We don’t build bicycles of wood to just be different.
Our background in aircraft design led us to the unique structural properties
of wood as used in aircraft, and we recognized that a bicycle frame of wood could benefit from those properties as well. Even though bicycles have been built of wood since the 1800s, the advantages
of wood were always masked by the heaviness of the frames, because none were hollow. Until now.
Meet the Renovo Hardwood Monocoque (hollow frame) Bicycle.
- Hardwood delivers a magically smooth ride thanks to wood’s unique ability to dampen vibration. You feel it immediately.
- At the same time, the frame is stiff. You may be surprised to learn that weight for weight, wood is as stiff as high-tensile steel.
- So you get crisp, tight handling, great climbing and fast, sure-footed descents coupled with an incredibly smooth ride, because wood doesn’t trade stiffness for smoothness.
- The hardwood frame withstands greater abuse than butted metal or carbon frames, where even a minor dent or scratch can ruin a frame.
- Hardwood has a fatigue life that rivals carbon and is substantially longer
than steel or aluminum. It’s an heirloom quality frame, not just another disposable product.
- Oh, and it’s light. A complete bicycle weighs from 16 to 19.5 pounds depending on size, specific wood, and components.
- The Renovo bicycle is environmentally friendly. Wood is sustainable and we
finish it with environmentally responsible coatings.
- And finally, wood is warm, beautiful, complex, deep and sensual in ways that man-made materials can never match.
After a 60 mile ride on a Renovo, a competitive cyclist and Colnago owner
said, “That was the most memorable ride of my life. Sorry I left you guys
behind, but the bike is incredibly smooth, it just wanted to fly.”
The Renovo frame is computer designed, then machined on a computer controlled machining center, which assures the bicycle geometry precisely reflects the design. Much like a handmade metal bicycle, the frame components are then bonded together, sealed against moisture, sanded and painted by hand. The finish is ultra-tough linear polyurethane.
Our designs undergo extensive structural testing, and are ride tested for many miles by both competition riders and recreational cyclists. Patents are pending.
Each frame is custom made. Customers may choose hardwoods ranging from the pale blonde of ash or the rich reddish brown of Brazilian cherry to the lush purple beauty of purpleheart, and many more.
Renovo bicycles are made in Portland Oregon, of course.
Please see our price and information packet for more details about construction, geometry, available materials and options, and of course price and ordering information. Also, feel free to contact us at info@renovobikes.com.
Copyright 2007 by Renovo Bicycles.
Semper Velo
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