Connor Wood bicycles

Connor Wood Bicycles was founded by Chris Connor in 2012 to build wood bicycles that beautifully combine form and function. Chris is a longtime Denver woodworker and cycling enthusiast, and building wood bicycles came as stunning realization that he could bring the two together. After years of experience building classical guitars and designing and building modern furniture, Chris has a love and respect for the beauty, strength, and durability of wood. Connor Wood Bicycles uses a unique combination of sustainably harvested American White Ash, Black Walnut and Kevlar in curved composite laminations throughout its bikes. 

Ash wood is a traditional tool wood, used for the handles of axes, hammers and other tools. Even today with the availability of other materials, Ash wood is used in the best baseball bats. Ash has long been preferred because of its strength and natural ability to soften the impact on the user ; whether it’s a batter connecting with a 100 MPH pitch or a craftsman hammering nails. These are just the sort of qualities bicyclists look for in their rides. Chris Connor has created a series of “scorchers” or hotrod cruisers which have clean lines with natural flowing curves and a beautiful grain that is unmistakably wood.

The bikes are minimalist in appearance, typically having a simple leather saddle and grips, a single speed or two speed internal gear hub, coaster brakes, and 29er wheels. There are no shifter cables or other add-ons to distract from the simplicity of the bikes’ design. They are protected with marine spar varnish – the same material used to seal wooden boats – so their beauty will endure for years to come. Chris also reinforces the handlebars and the frame’s rear triangle with aircraft epoxy and Kevlar to ensure unparalleled strength. The bikes’ greatness however comes from the wood and the rider’s experience. Like the Ash tools and bats, the bike dampens the bumps and vibrations of the road and offers a truly unique ride. As Chris creates them, they have just enough give to make for a delightfully fun and supple ride that almost feels like floating down the road.