Gear 08/27/2008

Waldmeister Bikes

Check out the amazing Waldmeister Bike!. It’s produced by Supernova Design, they only make one per month, and they cost about $15,000.

Click-thru for more pictures, and a lot more information about how great & environmentally positive (although not cruelty-free) the bikes are.

The Waldmeister Bike is environmental friendly on several different levels.
Cycling as such is the most energy efficient and therefore the most environment-friendly mode of transportation, of course. More than any other bike, however, the wooden Waldmeister also promotes a generally environment-friendly lifestyle for design-conscious people. When environment-friendliness becomes accepted in society or even becomes fashionable, this will have a considerable impact on the environment.

The copper beech wood core of the frame is made of a renewable material acting as a C02 sink by removing more than 3500 litres of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Wood does not become dangerous to the environment during the production process and can even be thermally processed at the end of its extremely long service life. The optional thin top layer of rare wood is ecologically harvested and helps to preserve the woods in its country of origin. The glue holding together the up to 100 thin layers of plywood is water-based and ecologically harmless.

Being a naturally growing material with very good mechanical properties, the production of wood is especially environmental friendly and actually contributes considerably to a cleaner environment. The locally harvested wood is processed according to high ecological standards in Germany. The plywood layers of the frame are carefully glued together by hand and pressed with air pressure in a process that takes much more time than automatic production but is also more energy efficient. The minimalist, high-quality equipment of the bike saves production energy and material. The bike frame is shipped from the producer near Munich to the assembly in Freiburg in wooden reusable boxes. The production of the frame in south Germany avoids the usual long-distance transportation of bike frames from producers in low-cost countries.

Lifetime
In contrast to metals, which will fatigue, corrode or break after a comparatively short lifespan, high quality plywood can withstand the vibrations arising in any bike frame without losing stability. Because of its extremely stable design, the frame easily survives the toughest fatigue tests normally only used to test mountain bikes. The frame is protected from water by three layers of high-quality varnish, although the glue holding together the layers would already suffice to make the frame waterproof. The metal inserts holding the crank arms and fork are made from titanium. Technically, the frame is designed to last for hundreds of years, like a good piece of furniture. The especially great emotional value of the Waldmeister bike also ensures the longevity of the product, making it popular for generations.Unlike most other products that only hold a fascination until they are surpassed by yet another technical revolution or a supposedly superior material, the Waldmeister bike is timeless and will always fascinate with its unique design and choice of material. The Waldmeister is not designed to have a limited service life. The frame can be easily refurbished by any wood expert and all bike parts can be exchanged if damaged. If used properly and treated with care and respect, the Waldmeister frame can last for many generations.

Design
The design of the Waldmeister is unique and absolutely new. The frame is designed without seat tube, giving it some vertical flexibility. The two wooden arches have been calculated to optimally make use of the natural properties of wood, filtering vibrations out and giving the bike a pleasant, relaxed ride quality. The option to fit the attached parts to the customers’ measures further improves the ergonomics of the bike. To make riding even more comfortable, the optional mountain gear integrated into the crank set allows the rider to climb steep mountains easily as well. The technically excellent design is matched by an equally special appearance. The noticeably high quality of the surface is achieved by applying several layers of veneer, giving the smooth surface a special gloss. For a bike, the design has been kept very clear and puristic. Freed of the static seat tube normally found in a bike, the Waldmeister obtains a special kind of aesthetics. Like a predator ready to pounce, the Waldmeister radiates immense dynamics with a mysterious aura of easiness.

Tags: bikes, design, environment, waldmeister