Vielo upcycles carbon fibre into cargo bikes to support flood-hit Valencia communities

Vielo has produced four upcycled carbon-fibre cargo bikes in partnership with Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany to aid flood victims in Valencia.

Each cargo bike weighs just 13kg yet can carry loads exceeding 70kg. Constructed from 55mm-diameter carbon fibre tubes, the frames were manufactuered using recycled material with an unusually high carbon-to-resin ratio. While a traditional layup consists of roughly 30% fibre and 70% resin, the recycled tubes reverse that balance, resulting in a 70% dense carbon structure that delivers exceptional strength.

The tubes arrived coated in blue, which was sanded back to reveal the raw carbon before being cut and machined to size. They are initially “tacked” together using an epoxy–carbon fibre mix, then wrapped with dense carbon fabric to ensure robust joints. Additional carbon strands were applied around the bottom bracket for reinforcement, and the frame received a final epoxy layer for a smooth yet raw finish.

To enhance performance, Vielo fitted the frames with its V+1 gravel bike fork, allowing for a switch from 24” BMX wheels to a 700c front and 650b rear configuration. This setup provides ample clearance for 50mm tyres while keeping the rear weight low on the cargo rack. Vielo’s quick-release axles and bearings were used alongside custom inserts to adapt the fork to the 55mm head tube.

The project was made possible through contributions from Vielo’s industry partners. Cambrian Tyres supplied Goodyear Transit SUV and Transit Tour tyres, while Token provided G23AB wheels and sourced CNC-machined aluminium parts for the dropouts and seatpost inserts. Satori donated alloy handlebars, stems and seatposts; Tektro/TRP contributed ED9 groupsets with custom-length hoses and cables; WTB provided saddles and grips; and EFW donated the carbon fibre tubes originally produced for Airbus aircraft.

The completed bikes were donated to two villages in Valencia to replace vehicles lost during the flash floods of October 2024.

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Vielo-sponsored ultra-distance athlete and Valencian native Juan Dual used his Vielo gravel bike to help distribute essential supplies including food, medicine and water. “We started distributing whatever we could straight away. With my bike, I was much quicker than cars or people on foot, so I made many trips,” said Dual.