ZAFI Cycles is revolutionizing the bicycle industry with unique, handcrafted bicycles made of wood. The innovative designs and sustainable materials not only offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional bicycles: they also feature unparalleled handling that is only possible with the use of wood.
Experience the passion with which Simon Malvaux and his team individually manufacture the bikes for their customers, providing them with a holistic experience. Join us in the workshop where they are manufactured using tools made with CERATIZIT know-how. And come with us on the dirt roads where the wooden bikes can show what they are made of.
ZAFI Cycles’ bikes are made from carefully selected wood known for its durability and aesthetic beauty. Each ZAFI bike is a one-of-a-kind piece that combines the natural beauty of wood with state-of-the-art shifting and braking technology. The wood comes from the Sonian Forest, a 4421-hectare forest on the southeastern edge of Brussels in Belgium. Thanks to a clever combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, the native woods are processed in the ZAFI workshops into a high-performance bicycle with a unique character.
Wood is an incredibly versatile material. “Wood has fascinating properties, especially its ability to dampen vibrations. It also allows us to design the frame exactly the way we want it,” emphasizes Simon Malvaux. Unlike conventional metal frames, which are simply welded together, wooden frames can be shaped into any desired form. “This opens up endless possibilities in terms of design and functionality.”
At ZAFI Cycles, traditional craftsmanship is combined with the latest technology to create something truly unique. To do this, the frame is designed and drawn in 3D software. Each piece of wood is carefully selected and joined using a special adhesive used in shipbuilding. The frame is then precisely machined using a CNC machine.
ZAFI uses high-quality tools to machine the wooden frames. “For us, the most important thing is to have a reliable tool. Therefore we use tools that are extremely reliable and durable, which is crucial for perfect results. Cheap tools sometimes only last an hour on the CNC machine, then they are blunt and no longer cut. The quality of tools from CMT Orange Tools® – made with CERATIZIT carbide and know-how –guarantees us consistently high precision and a perfect cut,” explains Malvaux.
Both ZAFI Cycles and CERATIZIT have in-depth expertise that other companies don’t necessarily have. “There are some parallels between the two companies: both know exactly how to manufacture the respective products to ensure a perfect finish and a high-quality end product. This expertise and the use of quality materials are the basis of our collaboration,” according to Malvaux.
From the first visit to the workshop to the individual consultation, to the production and delivery of the finished bike, ZAFI supports its customers throughout the entire process. “We try to sell more than just a bike. For us and ultimately for the customer, it should be a holistic experience,” explains Malvaux. The result is not just a bike, but a unique connection between man and machine.