Since German Baron Karl von Drais invented his own version of a steerable Laufmaschine (running machine) in 1817, the bicycle has evolved tremendously. From bikes with no pedals and handles, to the unicycle and Kirkpatrik Macmillan’s Velocipede which used treadles, we have seen it change in size, frame and even tyre variants. While the functional design was put in place centuries ago, closer home a group of people continue to experiment with materials.
In 2016, we had Vijay Sharma create the bambike, a variant with bamboo. The Bengaluru-based interior designer was successful with the prototype, but failed to scale it up. Last year, brothers A Bhasker and A Raja, carpenters from Tiruvarur, constructed two teak wood cycles, but with no takers, the duo shot down the idea to take orders. The latest addition to the list of cycle innovators is Coimbatore-based interior designer PK Murugesan who has crafted a bicycle using Boiling Water Proof (BWP) engineering plywood (primarily used for furniture) last month. In the last two weeks, orders have been pouring in from colleagues and friends.
The idea came to him earlier this year when he wanted to get a new frame for his BSA Mach City (it had been damaged last year). “When I couldn’t find a new one I thought of making a wooden frame. Wood is a great shock absorber and I knew it would ensure a smooth ride,” says Murugesan, who recalls spending his after-school hours carving wood at his family’s carpentry workshop.
In April, he started off with designs for the frame, and in less than a month, he created a road-worthy bicycle. “In the first week of May I took it out for the first time to test its road worthiness. I was surprised when people stopped their cars and asked me about it. Many professional cyclists approached me as well,” he says.
The 25-kg cycle with two 18-mm wooden boards as the frame is created with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. BMP wood, also used to construct ships and boats, ensures the cycle remains intact during the monsoon. Murugesan explains, “The carved design saves on the need for joints and provides more stability to its structure, in addition to giving a polished look.”
Designed on the model of a city bike, he has retained the steel drop handle bar, saddle, and crankset from his old cycle. The sleek tyres (with a diameter of 27 inches) rest on wooden wheel discs and are ideal for paved terrains. “Regular tyre spokes bend with time and need to be replaced at regular intervals. The wooden disc keeps the shape intact,” adds the 33-year-old who has travelled on the cycle for 150 km inside the city.
While his plan worked, constructing the cycle was not quite the smooth ride for Murugesan. “It was tough to find accessories compatible with a wooden frame, so I modified certain parts like the bottom bracket, head tube and wheel hub sleeve to suit my needs,” he says. The new batch of cycles is an upgraded version of the original model. The latest ones are designed like hybrid bikes and come with tyres suitable for various terrains. “I have also reduced the weight to 15 kg by using hollow wooden tubes and aluminium alloy parts. These modifications will not affect the strength of the cycle,” he says, adding, “The handle bar is straight, and there will also be features like a tool-free seat adjustment and a clip-on front wheel that can be detached while transporting.” What’s more, you can get your name engraved behind the saddle.
The designer, who has applied for a patent for a few parts of the cycle, plans to manufacture them on a large scale in a few months. “I will start production once the formalities are complete. A few cycle companies have already approached me to collaborate.” he concludes.
The cycle costs ₹20,000. For details, call 9865005521.