On Sep 19, 2008, at 9:02 AM, Don Wilson wrote:
> I've been reading about the use of wood in boats at the link given
> below. The author says pound for pound wood is vastly stronger and
> lighter than metal, even more so than most alloys. I know there are
> many other variable also driving materials choice, but this assertion
> triggered my recollection that wood rims were once used on vintage
> lightweights in racing. Does anyone know if anyone tried to build a
> bike frame out of wood? It may be an odd thought, but today wood is
> still used in certain racing boats, because it is lighter and stronger
> than metal.
This is a horses for courses deal. Wood, in particular hickory, has been used for bike frames but metal works better. The stresses in boats are vastly different than the stresses in bicycles. Craig Calfee has made bikes out of bamboo-technically a grass-with carbon fiber lugs. Phil Brown Makes 'em out of metal in Berkeley, Calif