jan re-discovers natural materials with wooden bicycle frame

jan re-discovers natural materials with wooden bicycle frame
all images courtesy of jan

bespoke bicycle manufacturers are slowly re-discovering and returning to the innate aesthetic and technical values of natural materials. wood, for czech company jan, turned out to be perfect for their new bike frame. excellent in terms of flexibility and durability, the element is well-attuned to high dynamic usage. it’s also sustainable, and absorbs vibrations, a characteristic especially important for a comfortable riding experience.

metal components–seat and head tubes, bottom bracket, rear dropout–complement the wooden frame

the frame is handmade without junctions or disruptions. over 40 layers enhance overall durability and improve performance. the bottom portion–down tube, bottom bracket, chain stays–are thick to make the bike firm and strong. whereas the upper sections–seat stays, top tube–are thinner, providing more bounce and counteracting forces on the frame. in its entirety, the frame weighs approx. 3 kilos. (without components)

video courtesy of jan 

by making the frame with wood, it achieves unique qualities that are hard or impossible to mimic using metal or pipes. jan’s focus for the project was to avoid creating another mass-produced product. the wooden bike is meant to create and transcend both technological and archetypal limits, introducing updated thoughts and the possibilities of the future. 

the avocado-shaped wooden frame is made with layered maple and dural 

bottom bracket detail

side view

rear detail, with components

top view

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.