and strength comparable to conventional tires… and make cars more fuel efficient in hot weather.

More info here.

Making The 3107 Chair

Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark, the Model 3107 chair is one of the most popular (and most copied) chairs in Danish design history. It takes nine sheets of maple veneer, two layers of cotton backing, up to five coats of paint, and 11 days to make a 3107 chair. Dwell magazine takes you to the floor of Fritz Hansen’s stackable-chair factory to show you how it’s done. Be sure to check out the slideshow.