We are at a time when technology is advancing by leaps and bounds and, thanks to it, it is possible to design and manufacture vehicles with very high performance qualities. However, at the same time, the importance of commitment to the environment and the use of sustainable materials when developing a project also play a primary role today.
If we combine both questions, we must take into account one of the most striking developments in the bicycle sector. It comes from Ornus, an Italian firm that has just joined the industry with a curious proposal that does not go unnoticed. And it is a high-performance handcrafted gravel bicycle whose frame is made entirely of wood.
To begin with, it should be noted that CNC milling technology is used to make this bike, a process that allows the manufacturing of wooden parts to be automated so that they always have an exact measurement. The precision of this technology allows the production process to be adapted to the millimeter.
As in most conventional bicycles, the frame is made up of different parts that are manufactured separately. In this case, the brand highlights that a series of specific membrane grafts are used that facilitate the fit and integration of some pieces with others. This is aimed not only at achieving higher quality finishes but also at reducing the possible wear of the wood due to the friction of use.
But, as we talked about at the beginning of the article, natural materials are not incompatible with technology, and this is something that has been taken into account when designing the new Ornus bike (which takes the name of the brand itself ). It is worth evaluating the quality of the components that accompany the wooden frame, such as mainly the transmission and the wheels of the vehicle.
For example, the variant called G1 includes a Shimano GRX820 groupset and Fulcrum Speed ??42 DB wheels. For its part, the G2 version, which occupies the middle place in the range, is equipped with a Campagnolo Ekar 13V transmission and Campagnolo Levante wheels. Meanwhile, the G4 features a Shimano GRX810 groupset and Fulcrum RapidRed 5 wheels.
Any of them are capable of offering great dynamic results on different types of surfaces, whether asphalt or dirt. To better understand the artisanal nature of this exclusive bicycle, it should be noted that it takes up to 45 days to manufacture each unit and that they are made only to order.
As can be imagined in an alternative with such characteristics, we are not looking at an economical bike, since the price range goes from 6,800 to 8,300 euros depending on the version we opt for.
