How to protect your Bamboo Frame

[@winerrider]

Yup, I slap on a layer of marine varnish every two or three years. Still as strong as new.

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@winerrider great to hear

[@karlInSanDiego]

You mentioned ratio for the clear coat. I could be mistaken, but most 2 part epoxy paints that have a base and a hardener that you mix, require a painter's grade respirator. Always read the label carefully and ask the paint supplier. At the very least, if you don't invest in a respirator, work outside or an extremely well ventilated workshop with an open wall.

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@karlInSanDiego yep you should wear a painter grade respirator very good point.

[@alexismatelin820]

I've built a bamboo frame with a frame maker from France but after a week of bike packing it started developing small cracks even though a two parts automotive finish had been applied. He "pre-cracked" the bamboo in an autoclave once the frame was assembled, then we filled the cracks that appeared after that step with colored epoxy. He also drilled small holes in each bamboo to "allow it to breath". Since it's already showing weaknesses after only a week of use I'd be curious to know if you think that the process that he followed makes sense.

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@alexismatelin820 bamboo can be tricky material to work with some canes will never develop crack and others will. It’s really down to the moisture levels in the bamboo and if it fluctuates too quickly then cracks can appear. I would recommend breaking the nodes inside of the bamboo to prevent trapped air from expanding. Any cracks filling is a good idea to prevent moisture. Did a single tube crack or more than 1?

[@alexismatelin820]

@@BamboobicycleclubOrg Thank you for taking the time to answer. After the autoclave most of the bamboos developed cracks, however after applying the finish and riding the bike only the top tube cracked again and those were really thin splits no wider than a nail.

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@alexismatelin820it sounds like the coating was the issue.

[@strike8816]

Peut être là méthode et la durée de séchage peuvent être là cause. Un passage a la flamme des chaumes préalable, préviendrais les fissures. Mais c'est juste théorique, je n'ai pas assez de recule pour le prouver 😉

[@angusmorison3756]

Do you treat the inside at all? Framesaver or boiled linseed oil internally on a steel bike is pretty standard procedure. Or do you want the bamboo to breathe to the inside?

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@angusmorison3756 we don’t treat on the inside. It won’t be a a bad idea to use a tung oil or linseed oil.

[@strike8816]

Donc , simple vernis pour bateau ? Avez vous déjà essayé un vernis polyuréthane a deux composants ? Jai cru comprendre que c'est une des vernis les plus résistants.

[@tittetedu22]

why not keeping the raw bamboo skin that is waterproof ?

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

The outer skin of bamboo can deteriorate when exposed to outdoor environments due to factors like UV radiation, moisture, and temperature changes. Prolonged exposure can cause cracking, splitting, and discoloration. Bamboo is especially vulnerable to UV damage, which makes it brittle, and moisture, which can lead to warping or mold growth. Applying protective coatings such as varnish or sealers is crucial for preserving its integrity and appearance

[@tittetedu22]

@@BamboobicycleclubOrg ok thanks so now I know why my current bike won't last so long

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@tittetedu22 I would clean the bamboo down and give it a light sand and apply a yacht vanish with a brush. By using a brush rather than a spray you don’t to remove all the parts.

[@tittetedu22]

@@BamboobicycleclubOrg i'd rather use the raw material without extra stuff. This is why i like using bamboo

[@BamboobicycleclubOrg]

@@tittetedu22 maybe look at natural finishes like tung oil and linseed oil, longevity is more important. I can’t name any material where no finish is applied when using in exterior environment.