Information – Source Cycles

Posted on May 28, 2016February 26, 2018 by Jacob — 2 Comments

Why they do what they do.

Easily one of Natooke’s most popular events is a bi-weekly night ride. It’s slow and accessible for all types of riders. They utilise a Source Cycles custom cargo bike, converting it into a mobile stereo complete with self-contained 800W speaker system. It’s insanely loud. Enough so to render the rider isolated, unable to hold a conversation with the throng of riders around.

They’ve hosted this particular ride, without fail for over three years now, rain or shine. Lately they’ve even used it as a tool for collaboration. Through it they’re able to offer friends and their community the chance to explore new places in the city all the while supporting other businesses in town. This is beside the primary fact that this ride is good, old-fashioned fun. Continue reading Why they do what they do.

Posted on May 20, 2016May 20, 2016 by Jacob — 1 Comment

A visit to our weaver.

Our early work with bamboo was a wild journey. We depended on the expertise of others to point us in the right direction. With a little digging, exploring, and hours in the saddle we managed to find a handful of practiced craftsmen with the necessary insights to aid us in our research of bamboo’s applications.

Continue reading A visit to our weaver.

Posted on May 18, 2016May 17, 2016 by Jacob — 3 Comments

Bike Review: Bamboo Cross Country 29er

You’ve probably managed to catch a couple glimpses of the bike I was riding in Tibet. The last chance we had to attend this race, we all used bikes borrowed from other racers. Although a wonderful gesture of sportsmanship, there was one major dilemma. Most of the racers were a good head shorter than any of us. As you may have figured out, we find bike fit super important. It’s a large reason that beyond our large selection of stock-sized frames we offer full custom frame geometry.

Now, anyone who’s attempted a long ride on a bike that’s three sizes too small knows it’s tough. Top that off with other trying factors including the length of the race, the terrain, the altitude and the competition and you find yourself staring at several hours of grueling, uncomfortable riding. No bueno. So this year round we decided to put our minds to the drawing board.

Continue reading Bike Review: Bamboo Cross Country 29er

Posted on April 28, 2016April 26, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Out riding.

We’ll be spending the next week in the rooftop of the world, Tibet, racing mountain bikes with our buddies at Factory Five. We’ve put together a special bamboo race whip, but we’ll talk about it more later. Check back in for ride updates, videos and more coverage of our travels.

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Pro tips on cycling form.

Cycling is a poise of strength and technique. Every motion on the bike can be broken down into a beautiful form, repetitive yet striking, like watching a painter sculpt a landscape stroke-by-stroke with a brush. That said, I wished I’d learned the right way to blow a snot rocket earlier on. It’s a messy skill to get just right without a little coaching.

Posted on April 8, 2016April 6, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Speaking of Spring.

Now that the weather’s nice we’re also making sure to get out and ride more. Most importantly we’re exercising the golden rule of our guide to getting in shape for summer: being social.

Posted on April 3, 2016April 3, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Spring into your summer riding.

Spring bike rides can mean so many things – the start of a new year after a long winter, a fresh beginning, the first steps into a new plan to get fit. Whether you’re just getting out of the house to enjoy nice weather, or you’re pushing yourself to start your interval exercises on transitional days of snow and sleet to be ready for spring racing – bike rides in the first days of Spring can be wonderful. The window is now wide open for getting in shape, and unless you live in paradise, the weather can be a bit tenuous, so here are four recommendations for orienting yourself towards spring bike rides.

Continue reading Spring into your summer riding.

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Cities and use of public space.

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Jacob — 1 Comment

Source Cycles found its way to ChinaFile.

The conversation won’t move forward without innovative companies on the ground doing the tinkering and marketing needed to make bamboo a desirable product—companies such as Source Cycles … Their resulting bicycles are as sturdy as they are beautiful. That they’re sourced from a country such as China, where harsh pollution regularly makes headlines, makes them all the more appealing to the growing global tribe of eco-friendly and action-oriented citizens of our shared Earth.

Read the full article at ChinaFile!

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Jacob — Leave a comment

Bambu makes some nifty stuff.

Introducing Bambu, a foreign-owned company in eastern China that produces a wide array of tastefully designed bamboo products for home use. They make everything from coasters and sporks to cutlery and fly swatters.

There’s always more room in the world for companies that emphasize sustainability, good design and taking pride in the products they make, no matter where they make them.

For more information on where you can find retailers of their products, their story, or order up a bulk batch of sporks and bicycle coasters then swing by their site and check it out!