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Chris Kudla – Artist Statement
“I’m a mechanical design engineer and prior to Normal Bicycles spent more than ten years designing structural frame and mount systems for automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. It’s with this engineering approach that I’ve developed the strong and lightweight method that I use to build bicycle frames from wood.
“Using wood as a frame building material has resulted in smooth, clean lines and exceptional ride comfort. I build with a composite combination of hardwood and carbon fiber, with custom designed aluminum and carbon inserts at the points where the components attach.
“The bicycle frames are almost entirely hollow to minimize weight, and by strategically incorporating layers of wood throughout the design the frames are also exceptionally strong and stiff. They have been certified to the ISO-standard for strength and durability, and I use a marine grade finish to withstand the elements.”