bicycle.net -- World Road Championships 2009 :: cycling news, product reviews, original essays, podcasts & video

Not suitable for harsh terrain, but very cool!

I enjoyed woodwork as much as the next student when I was at school, but the furthest I ever got was the creation of a simple looking clock.

The same can’t be said of 16-year-old high school student, Marco Facciola.

“As a 16-year-old high school student in the International Baccalaureate program, I am required to complete a ‘personal project’ on a non-academic topic that is of interest to me. I have always enjoyed woodworking and design, so I decided to build a functional wooden bicycle. There was to be no metal used in its construction, only wood and glue. I wanted a project that would be a challenge” said Marco.

Here’s the result:

What you’re seeing in the picture above is a bicycle made completely from wood, yes, even the chain and ratcheting system are wooden. Though Marco doesn’t tell us how well the bicycle actually rides, we don’t care, it’s a thing of beauty and in my estimation is best left on display.

Following the ambitious project, Marco simply says “In the future I hope to find another challenging woodworking project, but for now, I plan to focus on my schoolwork, my part-time job and sports”. Certainly likes to keep himself busy.

Find out exactly what went into the project and how Marco completed the project at leevalley.com.