Portland, OR — The Collins Companies has just announced that it has commissioned the first 100% FSC-certified bicycle in the nation.

The bike, manufactured by Renovo Hardwood Bicycles, is an “R4 Pursuit” model that features a stiff, powerful and lightweight frame. All of Renovo’s bikes are custom-made – adjusting the stiffness and ride quality to the customer’s individual riding style and weight.

Renovo is one of the few companies in the world that manufactures wood bicycles and the only one making them with hollow frames. “I am proud to have used 100% FSC-certified wood on this particular bike,” stated Ken Wheeler, owner, Renovo Hardwood Bicycles. “We utilized a species combination of CollinsWood® from the Collins Pennsylvania Forest including; Black Cherry, Hard Maple, and Birch.”

The bike is making its worldwide debut at the Greenbuild International Conference in Chicago, on November 17-19, 2010.

The Collins Companies has been dedicated to the environment since the beginning. In 1943, according to Truman Collins, President, 3rd generation, “Our mission is to manage the forests sustainably. Nurture the forest’s biodiversity. Help create a stable workforce that builds healthy communities where families can work and thrive. Foster loyalty and trust simply by being loyal and trustworthy. Leave the Earth better for our being here.’’

Collins had this bike commissioned for one of their employees, to demonstrate their continued commitment to this mission. “Although wood bicycles are still in their infancy, we are constantly exploring new ways to have CollinsWood incorporated into everyday products and we want our customers to explore new uses,” said Cameron Waner, marketing coordinator for The Collins Companies.

Waner continues, “Specifying FSC-certified wood in their projects is one of the most powerful things our customers can do to change the way wood products are harvested and sold around the world.”

The Collins Companies produces high quality wood products including, softwoods, hardwoods, particleboard and engineered wood siding and trim, all available FSC certified. It is based in Portland, Oregon and has been family-owned since 1855.

Renovo Hardwood Bicycles designs and custom manufactures wooden bicycles from its headquarters in Portland, Oregon.

SOURCE: The Collins Companies