Inspired by a podcast challenge to create something from bent wood, maker Bart Komar embarked on an ambitious journey: constructing a low rider bike primarily from wood. Driven by a fascination with the aesthetics and design freedom of low rider culture, Bart envisioned a unique bicycle crafted from laminated walnut and maple strips. This wasn’t just about bending wood; it was about bending expectations and pushing the boundaries of what a bicycle could be.
The initial design phase spanned a week of experimentation, using thin strips of wood to visualize frame options and proportions. Once the aesthetic direction was solidified, the meticulous process of milling lumber, bending wood, and laminating the frame began. To ensure structural integrity without compromising the desired wooden aesthetic, Bart ingeniously integrated fabricated frame connections within the wooden structure. This allowed for robust joints while maintaining the seamless wood design. Impressively, around 90% of the bike is constructed from wood, including a solid Silver Maple seat, sculpted with power carving tools to achieve its final form and comfortable contours. Rejecting conventional nuts and bolts, Bart opted for elegant brass fasteners throughout the build. These not only provided secure connections but also added a touch of class, beautifully complementing the warm tones of the wooden frame.
Constructing the frame presented its own challenges, particularly achieving the desired curves without exceeding the wood’s breaking point. By carefully cutting thin strips of black walnut and hard maple, and employing lamination techniques, Bart successfully achieved the flowing lines of the low rider bike frame. Alternating dark and light wood strips created a visually striking contrast, adding depth and visual interest to the 2-inch thick frame components. Floating mortise and tenon joints, reinforced with 3/8″ brass dowel rods, were utilized to assemble the thirteen individual frame sections, ensuring both strength and a seamless design flow.
The front forks presented a particularly complex engineering puzzle. Creating wooden forks capable of withstanding significant stress, with a dramatic 180-degree bend, demanded innovation. Bart employed a water bending technique, soaking the laminated wood strips in hot water for two hours until pliable enough to conform to custom-made forms. Once dried and set in shape, these forks were then glued and reinforced with fabricated metal brackets to securely attach the wheels and handlebars, ensuring both the aesthetic and functional requirements of a low rider bike were met.
For the handlebars, Bart sought a touch of exotic flair. He hand-fabricated grips from zebra wood, chosen for its striking grain pattern, adding a unique visual pop and tactile element to the wooden low rider bike.
The initial assembly, however, didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Upon the first weight test, the bike dramatically collapsed, scattering pieces across the workshop. A setback that would deter many, this only fueled Bart’s determination. Working through the night, he reinforced the front fork mounting brackets, upgrading to robust brass hardware to ensure lasting strength and reliability for his custom low rider bike.
Finally, with the 3-sprocket chain assembly in place, the moment of truth arrived: the maiden ride. The exhilarating feeling of the first successful ride was briefly interrupted by another minor setback – the seat detached. Yet, by this point, such challenges were simply part of the journey. A quick adjustment, and Bart was riding his handmade low rider bike with pride.
The most rewarding aspect wasn’t just completing the challenging build, but the public reaction. Riding down the street, turning heads and eliciting surprised glances, validated the vision and effort poured into this project. This wooden low rider bike became more than just a maker challenge; it became a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the unique beauty achievable through handcrafted design. Adding to the triumph, Bart’s exceptional creation earned first place in the Modern Maker Podcast challenge.
