The bamboo bike rides really nicely-stiff like aluminum, probably due to the oversize tubes, er, sticks, but more muted like a nice steel frame. There is not much springiness, though, like you would find in steel or titanium-bumps and blips and waves in the pavement don't twang or resonate or bounce like in some frames made of those metals. Hits are not as sharp, nor do they have that hard, stomping-on-a-rock bone-jarring feel of a big-diameter aluminum frame. I don't know how to explain this, it's like talking about music...you have to use words that are relative to other things. Like "blue," a color, is understood to mean "sad" or "melancholy" in music. This bike feels a little transparent-it's tough to pin a character onto it, though. "Alive," maybe? Perhaps because the frame is made from an organic substance-it feels like it is actually working on its own, maybe pushing back against hits. Power transfer is great-it doesn't hesitate in a jump, doesn't seem to flex unfavorably, doesn't creak or groan. Perfect alignment; I can let go and sit up and it goes right straight ahead, no bobbles or wobbles or leaning or arm waving, it goes right where I look.

I have wanted a bamboo bike since I saw one of your first ones at Interbike.  Since I've had the wants for a very long time, my expectations have been high to unrealistic.  ...... My expectations were exceeded.  The bike rode like a dream, smooth, solid, stiff, stable but not dead feeling.  Cannot not thank you enough for such a great product.  There have only been 2 consumer products I have purchased over the years that have been over the top in all respects.  The Bamboo Bike is one and the other one was a Feathercraft K1 Expedition kayak.

This December marks the three year anniversary with my Luna Pro. I have ridden more than 20 thousand miles in that time, and I can tell you with all certainty that the frame remains rock solid and fresh. I am sure you receive many testimonial concerning your creations but I thought one more couldn't hurt. I can't wait to order a Dragonfly! Thank you...God I love riding my bicycle!!

I just crossed 8000 miles on the Dragonfly you built for me last year.  Something about that milestone prompted me to write you and tell you how much I enjoy my toy.  Thanks!
When I was considering buying a new bike a friend urged me to find something that would take my breath away each time I saw it and this bike certainly fits the bill.  I'm running it full Dura-Ace  10, with a stout set of Mavic CXP33 rims.
Even in the wet weather with legs sore from previous days of riding I love to climb aboard and set off down the road.  I initially thought I would ride my old bike during the winter, but I just like this one too much to trade out.

Hi Craig,
    I purchased a Tetra from you a couple of years ago and still have to say it's the best I have ever ridden.  It's beautifully crafted as well. The comfort is fabulous and it's still lively.  I have only had 4 other bikes before this, and this one really is a dream in comparison.  They weren't cheapies either.  As someone who is finally reaching "middle age" ugh........,  I find comfort is really really important for those longer rides.  This bike is superb for that too! I can't believe how it feels as if someone is pushing me up hills!  Can you believe it???  Anyway, I wanted to thank you for such a lovely bike. Keep rolling them out!

PS Did I say how much I enjoy the wicked paint jobs (esp. in the sun!!!)

My new bamboo bike is really pretty amazing. It is unbelievably gorgeous - the photos don't really do it justice, and seeing the frame alone also doesn't do it. The bike, fully built, is just beautiful (with a Calfee barstem made from FSA K-Wing bars, Campy Record carbon compact kit, and Mavic Ksyrium ES wheels - the red spoke really looks trick). I love the way the cables pass through the carbon wraps on the lugs. And I got to spend plenty of time looking at it last week, because it started snowing as I pulled out of the parking lot of the bike shop last weekend when I picked it up, so it sat in my living room all week. But it cleared up this weekend, so I got to ride it for the first time.

Wow. I'll be honest - when I asked my wife for this bike, I was thinking mostly about what it represents in terms of artistry and craftsmanship. I wasn't really thinking about how it would ride. But it really rides beautifully. The vibration damping is amazing. I've never spent much time on a good carbon frame, so I can't give a fair comparison, but compared to the steel, aluminum and titanium frames I've ridden, it seems like a completely different type of vehicle - a hovercraft maybe. Its eerie really - it seems to just hover over the road, like floating on a cloud. And the roads I ride in Connecticut are pretty nasty, especially in January. I also threw it up some steep little hills, and it was stiff and responsive. So now I'm spoiled - I don't see how I'll get back on my "old" primary bike (a custom Columbus Spirit steel frame made by a local builder in Ridgefield, CT). So much for saving the bamboo bike for special occasions. I hope I get to ride it again before we get snowed in for the winter!

So, bravo. Beautiful bike, and a joy to ride. Think I'll go home and stare at it some more.

Just a quick note to let you know that we picked up my wife's bamboo frame on Saturday. To say that my wife was stunned would be an understatement. She was literally speechless. She is not one who demonstrates extreme emotion by jumping up and down, throwing her hands around, etc. So, Mark at River City may be wondering how she really felt about the bike. When we got home she just sat down and stared at the frame for at least 15 minutes occasionally shaking her head in joy and amazement. Than she started hounding me to get my butt in gear to get the bike built up. Regarding that .... "

I went on a 6 day ride in Alaska on my Bontrager (steel frame mtn bike). I was in my best shape ever. One of the guys I met up there had a Calfee. Every time when we got to the hills, the guy I met w/the Calfee steadily inched away from us every time. At one of outposts, I had a chance to pick up his bike and was totally surprised. He asked me if I wanted to ride his bike and I declined… guess it was a good thing at the time because I would have tsyched myself out every time I got to a hill. Well, when I finally got around to buying a road bike, I narrowed it down to the Calfee and a Colonago masterlite. I am very happy with my purchase of the Calfee Luna Pro. Keep up the Excellent work, Craig!"

Wow ! First ride this Sunday on my Dragonfly. I have to say my Dragonfly made me feel like I took 50 LBS right of my back. I honestly feel like I am cheating. This bike allows me to elevate my performance to a new level. Every aspect of what I expect from a great bike is a forever changed now."

Sheila and I recently purchased a Tetra Tandem from Rich Shapiro. We had tried other up-market tandems and were not sufficiently impressed to make the investment. We committed to the bike Rich had in stock without a test ride (it was winter). We took it south in March. Fifty feet into our first ride we knew we had done the right thing. A couple of thousand miles later we are completely satisfied. More correctly put - we are thrilled. Thank you.

"My bike gets a lot of admiring looks too from my fellow cyclists and there is no doubt among them that it plays an important part in my improved ( and improving ) performance. My road racing has been improving too and is due, in part, to the new bike. I will drop you a line at the end of season and let you know how well it turned out."

"Just a short note to let you know how much I'm enjoying my new Calfee. As you know,a bicycle is only as good as its frame.Your painstaking attention to detail has paid off. This is the most comfortable and responsive bike I have ever ridden. I started with a Schwinn Varsity eight speed over forty years ago, so I am sure you can imagine how many bikes I've owned.This one simply beats them all.Aesthetically, its hand wrapped lugs make it eligible as an exhibit at the Smithsonian or the Museum of Modern Art. Many thanks to all your staff for the careful blend of technology,engineering, design, and craftsmanship."

Check out the new "Calfee Owner's Forum" on advice and news about our bikes and accessories. Feel free to post your questions and comments.