The current Kavenz VHP bikes come with a sticker that says “Made from aluminum: we give a shit,” a nod to the recyclability and (purportedly) lower environmental impact of aluminum compared to carbon fiber.

But Kavenz is also openly developing the next-generation VHP platform — and it’s using carbon tubes bonded to aluminum lugs. So, why change materials, especially when aluminum is such a big part of the brand’s image and ethos? Why document the whole process for the public, rather than developing a new bike in secret, as most brands do? Is the environmental impact of aluminum even really lower? We sat down with Kavenz founder Giacomo Großehagenbrock to discuss all that and much more.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Founding Kavenz & Documenting Frame Design (2:41)

Why Update the VHP? (8:07)

Material Options & Refining the VHP X (12:49)

Filament Winding & Carbon Tubes (15:50)

Environmental Impact of Carbon Fiber (18:51)

Bonding a Frame (22:22)

Sample Testing & Next Steps (28:32)

Availability & Pricing (38:28)

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