frame cycles' eco-friendly cork bike saddle is durable, lightweight, and water resistant

sustainable fr-1 bike saddle is crafted from cork and titanium

Crafted from molded reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium, the FR-1 Bike Saddle reimagines the traditional bike seat, spotlighting sustainability and a dedication to preserving ancient cork oak forests. By Scottish company Frame Cycles, the seat capitalizes on cork’s inherent qualities, incorporating its durability, light weight, cushioning capacity, elasticity, and water resistance to eliminate the need for plastic in a modern bike saddle.

all images courtesy of Frame Cycles

Frame Cycles preserves cork oak forests in portugal

Developed over a three-year period by designers Evan Gray and Matthew Macindoe of Frame Cycles, the FR-1 was launched as their inaugural product in October 2023. The team responsibly sources cork, a material derived from the bark of cork trees (Quercus Suber) through a practice that promotes the trees’ health without causing harm, by stripping the trees of their bark every 8-10 years to boost their carbon consumption by 3-5 times. This process ensures the saddle’s eco-friendly footprint and contributes to the conservation of vital forests, fostering diverse ecosystems.

The FR-1’s cork components undergo a journey from Portugal, where they are molded, to Glasgow, Scotland. Here, the parts are sanded and treated with a water-based lacquer, then integrated into the stamped and welded titanium substructure, creating a saddle that weighs in at under 300g.

crafted from molded reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium

Frame Cycles recognizes the broader implications of its design choice, introducing cork into the biking realm to enhance the cycling experience while contributing to the preservation of ancient cork oak forests endemic to Portugal and southern Spain. Facing challenges from declining demand due to adaptations in the wine stopper industry, expanding cork’s applications into products like the FR-1 becomes a strategic move to safeguard these unique ecosystems.

the seat capitalizes on cork’s inherent durability, light weight, cushioning, elasticity, and water resistance

FR-1’s cork components undergo a journey from Portugal, where they are molded, to Scotland

Frame Cycles spent three years refining the shape and testing different densities of cork

the cork seat pad is supported by a grade 5 titanium sub-structure

project info:

name: FR-1 Bike Saddle

brand: Frame Cycles

lead designers: Evan Gray and Matthew Macindoe

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom