________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________                 1995 One of the first mock ups, scale 1:3 based on a cable tension system called "Tensegrity".  Tests with bamboo carried out at PUC-Rio. In the picture testing a particular connection solution. 1995-96 The first prototype, in a child size, year 1995, based on "Tensegrity", developed at LILD/PUC-Rio.  1996-98 The second prototype with a cable tension system. Student graduation project at PUC-Rio.  1999 Prototype number 3. Unisex frame design with a long free bamboo seat tube provides a cushioning effect. The top and seat stay tube are integrated into two single bamboo tubes in parallel. 2000 City bike comercial model with bamboo fenders, based on prototype nr.3 and then a sport version with a left single fork. 2000 The fourth prototype "arrow". A second version of prototype 4 with two extra bamboo tubes for more stiffness. 2000 BAMBUCICLETAS - The prototype number 5, year 2000, developed for a comfortable upright riding position and a great use of bamboo tubes. Then a comercial version with bamboo fenders on. 2000 Bambucicletas bamboo fenders. Made out of bamboo tubes cut in half. 2001 Prototype number 6, for mountain biking, with bamboo tube bonded around metal lugs. 2001 City bike with a black bamboo frame, model based on prototype 6. 2001 Co-development and build of prototypes BiomegaBamboo with Biomega and designer Ross Lovegrove. 2001-02 Prototype nr. 7, inspired by BiomegaBamboo frame and then an aerodynamic designed handlebar.  2003-04 Prototype number 8 with a handmade metal lugs. Made at SVKH/Cph. 2004-05 Prototype number 9 with a handmade carbon lugs. Made at SVKH/Cph. 2006 Prototype for Viva bikes. 2007 Prototype made for biking tests purpose. 2008-09 Biomega bamboo during test at CHC/Taiwan. EN14764 approved, Dec 2008. Bamboo technology, engineering and manufacturing for Biomega. 2009 Upgrade of prototype 5. Bicyclecomfort model. The combination frame design and bamboo, flexible yet stiff, provides a comfortable upright riding experience. 2009 Prototype 10 developed with aluminium chain stay tube for extra stiffness. Copyright © 2009 flaviodeslandes.com Flavio Costa Leão Deslandes is a Brazilian Industrial Designer based in Denmark. He is known for his design and engineering work with bamboo, including the bamboo bicycle. Graduated in bamboo bikes In Rio de Janeiro in 1994 Flavio began to experiment with bamboo technology with a research grant during his University studies at PUC-Rio. From 1994 to 1998 he participated in projects about developing tools for working with bamboo – composites, structures, truss-frames, joint and connection solutions, aids and appliances for handicapped such as walkers and amphibian sliders. In 1995 he started developing his first bamboo bicycle and the first prototype was presented at the 5º International World Bamboo Congress in 1998. He graduated in 1999, his bamboo bicycle prototype nr.2 being the final project. His first patent MU7901320-1 was applied in 1999 and granted in 2005. Moved to the bicycleland Denmark In 2000 Flavio moved to Copenhagen, Denmark to a whole new world of bicycles and biking culture. Since then Flavio has been working for several companies in the bicycle industry - with mechanics, frame building, product development and design. And he has been building both conventional bikes and bamboo bikes for private clients. Bambucicletas, a 'hit' on the internet In 2000 Flavio developed a bamboo bicycle with a special frame geometry that provides a high posture. This bike attracted attention from all over the world because of its comfort and sustainable biking experience. The bike was featured in 2002 in a book by George H. Marcus "What Is Design Today". Biomega Bamboo, co-development & manufacturing In 2001 Flavio participated in the development of a bamboo bike with Biomega and designer Ross Lovegrove. Flavio developed the crucial joint between the bamboo tubes and the aluminum lugs including an aluminum ring, a surface treatment for the bamboos and the engineering of the frame. In 2008 the bike was tested at CHC/Taiwan, approved and certified according to European standards EN14764. Year 2009 Flavio started the production with Biomega. "The right thing to do" "From the beginning I have felt that this exquisite material - an organic tube structure made by nature - has a tremendous potential. The challenge to make it work has kept me going. My motivation was always the opportunity to connect modern design with natural materials. The idea to make this connection in a bicycle is logical if you think about it: Biking is a very energy effective way of transportation. And combining a sustainable material as bamboo with energy free mobility seems like the right thing to do."