Bicycles

Bamboo e-bike is a real Car Killer

Bamboo e-bike is a real Car Killer
The Car Killer (as it's unofficially called) at NAHBS in Sacramento
The Car Killer (as it's unofficially called) at NAHBS in Sacramento
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The Car Killer (as it's unofficially called) at NAHBS in Sacramento
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The Car Killer (as it's unofficially called) at NAHBS in Sacramento
The Car Killer's rear hub motor is mounted in a 20-inch fatbike wheel, protected by a carbon fiber cover
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The Car Killer's rear hub motor is mounted in a 20-inch fatbike wheel, protected by a carbon fiber cover
The basket in front is large enough to carry a European-standard beer crate
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The basket in front is large enough to carry a European-standard beer crate
The Car Killer has high- and low-beam headlights
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The Car Killer has high- and low-beam headlights
Users can select the amount of pedalling assistance, along with checking parameters such as battery life, via an LCD control module on the handlebars
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Users can select the amount of pedalling assistance, along with checking parameters such as battery life, via an LCD control module on the handlebars
Two steel boxes in the back can carry a wide variety of tools, plus there's a shallower cargo compartment between those two boxes
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Two steel boxes in the back can carry a wide variety of tools, plus there's a shallower cargo compartment between those two boxes
The BionX seat tube-mounted battery
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The BionX seat tube-mounted battery
The Car Killer has a strong-yet-forgiving all-bamboo frame, joined together by lugs made from a mix of hemp fiber and epoxy resin
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The Car Killer has a strong-yet-forgiving all-bamboo frame, joined together by lugs made from a mix of hemp fiber and epoxy resin
The Car Killer's dual tail lights
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The Car Killer's dual tail lights
View gallery - 9 images

Along with its unique rear suspension system, and tandem bikes that can be converted to singles, Calfee Design is well-known as a builder of bamboo bikes. One of the company's latest creations is a bamboo e-bike, packed with enough features that it could quite literally take the place of a car – hence its nickname, the Car Killer.

Although the specific bike that we saw at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show is a one-off design concept, a very similar model was built for a client in San Francisco. He uses that bike on a daily basis, in his job as a contractor.

As can be seen, the Car Killer has a strong-yet-forgiving all-bamboo frame, joined together by lugs made from a mix of hemp fiber and epoxy resin. Pedal-assist power is provided by a 500-watt BionX D Series rear hub motor, protected by a carbon fiber wheel cover. Users can select the amount of pedalling assistance, along with checking parameters such as battery life, via an LCD control module on the handlebars. There's no word on battery range.

Two steel boxes in the back can carry a wide variety of tools, plus there's a shallower cargo compartment between those two boxes
Two steel boxes in the back can carry a wide variety of tools, plus there's a shallower cargo compartment between those two boxes

Because it's a "working bike," the Car Killer has plenty of cargo space. The basket in front is large enough to carry a European-standard beer crate, while two steel boxes in the back can carry a wide variety of tools. There's also a shallower cargo compartment between those two boxes, for things like jackets and work gloves.

Besides its motor, some of the Killer's other electronic features include an audible alarm that goes off if the bike is moved while parked, high- and low-beam LED headlights, and dual tail lights. Those lights shut off once the bike's electrical system is powered down, so there's no chance of accidentally leaving them on and draining the battery.

If you're thinking that you wouldn't mind a Car Killer of your own, company founder Craig Calfee tells us that it would probably sell for about US$8,000.

Company website: Calfee Design

View gallery - 9 images
5 comments
5 comments
nubwaxer
variable pedal assistance, check. didn't notice the range but i doesn't matter when the price is way too much at $8,000.
Zigra
If you're going to make stout aluminum side cases, why waste time not making the frame from aluminum?
unklmurray
Yeah,I really likes the design,especially the cargo boxes...they would look nice on a "Rad Wagon"cargo for $1499.00 in Seattle,Wa BamBoo has got to be the least expensive frame material....so It is my opinion that Mr.Calfee can keep his nice machine ,I think it is over priced unless the $8000.00 quoted is supposed actually be $799.00+$1.00shpping,and the quoted price is a mis print!!
Douglas Bennett Rogers
Would like the lug set separate to use with off -the -shelf carbon tubing.
unklmurray
I agree with Unklmurray, NICE but 10 times value...... ....LOL :-) Question for ''New Atlas!'' Why aren't my postings printed the way I write them??