Core77

Wooden Splinter Bike dubbed "engineering marvel"

By Sam Dunne - April 28, 2011

in Materials | Object Culture | Cars

This blog is no stranger to wooden or, indeed, bamboo bicycles. The "Splinter Bike" by English craftsman Michael Thompson, however, is a very different animal. Barring a touch of glue and lick of paint, this beast is made entirely from wooden parts—not a nail, screw, nut or bolt in sight...not even a chain or rubber tyres.Apparently the fruit of a friendly wager, Michael now hopes his creation will set a land-speed record for wooden bikes, raising money for charity Shelter Box, with friend James Tully at the salvaged broom-handle handle bars; perched on the wooden saddle.

The Splinter Bike's biggest achievement—making this a real engineering marvel—has to be the 128-tooth cog that replaces the need for a drivechain.

The bike has yet to be tested, owing to a difficulty in finding a suitably smooth surface to ride it on—but we'll be sure to keep you updated on how the bike holds up. Be sure to check out Michael's blog to see the bike coming together in the workshop.

Here's the stats:

Weight: 31 kg Gear Ratio: 4:1 Cog: 128-tooth Top Speed: 31 mph (estimated)

Frame: Birch Ply Wheels: Birch Ply Cog: Birch Ply Axle: Ekki (hardwood) Bearings: Ironwood Handle Bars: Salvaged broom handle

Man hours for production: more than 1000 Amount James bet Michael that he couldn't do it: £1

(via The Guardian Bike Blog)

o

Favorite This
Q
4

Comment

Comments

VectorPile

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

@Tim Mills

That's exactly what I thought as well. Except I won't be reading the manual...nor ride it.
!Report as spam
Tim Mills

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Just to give you the full picture: this isn't meant to be a practical application, it is simply a British eccentric creating a new category for a land speed record. The wheels have a low profile rim of adhesive (the same adhesive used to glue it together) they create an exceptionally grippy surface! Only designed of course to go in a more or less straight line for the record attempt. there is only enough steering to correct the bike should it start to drift off center. You're right it is awesome, and Michael has indeed engineered a marvelous machine. Will it travel fast? You'll have to wait for the documentary to find out.
!Report as spam
Idlehands

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Yeah, Mike, but as soon as you make that compromise, it loses its point and Michael loses his 1 pound (apparent not allowed to use the pound symbol in comments) bet. If you're willing to go 10%, why not 15%? Don't get me wrong, I am scared to see this try to turn a corner for lack of friction...

Not everything we do as designers has to be useful on its own. Who knows, there may be something to walk away from this with to apply to other bikes. Maybe not. Either way, it's awesome!
!Report as spam
Mikebdesign

13 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

I hate to say it, but having a 90% wood and 10% rubber bike would make this about 90% more useful.
!Report as spam