How the Buffalo Bicycle Changes Lives

The Buffalo Bicycle is a robust, utilitarian, and serviceable bicycle made to help the most remote communities on the planet. Today, we will closely examine the Buffalo Bicycle and show how its incredible engineering has created perhaps the most purpose-built machine ever and how it helps communities access healthcare, clean water, education, and more.
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[@SethsBikeHacks]

It has only been 2 days and you guys raised over $7100!!!!!!! That's clean drinking water, medics, school children, food, and anything else that can be transported by bike, all being done more efficiently and effectively. WOW.

[@theseattlejim]

Ib, AZ

[@TheTubaEmporer]

Up to 112 bikes!!❤

[@user-ft5df3it3o]

We’re not gonna stop til we’re 10x that. Every kid in Africa gets a bike. Let’s do this 😎

[@MADmosche]

Nobody cares about the poors in africa

[@Arfonfree]

I've been a silent backer of WBR for years. You wouldn't believe how happy it makes me to see somebody with your reach promote WBR and the Buffalo bike. Thank you.

[@nascarisawesome5018]

Same here! I've always wanted to see these in person or video ever since I ran across the campaign.

[@CodSlap]

Ditto! I’ve donated 2-3 of these for people over the years. 🙂💪 Edit: Had to check - make that 6-8 if SRAM matched my donations 1:1 as I believe they did. Best xmas gifts I’ve ever had the chance to get someone - highly recommended. Thanks for doing the work you do WBR!

[@marting5130]

well not that silent

[@WorldBicycleRelief]

Thank you for your support!

[@WorldBicycleRelief]

@@CodSlap Thank you for your support!

[@jameslindiepretorius435]

Watching from rural zambia, never thought I would see a Buffalo on berm peak.

[@Vixen1525]

I got a question then. Seth said that the bike costs around 165. Is that a lot for those communities and people, who this bike is aimed for? How long do they need to put money aside to get one? Or can anyone else answer me these questions? :)

[@arcoulant87]

@@Vixen1525 check out the link above ,and they give the bikes out free.

[@FlumaFPS]

​@@Vixen1525 the bikes are given out to the communities from what i can gather, wbr is a non profit organisation funded off donations.

[@morosis82]

Not just that, they also sponsor people in the community to become mechanics with the tools and training to maintain them over time. They also target small business owners and farmers that can use them to transport goods. It's a really great project.

[@1903JPG]

As with many things in africa someone has the money to buy them and then they are sold of as used second hand. Eventually they get to the people that need them at a much cheaper price.

[@GrahamvandeRuit]

As a bike shop owner in Harare, Zimbabwe, whenever we get customers wanting a bike under $300 we always recommend the Buffalo. They'll outlast most bikes costing 10 times that, and when they do need spares they're available locally and cheaply. They do also offer a couple of models with gears, one of which has an innovative method of shifting between the two gears by back-pedalling.

[@MikeR65]

I guess if you are using a bike for things bikes aren’t normally designed for that’s true and lets not forget if it wasn’t for charitable people that bike would cost a whole lot more!

[@filipruml]

@@MikeR65 Why would it cost more? There's nothing too complicated or expensive that would require it to cost any more than it does. The most expensive part is probably the shipping of a 55lbs bike.

[@saisamsuri]

@@filipruml Well there's this thing called profit

[@filipruml]

​@@saisamsuri Well, there's also this thing called non-profit. I know it doesn't mean there are no profit margins on the product, but considering that profit margins in the bicycle industry aren't huge to begin with, do you really think that WBR is making a lot of money on this? Not to mention that I was replying to @MikeR65 that there is no reason for such bike to cost more than what it already does.

[@m.talley1660]

Glad to hear about the 2-speed version. When this initiative was getting going I quizzed SRAM guys about these hubs. They told me they were going to quit production of the one they made.

[@colinmartin9797]

My local bike repair shop - Olympic Bike and Skate - is owned and solely operated by an old man named Fred. Fred is in his 80's. Has been there for 40+ years. He still rides his bike to the shop four days a week. He charges $20 for a full service. His services are thorough. If you talk to him about Jazz, you'll never get to leave. And he takes donated bikes, fixes them up, and send them off to Africa. He's done thousands. Be like Fred.

[@peglor]

This is funny if you look up the meaning of the term 'Fred' in road cycling particularly 🙂.

[@Skooteh]

I wish there were more shops like this. Unfortunately, one shop I know pays more for rent than payroll (and they have 12+ employees) so unfortunately I don't think we'll get there anytime soon, at least in my area.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

We've done 3 containerloads for medics and teachers in Timor L'Est. Does that count?

[@hansmemling2311]

Pfiew that shop sounds like a dream. They charge way more where I’m from.

[@buffalotraffic]

Where’s this

[@woozertoo]

If I may suggest, Seth: the Buffalo Bike is not only one of the most interesting bikes you’ve ever reviewed, but it is THE MOST IMPORTANT bicycle you’ve had on the channel. Thanks again for promoting them.

[@michaelmay9728]

Yup absolutely,the more people that have access to a bicycle the better the world will be ❤

[@BodieOutdoors]

A bike of the people, not the shareholders.

[@AgalmicAutomata]

Almost reminds me of a Framework laptop, but as a bike

[@be1100]

I dunno.... If I had to guess, I would bet that Kenda's shareholders are pretty happy with the exclusive and proprietary tire deal.

[@mitchellsteindler]

​@@be1100 depends on if they make any money from it. Certainly its a good ad for them though.

[@GNMi79]

You get what you pay for. The Buffalo is nothing I'd ever want to ride. Give me the "bike of the shareholders" any day.

[@MikeR65]

Sounds like a commie talking!

[@bookoobeans]

After getting jaded watching all the high-tech bicycle channels showcasing $5k+ bikes, this is a breath of fresh air & much more inspiring.

[@PSIChris]

I'm getting jaded its not for sale in the U.S.

[@AustinMCraigDoesNeatStuff]

I, a suburban American Dad, want this for myself. And I want the spiritual counterpart for every product I own. Pure utility, built to last and be fixed by the owner forever.

[@bellcurve0]

Same, but they never will at least in north America. Best u can do are fixies that u modify yourself at least thats what I did.

[@randzopyr1038]

This - They build products like this for developing countries where it's life or death, but refuse to sell them in the US because they want to milk us for every cent. So many great products get released almost everywhere except here, and maybe Canada. It's getting to the point that it's almost worth paying to buy some of this stuff through Mexico where it's actually available, instead of buying the under-engineered subscription-based US counterpart.

[@zubayrbhyat8077]

Man, videos like this are the reason I love cycling. With so many cycling channels focusing on the higher end of stuff it's refreshing to see you talk on things that matter to more people. Thanks Seth!

[@Does_It_matter-No_it_doesnt]

100%

[@wilyamiyoo]

Being released from sponsors probably got him more creative freedom than ever before.

[@SnakebitSTI]

It's interesting seeing how engineers and designers address different goals. I find the design of high end road bikes fascinating, but there are only so many videos I can watch on that before they get repetitive and boring. I think more exposure to different designs for different purposes is good for the biking community in general. Because really, rather than one community it often feels like a bunch of different communities that don't want to be associated with each other - or each other's advancements in bicycle technology.

[@MatthewEng2593]

This is a high end bike just different aim

[@SnakebitSTI]

@@MatthewEng2593 It's really not, and that's by design. A single Rohloff or Pinion gearbox costs an order of magnitude more than a Buffalo bike, and they would have to be imported. WBR tries to keep bike production affordable and local. They could use better alloys to bring the weight down and/or improve corrosion resistance without sacrificing strength, but that would drive the cost up.

[@torisaurio]

this is literally a normal bike from 30 years ago

[@kv-yj3wc]

So true hahah. My grandpa’s even had a light that was powered off of the front wheel! It’s just like how communist era basic furniture is now becoming popular again.

[@WilliamMcCluskey13]

Commuter bike vs specialized sport bike

[@leifcatt]

@@kv-yj3wc I remember the whirring sound of the generator as the light dimmed and brightened with the change of velocity. I haven't thought of that in years.

[@Monkeyzzbiznizz]

Doesn’t matter the fact it’s here and available to people that didn’t have this 30 years ago giving them and other places a chance

[@torisaurio]

@@Monkeyzzbiznizz that's nice but don't sell it as something game changing and totally new when it's old standard technology used in the same way it has been always used

[@skytoll1]

This is "COMMON SENSE" engineering, something the automobile industry needs to learn.

[@jeffstreck]

12:15 Bike mech from South Africa here. I am guessing lack of bottle mounts is also to limit water ingress potential.

[@asth3tique]

I am not a mech but I was thinking the same thing, less holes, less places for water to go. Thank you for posting, I feel less silly now lol.

[@jeffstreck]

@@asth3tique You're probably smarter and more intuitive than you allow yourself to believe.

[@Wiiy-td6oc]

So There is no way to mount a bottle holder without drilling a hole Lol Smart very smart

[@MaddieM4]

That's smart. The thing that caught my mind immediately is that these bikes are customized so often. So leaving that part of the bike as a clean surface for welding arbitrary rider-specific attachments may be an intentional goal as well.

[@jeffstreck]

@@MaddieM4 absolutely. I love how something so simple can be so many things to so many people. It's the van of bikes.

[@DalstonVinyl]

I honestly think this is possibly the best designed, most thoughtful bike I've ever seen AND its just wonderful how a great bike can truly transform lives in developing countries. Thanks for choosing to explain the Buffalo on your channel. Great work!!

[@magnet215]

Watching from Zimbabwe. I have personally seen how these bikes help from community healthcare personnel to children attending and people going to work. Thanks for raising awareness

[@seanhine6929]

While other channels are starting to feel like 10 minutes ads to make me buy stuff I don’t need, I love videos like this on how bikes can change peoples lives. I spent $150 this weekend on 2 parts to keep my son’s bike on the road so donation of $225 (Australian) for a whole bike that may make a difference to someone’s life was an easy decision.

[@prgnify]

Like, I don't know if they do so, but if they sell these bikes for at least twice the price (with a few optionals like very easy gearing and water bottle holder [debatable]) to some warm milk drinking soft sheltered individuals (me) that sounds like a great deal - get a bike that will last a lifetime and also you know you're supporting a great cause - directly and very strongly.

[@user-fy4df5tv4k]

I cycled in Senegal 30 years ago. I took over my Rocky Altitude. About halfway through my stay I wondered if I should not have been on one of omnipresent Chinese bikes ( Pigeons?) Yes, single or maybe 3 speed commuters like the Buffalo. I broke parts, lost parts, had tools stolen. I had to go to a Mercedes dealership to get an Allen wrench. I patched one tube 12 times in one day from thorns and pinches. I bought patch glue in used pop bottles, and cut a dead tube for patches. I had to be seriously 'en brousse' to not see one of those steel behemoths wheeling around. At one stay the local bike mechanic borrowed mine for a ride. I showed the gearing, and he took off. The beam on his face when he returned ! Then he asked about maintenance, as he saw me earlier with the rear cluster off, and repacking bearings in the hub... he was not amused. So yeah, water bottle mounts? What's a water bottle? I was using old bleach jugs to carry water, and filled on old pop bottle in my handlebar bag. Spoke guards are just something to break or get gummed up. Helmets were non-existent, I only wore mine on the tarmac areas. I would like to see more on the pump... the lever looks ingenious.. less struggle to get the hose off the valve without damaging it (no wiggling etc.), wouldn't be surprised if there's a wrench head built in. And, glad there was not a whole lot of talking about 'the people', or "lifting up" and keeping the focus on the bike and the realities of being off grid, and using bikes as an everyday work horse!

[@johndeggendorf7826]

Dude! That comment was an impressive piece of social media prose! Shop talk as poetry…I’m truly inspired. Makes me want to crack open a hub & 6 pack of yuenglings & get greasy. ✊🍷🎩🎩🎩🕊🌏🚴🚴🚴🧑🏻‍🦽🧑🏻‍🦽🧑🏻‍🦽

[@MattOckendon]

2 bikes delivered for the price of an Ultegra crankset. Thank you for lending the weight of your yt channel to WBR. Nice touch that yt doesn't take a cut (take note JustGiving).

[@Frombie_01]

KZbin isn't taking a cut? That's out of character for them. I wonder if they are developing a social conscience or simply charged more and paid less for advertising.

[@TacohMann]

The holes for bottle cages increase the complexity of the frame, introduce weak points, and expose the inside of the frame to moisture.

[@jumaabdul1271]

Not, they simply studied the end user, the buffalo was based on a local model called the Black mambas and the people who use them never use a water bottle thus their was no need to introduce one. The bikes are mostly used for local commuting like going to school, carrying things from the shopping centre. The distance is never more than 10 kms and you don't need to take water, you will take water when you reach home plus if you really needed to take water on the road, you can always stop and ask from the nearest house.

[@shraka]

Plus you can just weld / strap a bottle cage to it if you really want one.

[@notl33t]

I would 100% buy a Buffalo Bicycle for a household--these bikes are life changing! Thank you for publicizing this effort.

[@michaelmay9728]

Can a regular person buy one, and I mean just one, be kinda nice to have

[@aisotton]

@@michaelmay9728I don’t think so, I looked into other a few years ago and it wasn’t possible without connections.

[@Enoch001]

​@@michaelmay9728not avalable in the us

[@ninjabortion]

Not that i can find. Would love if they did like Tom's shoes and i could buy one for me at even triple price, to have the rest of the money go to the foundation to make more elsewhere.

[@scopie49]

@@michaelmay9728 Ozark Trail has decent reviews for being a fairly basic bike. It's not quite as cheap as this but it also has some extra features. I'd say a bike like the Buffalo is amazing for those who actually need it due to it being extremely robust and durable. But that kind of bike in a modern city would be overkill and would also be quite uncomfortable. Not many city dwellers need a bike that can hold 200+ pounds and all that extra weight would be exhausting day after day. Having a bike with gears is a huge advantage and cities also have bike shops to deal with normal issues. We have the privilege of being able to afford comfortable bikes rather than the necessity of something like the Buffalo which is intended to be ridden long and hard until it's completely unusable, and then still keep going despite that.

[@jakobpeters6068]

I worked in Malawi with people who have Buffalo bikes and they are very happy with them. Those are solid dependable workhorses which transform livelihoods. A truly amazing charity!

[@jerrysanchez5453]

As a person who spent years using a bike as my only form of transportation because I had no other choice I can genuinely appreciate how much thought and effort went into this bike

[@falsemcnuggethope]

Did you ever upgrade to a person who uses a bike as their only form of transportation because you have other choices?

[@SMLPhotography1]

I’ve been a supporter of World Bicycle Relief for a long time. In fact, in 2013, I was lucky enough to attend a special event in Moab where we had a chance to camp out, build a 1st generation Buffalo bike (thank goodness the wheels were already strung), and take it for “experience rides”. For example, we loaded up 5 gallon jugs filled with water and rode them down sandy, gravely road that were similar to some found in Africa. What a challenge! And to think that the recipients of the bike do it almost every day. We were also able to ride them all the way from Canyonlands NP into Moab. What a thrill ride! At that time, the bike only had the coaster brake - and I put it to good use! But, the best part of the weekend was getting to meet the WBR team - including FK Day and Ben, one of the field team members from Africa. Ben’s stories of the Buffalo’s impact to individuals and families were nothing shy of amazing and uplifting. The fact that WBR is creating a biking ecosystem that includes training mechanics goes to show how involved and thoughtful the entire program is. Unlike many charitable groups, WBR does not dump funds or products and then move on to the next location. I have no affiliation with WBR other than donating the equivalent of at least one bike per year. WBR’s Buffalo Bikes are a very worthy cause.

[@adamweb]

I've ridden bikes my entire life and had never heard of Buffalo! This channel never fails to educate me!

[@scottanno8861]

The only issue with giving away bikes to developing nations is that it puts the local bike shop owners out of business. Similar to sending shoes abroad to outcompete local cobblers.

[@G60syncro]

A long time ago I saw a documentary about the village blacksmith in remote African villages and how their job had evolved from being strictly blacksmiths to becoming the village auto mechanic. The key point was that they worked on inline 4 or 6 cylinder carburated engines on older model cars. They showed them doing engine rebuilds in a shack in conditions that would make any race engine builder cringe!! They managed to fix them up and the guy probably knows jackshit about timing curves or fuel ratios but he could make any car run intuitively. This bike embraces the same philosophy. You just need something simple and rugged that can be fixed with basic tool. No need for repair manuals, just take it apart and figure it out as you go because it's just that simple.

[@pauljenkins2501]

I think you are absolutely correct in what you say. Here in England, the Post Office used to have loads of bikes for their workers to use for local deliveries. They were heavily built bikes with carrying racks front and rear. When the Post Office discontinued their use, a charitable business bought up masses and refurbished them, branding them "Elephant " bikes. For every one sold in UK, another was donated to Africa. My local bike shop has a fleet of them for use as day hire bikes. Slow but very, very tough....

[@jbaillie]

I can't describe how much I love what this channel has become. Bike content, dad content, advocacy.

[@ghsteen]

Never heard of WBR before this video, immediately went and donated the price of a bike after watching. Thanks for letting me know about this organization!

[@WorldBicycleRelief]

Thank you for your support!

[@VE2FGJ]

Feels great to donate to someone who needs a bike in this world! Thanks Seth for making this possible, Thanks @ghsteen for that exact comment you made, well done!

[@yammienoob]

I was so excited to see you promoting this bicycle. We did a big push for WBR in 2021 as part of our 1M subscriber special video. These are awesome and the ethos is on point!

[@1966johnnywayne]

I'm sure the folks behind WBR appreciate you helping them push their agenda in Africa..."Free Bikes" for students, as long as they embrace and promote the agenda.

[@paulverola5091]

Really love to see a bike designed for the development of a community. The power of bikes if so much more than just a recreational tool! Thank you Seth for shining the light on WBR 😊😊

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

CBS Sunday Morning just did a segment on simple design. Simplicity is difficult and exceptionally rare these days. This is a great example of a product that nails simplicity.

[@jestnutz]

This. This is what I support. User centric products. Non greedy and helping the people. This is what companies should be.

[@woolfel]

I've donated to buffalo bikes in the past and it always feels good. It definitely looks like a bullet proof bike that is built to last and easy to fix.

[@Simte]

The bicycle truly is one of the best Inventions in humankind. I've been supporting WBR for some time and it's great to see everything is continuing in motion.

[@WorldBicycleRelief]

Thank you for your support!

[@Simte]

@@WorldBicycleRelief No, thank you. I am from a country in development and devoted my whole life to teaching. There are meaningful ways to make a difference, so many thanks for what you do.

[@dietbountyicecream1444]

Reminds me of my dutch bike in some aspects.

[@justdadstuff5171]

100% regular dutch bike, except they bent the horizontal bar and removed the lights.

[@ramdynebix]

Good old fashioned safety bike, works always. Reminds me of the days I cycled 13km into the wind, both ways, in de brugklas 😉

[@justdadstuff5171]

@@ramdynebix HAH it was a 21km to, 21km back for me. Though that all changed when I got a brommer.

[@coppurt]

It pretty much is, yeah. I just fixed up my old Gazelle bike using only a wrench as well, had no idea that was remarkable.

[@doqtorisykero7971]

It is essentially just a dutch bike on steroids.

[@benreed9517]

It's insane how much better and more practical this bike is that any bike in a US department store.

[@GNMi79]

Depends what you mean by better and more practical. For my needs a 50-pound bike would not be practical at all. I'd never ride it. There would be no market for something like this anywhere in the developed world. People here won't even wear sneakers that don't have a fancy name-brand on them.

[@ADAMJWAITE]

@@GNMi79 What do you think a beach cruiser is? Some $10,000 downhill bikes are easily 50 lbs. Spoken like someone who works in a cubicle, lives in an apartment in the city and doesn't know how to change their oil, let alone fix a flat tire. The bicycle industry is failing because they are catering to those you describe and not the mass majority of people. People who want quality and practicality, without the huge price tag.

[@shraka]

@@GNMi79 Umm, the standard Dutch bike is ~44lb. There's a lot of demand for those - even outside the Netherlands.

[@GNMi79]

@@shraka Could have fooled me. I've never seen one in the US.

[@GNMi79]

​​​​​​@@ADAMJWAITELOL. Boy, have you got me pegged wrong. I've never worked an office job in my entire life. Always outdoors, in a very physically demanding occupation. But I'm retired now, so most of my time is spent in the "cubicle" of my 2000-square-foot house. I live in a rural area on 20 acres. I've always hated big cities. I've been changing my own oil and flat tires since I started driving, 47 years ago. I always find it hilarious when the liberal weenies try to convince me that buying a $60k EV would save me a lot of money because they don't need oil changes. 😂 An oil change costs me $15 and 45 minutes of my time. And I'd never own a beach cruiser. They are practically useless bikes for people who know nothing (and care nothing) about real bikes. They're worthless to anyone who ever wants to ride on anything but perfectly flat terrain, or go much faster than walking speed. And even they aren't 50 pounds. Not even close. That's e-bike weight we're talking about. But if you're going to give me a beach cruiser for free, as they do with the Buffalo bikes, sure, I'd take it. Beggars can't be choosers. I'd sell it right away, though, and get something like a Trek Dual Sport, as an upgrade to my 25-year-old Trek 4000 hybrid, which I've done all the maintenance, adjustments, and repairs on myself. (I don't trust the "professional" high school kids working on bikes at the bike shops.) A hybrid is more practical than any beach cruiser or carbon fiber mega-buck bike, let alone the Buffalo bike. And certainly more practical than a $10,000 50-pound downhill bike. Not many people have the luxury of riding only downhill. If that's all you do, I suppose it would be even better if the bike weighed as much as an SUV; more mass equals greater velocity. But it's nothing that any normal bike rider would ever want to ride.

[@axelschweiss9925]

We need more companies like this who specialize on making things simpler, cheaper, longer lasting, and actually listen to the needs of it's customers in our wold.

[@thegroove2000]

This is fantastic. Well done to all who have made this bike possible.

[@AndreiCrTX]

In Brazil we have a classic bike “Monark: Barra Circular” a well built bike with a circle between TT and DT, came with a bag of tools and repair from factory mounted direct to the circle, started in the 1970 if I’m correct and being sell til today

[@rafaeldacruz4898]

Along with Caloi’s “Barra Forte”, the power duo of the simple man.

[@somethingelse9535]

What is the purpose of the circle in the frame?

[@rafaeldacruz4898]

@@somethingelse9535Sturdiness, I guess

[@davidmorris8121]

Seth, i've watched your videos since the days of you messing about on that Trek! Pleased to see that you've remained the same humble, thoughtful, kind-hearted person, despite your successes! Therefore, an ideal person to show us such an important bicycle!

[@GEKKO_Archery]

Thanks for reminding me, sitting in one of the worlds richest countries, that in a huge part of the world, owning a 165$ bike is lifechanging! Donation done!

[@-NateTheGreat]

Reminds me a lot of a Dutch bike. Built to get you somewhere and not look fashionable or try to win a race.

[@Where2bub]

Except it’s affordable.

[@daanwdv]

​@@Where2bub Dutch omafietsen (granny bikes) are often times cheaper than this bike... And are also extremely durable and easy to repair. I saw there were also charity/companies that import dutch omafietsen by the shipping containers.

[@coppurt]

@@Where2bubHuh? My Gazelle bike was €100 second hand. If you’re paying more you’re getting ripped off

[@bikedan99]

I knew about these bikes and backed them in the past. But your video explained so many things in detail that were new to me. So again you educated me. And it is great that you support this bike project.

[@therealzilch]

In today's world, it's very encouraging to know that such projects and people exist. Bravo. cheers from sunny Vienna, Scott

[@UCmbcOzJtKHxMdL71j19JVDA]

Didn’t know about this organization before and just donated. Would be awesome to see a coordinated awareness campaign across bike KZbinrs. Thanks Seth and WBR!

[@1966johnnywayne]

Do you always donate to "charitable" organizations without first investigating their political objectives? Would it bother you to know that the guy in charge is a member of the WEF and that the "Free Bike" program to students comes with strings?

[@robwasnj]

I wish more products were designed like this when function is paramount. Sadly we live in a throw away society here and everything is built to look good on the shelf yet fail in the real world. Thanks for making this video, thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm glad you used your platform to bring awareness to such an outstanding product.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Thank you for promoting this charity. Their work quite literally saves lives and changes others

[@henrydaubresse9652]

Thanks, just contributed. Buffalo Bikes remind me very much of the old Schwinns I used and abused the heck out of on rural Missouri gravel and dirt roads in the late 40s and early 50s. Glad to see that they still exist. Now if they only had a headlight connected to a spring-loaded generator that you could flip against the front wheel when the sun went down.

[@jordanlove208]

watching this video just brought back so many memories from back home in Africa, these bikes turned me into the mountain biker i am right now

[@singletona082]

This kind of thing is exactly what i love. A need was identified and, realizing that usual methods are not going to solve it, people came together to address it and most importantly take feedback from the end user into account. Admittedly I want one purely because it looks to be the next best thing to indestructible, but... I'm not the target customer. i'm just some schmoe. There are people who literally Need these. Granted I want this because honestly? I wish big box bikes were built like this. No frills. Built to last.

[@bwholladay]

Great vid and wonderful idea! My wife (and biking partner) was thrilled to find out about WBR and asked me to donate a buffalo as her Mother's Day gift.

[@1966johnnywayne]

Your wife is you mother?

[@yellobello1]

in a day and age where repairability and longevity are forethoughts in modern consumer products, this company has restored my faith in humanity and what we can produce

[@henri-basilhearne3480]

Great video Seth, the Buffalo is a legendary bike. Living in South Africa you don’t need to look far to see the effects this bike has on communities. Thanks for showing those who wouldn’t get to see such an important bike.

[@thecoffeeblog]

I am familiar with bikes in rural Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. I have never seen one new though. They commonly transport water in containers that easily exceed 500 pounds. Contrary to the buffalo bike they use metal rods instead of break cables. Some of them even have rudimentary suspension systems. The environment is rough and everything breaks constantly, lubricant wash away by rain and become a grinding paste with dirt and dust. Most of the bikes look brown due to the naked steel exposed to the elements. I am happy to know these bikes are still been made, the ones I have witnessed look like they have been used for lifetime and new ones would allow new generations to enjoy them as well. For households that average incomes of $300/year is still a steep purchase though. I hope WBR add financing to their plan to make this bikes truly accessible to the people that need them most.

[@callumhowarth8057]

they don't sell them to communities they donate them. The cost $165 for us first worlders to donate.

[@thecoffeeblog]

@@callumhowarth8057 Donating them is not the right approach. Donations disrupt and destroy small economies.

[@SnakebitSTI]

[Edit: I looked it up, and the organization tries to keep production in or near the communities they serve.] That depends on the local economy, no? Interfering with local businesses is bad, but denying people access to transportation for lack of funds is also bad, and more people with bicycles can mean more business for bike shops (maintenance, repairs, replacement parts), plus those same bikes can make other local businesses more efficient. It certainly is not as simple as "sending bikes to Africa = good" though, and it's true that donation drives can have negative long term effects. I get that the video was more about the bike, but I do wish we got more detail on how the charity operates. That said, there are a number of comments from people about the bikes having positive impacts in their communities, which I take as a good sign.

[@thecoffeeblog]

@@SnakebitSTI That's the right approach ! otherwise is called dumping. Dumping is what the NFL does with non winner teams T-shirts and TOMS with their shoes. Destroying local shoe and tshirt makers. It's very difficult to compete with things that are free. Additionally people develope dependency and once the company doesn't give away free stuff people get poorer than they originally were.

[@Adamas_83]

This is essentially the VW beetle and Model T of bikes... what an awesome company, with a super important mission.

[@yungphaedra5946]

I’ve been a supporter of WBR for a while, they are amazing, and so is their bike!

[@ericderosia300]

Thanks for telling us about Buffalo Bikes! I donated to this very worthy cause, and I hope everyone else who can will donate. Buffalo!

[@ALLkatrazX]

WOW you get me with this one. Big respect to this company who really dedicate to community like that. Amazing.

[@ryanmichels2981]

This is so cool. These bikes should service people for many years, and can be repaired as needed, cheap and easily.

[@rayw5289]

I have NEVER been more excited about a bicycle that you have reviewed on your channel. Thank you for sharing the information about these bikes and the organization that makes them possible!

[@craigwilson577]

Just made a donation through my work which does an awesome 1:1 donation match - so that's another 2 bikes funded. Thanks for the video Seth!

[@technicalcyclist]

In India we have similar bikes and the cost is even cheaper. It costs around 65 to 70$. But they are extremely strong n fun to ride. The geometry of these bikes are so great that you do not require to go for a bike fitting as you will never get a bum or wrist problem. Fantastic part is that a complete stripdown service will cost you as high as just 2$😅😅

[@SenorGonzo]

I really wasn’t going to buy another bike but I just did. I hope it gets go on nice adventures!

[@WorldBicycleRelief]

Thank you for your support!

[@k-c]

I really admire these kinds of companies. The way companies should actually operate. Most are so driven by monetary interests that they make compromises at the cost of their customers.

[@Bear10174]

I saw these around in Kenya but didn't know anything about them. I thought they were locally made given how completely bombproof they are. It really is the best bike ever made.

[@ettcha]

I thought they were local to us too (Zimbabwe). They really are workhorses.

[@samishereforfun]

Every time I watch a Seth's Bike Hacks video I start looking at used bikes, even when I can't afford them

[@ChrisLoew]

You can afford this bike

[@bjmcculloch]

@@ChrisLoew But it appears to not be for sale.

[@tristanbogaard]

What a refreshing video presenting a no fuss bike that just works. Reminds me of the typical bikes you’ll see everywhere in the Netherlands, and my own memories of riding one to school every day with friends sitting on the back rack. Just awesome, thanks Seth!

[@pacukluka]

Now this is a fucking bike, for the people. I fully support this company in their goal.

[@kevin123photo]

Absolutely never heard about this bike and I LOVE it. This is a true "buy it for life" kind of vehicle.

[@fifthcircle1]

TdF should be raced on stock Buffalo Bikes. That'd be pretty interesting. 🤣

[@rustymustard7798]

That chain is the way to go. I pretty much only run 415 hardened chain, everything else is like using a rubber band, all stretchy and bouncy until it snaps.

[@zlatan_2197]

I sadly never heard about Buffalo before, but now I have so much respect for them. What an amazing, well thought out bicycle that makes real difference instantly.

[@sharonkotut8080]

Making a difference to men and women in communities where transportation is a challenge. Thanks Winnie Sambu for all the great work you do with the team at WBR. Sustainable solutions to human needs. Hongera!!!!

[@lukehodkinson2296]

Love your video's, I went to Berm Park and it was amazing.

[@DATDesign]

Seeing the humanitarian impact of this bike is simply awesome and something I never even knew about until today. Seriously. Butttt, it would be also be awesome to see you upgrade the fork, maybe convert to disc brakes, knobbier tires, and add some more gearing. If anyone can do it, it's Seth!

[@pault1289]

Thanks for highlighting this, i worked for a multinational that supported a similar bike scheme - Quebeka. This is a really practical and sustainable way to help people in developing countries. And who doesn't love a bike - of whatever type?! Thanks, Paul

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

I love this company!! They are awesome bringing transportation to communities who need them!!

[@Tomniverse]

screams of dutch bike

[@byHugoSA]

This is exactly what has existed in Brazil since 1960. There are 02 models Barra Forte (Strong bar) from Caloi and Barra Circular (Circular Bar) from Monark. Pretty strong and reliable, carries many weights, is low maintenance, and many people still use it. Cool video !!!

[@markifi]

why is there a circle in the middle?

[@byHugoSA]

​@markifi doesn't seems it has a real explanation, possible it is alternative to reinforce the frame, different from ther models that use extra bar. Indee, it is a cool feature and made strong in the market.

[@teoparaschiveanu]

Bravo! This is truely a bicycle that help people. And this is really one of the greatest inventîon of humanity!

[@RatmadnessMTB]

I can totaly see how this bike can be Life Changing for a lot of people. Excellent video!

[@temp-anon_3690]

that's the engineering I love

[@thomasgibson7576]

love this guy

[@classydays43]

I remember coming across these years ago and they are my favourite bike by far. The most important aspect of these is they are locally built and serviced in remote communities, removing the reliance that so many people have on donations to support them. The guy that started the company started out helping the people in Haiti through a bike donation and then developed these for students and nurses in remote parts of Africa. Farmers began buying them because they could get more food to markets, faster, leading to a stronger economy and fresher food to the people. It's incredible.

[@mikeroberts7921]

Reminds me of my old Western Flyer I had back in the 60’s. Heavy and built like a tank. An adjustable wrench could fix anything.

[@fintancostello_ok]

This seems quite smart making a super robust bike that is hard to break but is easy to fix. If only big brands made mountain bikes like this 😢😂

[@peglor]

They can't because the bikes would handle like complete crap on trails due to weighing kgs more than their competitors, so most riders would hate them off road and go back to the lighter, but more delicate options. They're built for a purpose and that's to be the last bike you'll ever need to buy for use in getting yourself and some cargo from A to B with no focus on speed. It's like asking why, since Ford Transits are so cheap, versatile and repairable, isn't everybody using them instead of Porsches when they go to a track day.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

​@@peglor I'm on my 4th Ford transit. I'd love it if it were as reliable as this bike. But they're absolute junk😂 Unfortunately they're a requirement for my job.

[@batterybuilding]

The prepper-tactical fetishists should take note. This is the vehicle to have after society collapses; not some angry jeep trying to be an MRAP.

[@Jacksparrow4986]

I've struggled to find a replacement frame for a fully. Manufacturer doesn't sell them directly, forwards me to bike shops. Bike shops don't respond. Maybe need to try again in a few months if the market stays cool and the season start rush wears off....

[@cyan_oxy6734]

In terms of bikes North America is like a different planet. Bikes like this are so abundant on the second hand market in Europe. You can get this for 40€ in any city in Europe

[@domingosvarelamarreiros7490]

To be honest, it just seems like a more robust version of a simple Dutch bike. But lovely stuff!

[@twowheelsintransit]

One of the most interesting videos youve made honestly. I'm fortunate enough to have spent three months in africa this year and i absolutely loved seeing people cycle. Really reminds you of the freedom two wheels can bring

[@thefpvlife7785]

By far your best and most influential episode. Now this video helps mankind.

[@benodaboy]

Great now i want one

[@carstenpodehl8074]

"some warm milk drinking soft sheltered individual"...too funny. Great review about a high functional bike

[@vonjororo]

love this quote :D

[@dudesweetpro]

As a product designer I absolutely love to see this! Good job buffalo!

[@ethirnandor5439]

As a dutchy: looks like a regular bike to me. But I wish you all the best getting practical bikes introduced to other countries.

[@stuartdilts2729]

You missed something about threaded headsets; they are less stiff, so you get a bit of extra compliance and suspension for some of the nasty roads these will be taken on.

[@killer_subzero1116]

I'm about to want one lol. But yes we love bikes. I just recently needed to be more active I've been doing 30 min indoor cycling for the summer time weather In az .

[@whenyoudownrng]

that chain looked so normal to me, and i didn't understand what the big deal was, until i remembered that the only two wheels i've been on since i was about 12 have been mounted underneath a 600cc inline 4, and to see a chain that i'm used to on a bicycle is absolutely insane

[@seanwhalen5011]

Bottle cage screws allow water to enter the frame and rust a steel frame.

[@Does_It_matter-No_it_doesnt]

Braize-on ones don't 😂😂😂

[@Matthew-wj8cm]

My exact thinking

[@Matthew-wj8cm]

The bikes from the soviet times were the same way. That's why I love them. So dependable and robust. And serviceable with box wrenches.

[@UWRZoneTheCurrent]

So happy to see a bike like this reviewed and promoted with so much enthusiasm, also happy to see how much thought went into this bike! Kona used to have a similar project (Afrika-bike?) but the Buffalo seems outstanding in every way possible.

[@challacustica9049]

Amazing bike. We need more of these everywhere.

[@rbrock00]

How to make the Buffalo better? Make it a 3-speed. FYI, as "heavy duty" as the Buffalo is, it's almost identical to the bikes we had 70 years ago. Just goes to show that newer and techie-er is not always better.