Ecuador Entrepreneurship: BooFrame the Bamboo Bike.

WorldWideTech. Francisco De Jesús. Nov 08, 2010

The  bamboo is known as the steel plant. That is well aware Luis Fernando Puente, who is 28, he is an agronomist and works in a plantation of this species. For this reason, two years ago shared with Gaston Zambrano, 32, and also an agronomist, the idea of applying the bamboo to rebuild bikes.

They merely made the first test. The result: a hobby horse of two wheels with a sturdy bamboo frame, but somewhat crude and ugly which still works perfectly. They folllowed then, different experiments, trials and research investigations , until  reach a technique , which has enabled them find the balance between functionality, security and esthetic. And above all, contribute to a greener mobility.

Fewer than 10 people have undertaken a similar project in the world. North American Craig Calfee is one of them. However, like Gaston says, they are the ones that also recycle old frames or have suffered any harm, to give them a new life, keeping the joints maintaining and replacing the metal tubes by the noble bamboo. In addition to creating new frames from ols scrap bikes, they personalize each "cleta" (bike) and put the other parts to the liking of each person.

The manufacturing process of a bike of this nature has a duration of three days and takes place in a workshop located in the northeast of Quito. There, in his spare time and according to the orders arrive, Gaston, Luis and his two collaborators, Carlos Cevallos and Angelo Navas, cut the quadrants they will not use of the aluminum or steel frame. There will be the bamboo. But first it must be treated, through the preservation, curing and drying, to prevent the attack of moths, bacteria or fungi. When the bike is assembled, it is lacquered and the metal parts, painted  . On the steel bamboo they mark the brand name Boo-Frame, 'Boo' for 'bamboo' in English and 'Frame'.

To ensure its functionality the mentors of the project have tried the bamboo bike in the mountains, down stairs, and through strong jumps tests. However, his recommendation is to use it in preference to the route, urban use or 'cross country', but not for extreme maneuvers or the 'downhill'. Although they claim that the challenge is to innovate more and more until you get a bike to work even for more risky maneuvers,  the goal now is to further promote their project and get more to the Amazon Region or Galapagos, where tourists and residents could enjoy.

The 'Booframe' project were among the winners of the program Ecuador Entrepreneurship (Ministry Production Coordinator Office)  which prize them with cash, assessment  and financing for innovative business.

Recycle your old  bike: To give a second chance to your old bike if you want to donate old frames or purchase  green bicycles. Search for "BooFrame Bicicletas de Bambú" on Facebook or call the phones 5939-7127849  or  5939-7245098. Ecuador, South America.