4 ms·
https://www.buffalobicycle.com/storage/documents/Buffalo_comparison_AFRICA.pdf https://www.buffalobicycle.com/storage/documents/Buffalo_com... The buffalo bike
by Konnstann 3mo ago
https://www.buffalobicycle.com/storage/documents/Buffalo_comparison_AFRICA.pdf https://www.buffalobicycle.com/storage/documents/Buffalo_com...
The buffalo bike is one that was specifically made for developing nations and the project prioritizes local assembly and repair, while the bike is designed to sacrifice weight and aerodynamics, instead offering heavier-duty parts like thicker rims, puncture-proof tires, high-capacity racks, etc. This bike has two chains to reduce the likelihood of a critical failure and an internal coaster brake hub which is more robust to the elements.
Your average low-cost bike isn't intended to be used in environments with rough terrain and high contaminant concentrations without regular maintenance, and especially older bikes with things like cup and cone bearings which are more susceptible to dirt getting in, thinner tires which puncture more easily, and nonstandard bits and pieces like derailleur hangers which predate the UDH standard.
- xmprt 3mo agoBuffalo bicycles cost around $150 at least. That's frankly way too expensive to be a good bike for developing countries no matter how well suited it is for rough terrain. The best bikes I saw were ones that a kid from a family could buy for maybe $20 in local currency and the repairability comes from the cheap cost - if something breaks down, you can find the replacement part from a spare bike that broke down months ago.
- nchmy 3mo agooh wow, yeah, $150 is far too expensive. Its unsurprising, given how flashy their site is and their like 100 employees - what are they all even doing, other than patting themselves on the back?! The site shows all the telltale signs of self-important, low-impact NGO.