The First 100% FSC-Certified Wood Bicycle in the U.S. From Renovo & Collins

above: the Renovo R4 Pursuit model made with FSC-certified CollinsWood.

The Collins Companies has just announced that it has commissioned the first 100% FSC-certified bicycle in the nation. In case you were wondering, FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council.

The bike, manufactured by Renovo Hardwood Bicycles, is an “R4 Pursuit” model that features a stiff, powerful and lightweight frame. All of Renovo’s bikes are custom-made – adjusting the stiffness and ride quality to the customer’s individual riding style and weight.

Renovo is one of the few companies in the world that manufactures wood bicycles (but not the only one, be sure to see Woody Bicycles ) and the only one making them with hollow frames.

Here's a few of Renovo's beautiful wood bikes and frames made with Black Cherry, Hard Maple, Birch, Hickory, Padauk, Sapele, Laminated Bamboo and exotic woods like Purple Heart, Bubinga and Wenge:








“I am proud to have used 100% FSC-certified wood on this particular bike,” stated Ken Wheeler, owner, Renovo Hardwood Bicycles. “We utilized a species combination of CollinsWood® from the Collins Pennsylvania Forest including; Black Cherry, Hard Maple, and Birch.”






Collins had this bike commissioned for one of their employees, to demonstrate their continued commitment to this mission. “Although wood bicycles are still in their infancy, we are constantly exploring new ways to have CollinsWood incorporated into everyday products and we want our customers to explore new uses,” said Cameron Waner, marketing coordinator for The Collins Companies. Waner continues, “Specifying FSC-certified wood in their projects is one of the most powerful things our customers can do to change the way wood products are harvested and sold around the world.”

The bike made its worldwide debut at the Greenbuild International Conference in Chicago, on November 17-19, 2010.

Renovo Bikes

Woody Bicycles: Hand-Crafted Hardwood Bikes

Woody Bikes are beautifully hand crafted bikes made of domestic and exotic hardwoods such as bubinga, ash, mahogany and purple heart. The hardwood purchased for their bicycles comes from “maintained” forests. Domestic hardwoods, known for their strength and beauty, are used when ever possible. All materials are purchased locally which stimulates local economies and accommodates “green building” trend.


above: Max Samuelson, Carpenter/Lifeguard/Bikebuilder

The brainchild of a carpenter with his own construction company and summertime lifeguard in Cape May, New Jersey, Max Samuelson needed a project to do with his 'free time'. So, inspired by a line from "Wedding Crashers" (remember when the kid asks Vince Vaughn if he can make a bicycle balloon animal?) he began building a wood bicycle. He started a stir when seen riding his wood bike around town. So now he's making and selling these unusual beauties.


above: Bubinga and Ash, Coaster Brake
Price: $2300

above: Bubinga and Oak, Brooks Saddle, Coaster Brake
Price: $2500

above: Mahogany and Oak, Brooks Saddle, Coaster Brake
Price: $2500

above: Purple Heart and Ash, Ape Hanger Bars, Tassles, Coaster Brake
Price: $2750

From their "About Us' page:
Max Samuelson, owner of Woody Bicycles (and shown in the center below), had a vision of a bike made out of wood. Not just any wood however. The bikes are made from the finest hardwoods and all materials and components that go into our product are only the best. A classic, our bikes are hand made and will satisfy any bike lover.

Buy these beautiful bikes here.

And a video about Max and his bikes for you:



I've written about many unusual bikes. If you're interested, you may want to check out these posts:


World's Most Expensive Bike

The World's Most Expensive Bike.


Electra Bikes

Electra's beautifully designed bikes.


Bauhuas Inspired Bike

The Bau-Bike

If you're interested in folding bikes or motorcycles, please use the search box at the top of the blog- or check the tags list at the bottom of the sidebar on the right for more related posts!