Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood

Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood

Our Technical Editor has been riding around on a wooden bike for the past couple of years now and personally thinks it’s one of the best rides in his stable. The advantages of making a bike out of wood are scientifically proven, and Portland’s Renovo have a new model with looks to match.

Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood

This is the new Renovo Aerowood whose wooden frame has been infused with a layer of carbon, the result of which has been named FFSVD© (Full Frame Shock and Vibration Damping). Scientific designations aside, it’s a sleek and streamlined machine reminiscent of a Halvorsen speedboat.

Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood

Renovo have been crafting wooden frames since 2007 since they discovered wood absorbs vibration up to four times as much as carbon. The new Aerowood is a hollow frame made from Wenge and Curly Maple, with a thin layer of carbon fiber reinforcing the downtube.

Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood

The exquisitely-crafted frame now includes a shroud around the rear wheel and features a fairing on the seat mast that improves the aerodynamics — just in case it needed it. The frame is designed specifically for electronic shifting, accepts tires up to 25mm, and is guaranteed to start a conversation wherever you stop. Permission to come aboard?

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Branching Out: Renovo Aerowood