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I’m not a big exerciser. I don’t like to lift weights, jog in the dark or ride bicycles for enjoyment. And, if you’ve had the opportunity to meet me at one of the woodworking shows in which I’ve participated, or if you’ve scrutinized the photos in my articles, you’re probably thinking, “it’s obvious he’s not into exercise.” Maybe that’s why I’m on the larger side of average.
What’s all this have to do with a woodworking blog entry? In the past few days I had a web site brought to my attention , that of a builder who uses computer numerical control (CNC) machines to create bikes. 
Normally, you would have to promise me a slice of homemade pie to get me to look at a site dealing with bikes. But this is a bit different. Founded by Ken Wheeler, Renovo Hardwood Bicycles of Portland, Ore., makes the frames out of wood. 
Renovo’s information-rich web site mentions ash, Brazilian cherry and purpleheart as a few hardwoods that are great for bike frames. I also found a mention of vertical-grained fir being used. Why wood? The company expounds wood’s ability to dampen vibrations and stand up to abuse better than more typical bike-building materials. And bikes built from wood are lightweight , weighing in at 16 , 19.5 pounds, depending on the size.
These bikes are so light due to the fact they’re hollow (you have to love CNC machining). The Renovo frame is computer designed and machined, then the frame components are assembled, waterproofed and finished with paint and environmentally responsible polyurethane.
This past weekend Renovo Hardwood Bicycles exhibited at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS). In perusing the many web sites connected with the show (I started at this archived blog at bikeportland.org), I haven’t found much mention of Renovo. Maybe the unveiling was less than stellar, but dig around and you’ll see the competition was tremendous.
One interesting tidbit I did find is that the fifth anniversary of the NAHBS (2009), is being held in Indianapolis. That’s a short drive from us here in Cincinnati. I’ll plan to make the show , but only to see where woodworking and bike building cohabit. Not because I’ll be into exercise.
If you were in attendance in Portland this year and you have further information on Renovo or the show, please add your comment below.
Since the posting of this entry, I received this message from Mr. Wheeler in response to a couple questions. Below is his message:
“The Hand built show was our first public exposure, and the bikes were well received. We’ve been profiled on most bike web sites and are swamped with interest and orders. People like the wood concept, as well as the sustainability,” writes Wheeler.
“Frame prices start at $2000 and depend on the type of rear end, wood, configuration, etc. We use select hardwoods whose mechanical properties meet our stiffness and hardness criteria.Typically Jatoba, Ash, Maple, Hickory, Black Walnut, Brazilian Walnut and others.We have used Douglas Fir which is stiff enough, but which also dents easily because it is so soft. The machining process is complex, requiring 6 separate operations, and the hand finishing and bonding is considerable. It takes up to a week to complete a frame.”
