Invented at a time when most safety bicycle frames were heavy, bamboo was used because it was strong, lightweight and free from corrosion. However, they were not as long-lasting as steel and were also prone to damage, so not many of the original bamboo bikes were made. Later cycles made by the company apparently used steel disguised as bamboo. By 1899, the world’s first bicycle boom was over and like many other cycle manufacturers, the company went out of business.
This example came from the leading collector of Bamboo cycles, Peter Hoyte. However, he did not get round to restoring it before he died, and when I bought it five years ago, it was fitted with broomsticks instead of bamboo (See photos below). Its headbadge is not original, and it was not built pre-1900.
Over the years I tried using various types of bamboo without success. This year I discovered that modern bamboo bikes were being built in Uganda. As I have friends in Entebbe I visited them in April, 2026 with the dismantled bike. We met Obiro who lives in Entebbe and works with bamboo, and he found the correct type of bamboo for me, treated it, cut it to size and chamfered the ends to fit the lugs. After I returned Baz had to spend a lot of time finishing it off (like always, any ten minute job on a vintage bike takes hours). It’s now complete and assembled. However, though it’s fixed rigidly in place we have not yet worked out how to stop it wobbling sideways. So I’m selling it as for display. Of course it is a wonderful display piece and, as originals are hard to find and expensive, this one provides a viable option for an enthusiast who would like a Bamboo in their collection. It would also be an excellent talking point in a museum.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Summer 2026
This Timed Auction is live. Highest bid wins.
NO BUYERS or SELLERS PREMIUM.
THE RESERVE IS THE START PRICE + BUY-IT-NOW OPTION.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY: NO PACKING FEES.
BIDDING INCREMENTS: Up to £1000 = £10. Over £1000 = £50. Over £2000 = £100
IT’S A CURATED AUCTION – Colin is the auctioneer and is available to chat to you personally during the auction (or before) by email, text message, phone call, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
