I really like these businesses that are finding customers who are willing to pay a lot for something eco-innovative but also are able to bring that technology to people who really need it and where it can make a bigger environmental and social impact.

I guess the question is how much does this really help someone who can’t afford a conventional bike? Certainly it replaces the frame, but some of the most expensive parts of a bike, even a simple bike, are the components, and most parts of a bike, especially the frame, last for ages, and can be bought cheaply second or third or fourth hand. Reading Calfee’s account of his work in Ghana makes it sound really difficult to build bamboo bikes there, but that it has the potential to make a difference for people. Maybe other parts of the bike can eventually be sourced locally (belts instead of chains? how could you do the wheels?).

I really like these businesses that are finding customers who are willing to pay a lot for something eco-innovative but also are able to bring that technology to people who really need it and where it can make a bigger environmental and social impact.

I guess the question is how much does this really help someone who can’t afford a conventional bike? Certainly it replaces the frame, but some of the most expensive parts of a bike, even a simple bike, are the components, and most parts of a bike, especially the frame, last for ages, and can be bought cheaply second or third or fourth hand. Reading Calfee’s account of his work in Ghana makes it sound really difficult to build bamboo bikes there, but that it has the potential to make a difference for people. Maybe other parts of the bike can eventually be sourced locally (belts instead of chains? how could you do the wheels?).