This text was not translated, because it is originally in English
When I received a press release last Thursday afternoon from Audi announcing it was introducing wooden-framed bicycles I thought it was an Aprils Fool spoof since it was already April 1 in many parts of the world. After checking online I discovered it was legitimate but decided against writing about it last Friday as nobody would take it seriously.

Yes, Audi has teamed up with Renovo Hardwood Bikes in Portland, Oregon to produce the all-new duo bicycle that features a monocoque frame made of hardwood.

According to Audi and Renovo, wood offers the smoothest ride of any bike frame material thanks to its superior ability to absorb shock and vibration. Furthermore since the weight per cubic inch of wood is about one-fourth the weight of aluminum, the duo is lighter than most bicycle frames, while offering equal or superior stiffness, durability, and toughness. Of course, it is also recyclable and biodegradable.

Audi says it is the first automaker to offer a bicycle, let alone a wooden one, that is not just a design exercise or rebadging of an existing bicycle. Instead, Audi is launching the duo as an embodiment of its core principles of progressive innovation that also blends craftsmanship and styling with performance and technology.

Its actually fascinating to read about the construction of these bikes on The Renovo Bicycle - Renovo Hardwood Bicycles if youre into material technologies.

The duo bicycles also feature innovative drive train components such as a belt drive, aluminum and carbon fiber components, disk brakes and LED lighting, as well as woods selected to match the look of Audi vehicle interiors.

Due to the craftsmanship required to fabricate the frames the duo bikes are not cheap. The duo City costs $6,530, the duo Sport $7,350 and the duo Road $7,460. However, the price does include handling and shipping. And no, there are no all-wheel-drive versions.

Perhaps Audi will introduce parts in future cars made out of wood. They would not be the first as Morgan uses wood in its frames and Marcos used to make some excellent wooden-framed sports cars. If Audi does venture into wooden cars, they had better not send out the announcement on April 1 though.