Bamboo is the fastest-growing grass in the world, one of the most renewable materials known to man. It’s also strong, yet biodegradable, so when a product made from it is no longer usable in its original state, it won’t end up sitting in a landfill for decades or centuries. That’s why it’s so cool to see all sorts of interesting products made of bamboo, like this minimalist bicycle.
With a design based on Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes, this bicycle by industrial designer Michael Verhaeren uses bamboo poles as its primary components rather than steel or aluminum. All it takes to assemble the basic parts, including the seat, wheels, pedals and chain, are basic metal joints.
These connectors eliminate the need for potentially toxic epoxy connections, which are often used in other bamboo bike designs. The resulting design is clean and simple, practical and eco-friendly. In fact, anyone with some mechanical proficiency and access to bamboo might be able to replicate this idea on their own.
Bamboo is just one solution in a recent renaissance of bicycle design. Check out more cool futuristic bike designs and high-tech cycling accessories.

