Sustainably sourced bamboo

Bicycle frames made out of bamboo have been made since the late 1800’s.

 

Bamboo as a material has historically been used as a dominant raw material in South and South East Asia, but it now widely used in manufacturing and construction around the world.

The Eker bicycle frames are made of select pieces of sustainably sourced bamboo grown in Uganda. The bamboo we use is strong and lightweight with high ability to resist wear and tear. We treat the bamboo and combine it with our own design and manufacture of aluminium fittings in such a way that our bicycles dampen and reduce vibrations, while maintaining a stiff ride ensuring that the power and force of the cyclist ends up where it should: on the track.

To prove our point, we offer five years of warranty on the frames sold.

Is there a way to make sustainable bikes?

Yes – the answer is to use sustainably grown bamboo that actually binds carbon dioxide leaving a positive climate footprint.

How much carbon do your bikes release?

Results show a 93 % reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions from an Eker bicycle frame compared to an aluminium alternative. The net emissions from one Eker frame is only 1,9 kg of CO2e, compared to a traditional aluminium bicycle frame, which produces 28,6 kgCO2e.

How good is a bamboo bike frame?

Bamboo has a higher tensile strength than steel and effectively dampens and reduces vibration. A hand buillt Eker frame will offer you amazing riding in all possible conditions thanks to the great properties of the material.

More about the environmental impact of this material

The results from a recent environmental study on the Eker bike frames have been compared to a generic model of an aluminium bicycle frame of similar dimensions. The comparison shows a 56 % reduction in global warming potential by fossil sources (GWP - Fossil) from cradle to gate when choosing an Eker Bicycle frame instead of the aluminium alternative. For GWP – Total, the reduction is 93 %. This reduction is partly caused by the lower use of aluminium components, but also by the bamboo’s ability to store carbon in soil and the frame itself.

The production of one Eker bicycle frame produces approximately 13,3 kg of CO2e deriving from fossil fuels. However, when accounting for the carbon dioxide stored in the natural materials and soil, the net emissions are 1,9 kg of CO2e.

When considering the carbon stored in the bamboo and fibre cloth, as well as carbon stored in soil as these plants grow, the total global warming potential is significantly reduced. The use of these materials leads to approximately 9,1 kg of stored carbon dioxide. By adding these “negative emissions” to the emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and land use change, the total global warming potential is significantly reduced. In comparison, a traditional aluminium bicycle frame accounts for 28,6 kgCO2e emissions.

Read the full report here

 

Sustainably sourced bark fibre

Bark fibre

 

The bark of the ficus natalensis – or Mutuba – tree is harvested by hand without harming the tree itself, providing a versatile and environmentally friendly option to other fibres. The bark can be harvested annually for up to 40 years.

The bamboo is joined together using thin strips of bark cloth and high quality resin. When wrapped properly, the fibre creates a very strong bond.

Highest grade aluminium

Aluminium

 

We manufacture our own aluminium parts at a high-precision workshop in Sweden. The aluminium used is of highest grade.

Eker Stark

Eker Stark is a cross country mountain bike that is swift, strong and elegant. The frame is made by hand, all the way from harvesting the tubes to preparing and joining them into unique pieces of art which nevertheless can withstand extremely tough riding in all types of conditions. All sizes are built around the 622 mm wheel size (also known as 29”) to allow you to scale those obstacles faster and safer than with smaller wheels.