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Calfee Factory Tour: Part Three – Gyrocopters & More

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Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

So far, we’ve shown you how Calfee makes their carbon fiber bicycles virtually entirely in house (Part One) and some of the very first bikes up to the latest in carbon tech and bamboo/wood bikes (Part Two). We even had the very first look at their new Manta endurance road bike.

Now we conclude our tour with a look at the Molnari gyrocopters, which Craig Calfee has ownership in and lends his knowledge of bicycle parts and construction, plus another interesting little side project we spotted in the workstand…

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

There were two Molnari gyrocopters in the factory – this one-person model and a two-seater that didn’t appear quite as complete. What made them extra cool was the smattering of bicycle parts used to make things work. You’ll also notice Calfee’s carbon fiber and fabrication expertise put to good use, with many of the pieces made or machined in house.

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

The cockpit makes use of standard bike brake levers and headsets, with more headsets at the front wheel’s pivot. Chris King, of course.

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

Does that carbon fiber mast look like anything else we’ve seen from Calfee?

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

More custom carbon fiber pieces and more headsets. Click any image to enlarge for detail.

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

Check out the carbon leaf spring design used to support the rear wheel.

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

Small carbon pieces are hidden everywhere. Aaaaand the two seater, which made it’s way to the streets of LA:

calfee-molnari-gyrocopter-GT-Jefferson-Blvd
Street legal? Photo provided by Calfee.

 

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

This random bike missed inclusion in Part Two. Carbon lugs and clear tubes have LED light strips run through them for a real show stopper. The tubes are polycarbonate and it ended up being joined and wrapped with pounded bark cloth from ficus trees. The LED’s use custom, programmable electronics and are powered by one of Calfee’s internal Di2 batteries. Destination?

Calfee Bicycles Factory Tour and Molnari gyrocopters

Burning Man!

Huge thanks to Michael, Craig and the rest of the crew there for showing us around. Visit them at CalfeeDesign.com.

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1Pro
1Pro
10 years ago

polycarbonate, punded ficus bar and gyrocopters… carbon and bamboo bike sales must be slow.

Stuart H
Stuart H
10 years ago

Don’t know if bike sales are slow, but the factory has always contained an eclectic collection. When I bought a Tetra in 1999, the factory had a few carbon wheelchairs around & a tandem bike for a disabled stoker out front. And Yes, there were bamboo and carbon tandem prototypes back then. Craig Calfee is an outstanding example of artist/craftsman/engineer. And a super nice guy.

Deborah Bowden
Deborah Bowden
8 years ago

I just heard about bamboo bikes made in Ghana with the inspiration from Craig Calfee. It sounds like a really great and profitable idea, esp for Ghana. The words of CEO Kwabena Danso thru CNN that of putting bamboo items around the world. I would like to help him attain that goal. Is there a way that he or Craig Calfee can be contacted?

Thanks and regards,
Mrs. Deborah Bowden
cell: 1 (847) 612-0721
email: debs8779@gmail.com

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