Buffalo, one of the most important bicycles in the world

Most of the bikes that are manufactured are designed for the first world. That’s why, when they arrive in developing countries (after years of use in other latitudes), they are a nightmare for their new owners: expensive, flimsy for the harsh conditions of their roads, and difficult to repair. But there is a different one. Created by the NGO World Bicycle Relief specifically for places like Zambia, Kenya, or Colombia, it can be said that the Buffalo is one of the most important bicycles on the planet. It is cheap and ultra-robust, and it is designed for both men and women. And it has already changed the lives of 600,000 people.

The Buffalo, a hope born from tragedy

The 'parents' of this model are F.K. Day, one of the founders of SRAM, and his wife, photographer Leah Missbach Day. Both were impacted by the tsunami that struck the Indian countries in 2004, which caused more than 200,000 deaths. A year later, they founded World Bicycle Relief, to provide bikes first to those affected by the disaster, although later that goal expanded to all those who needed them in the third world.

F.K. Day then used his knowledge in the industry to design a bicycle specifically intended for these places, where climatic conditions and infrastructure are very harsh, and money for parts is scarce. A machine that would give its users not only a means of transportation; but also independence.

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Thus was born Buffalo. A steel frame with oversized tubes to maximize strength (it weighs 24 kg, but lightness is not what is sought here); a coaster brake that requires very little maintenance; dimensions that make it suitable for both men and women; a rack capable of carrying up to 100 kg of load, and puncture-resistant tires ensure that it is as inclusive and robust as it is easy to repair if it breaks down. And all for 147 euros.

Among its goals is to contribute to educating more children (allowing them to go to school by bike instead of on foot), help rural doctors (who are able to visit more patients this way) or support the local economy by providing farmers and artisans with a vehicle to transport their products. That’s why the NGO often says that this is not just a bike (or not only)... but a motor for cultural and economic empowerment.

Trek partners with World Bicycle Relief at Christmas

By the way, one of the most important bike brands in this whole story is Trek. The American company manufactured the first units of this model at its headquarters in Waterloo (Wisconsin), and is still very involved in the project. So much so that, at the end of last year, it launched a solidarity campaign with its distributors around the world, raising 1.81 million dollars (a little over 1.6 million euros).

In total, during the Christmas period, there were more than 7,000 donations from individuals and organizations from 27 countries, according to Trek, which chose the Buffalo as its Bike of the Year in 2021. By the way, the Trek women's cycling team was even there, donating a portion of their cash prizes earned during the season to this cause. With all this money, more than 11,000 units can be purchased, which will change more than 11,000 lives.

And you might remember the feat that Lachlan Morton accomplished last summer, completing the entire route of the Tour de France by bike, without transfers or assistance, and in fewer days than the peloton. This was also a charitable initiative to support World Bicycle Relief, with which the Australian managed to raise about 350,000 pounds (around 420,000 euros).

Here’s how you can donate

The truth is that, although Trek's campaign was focused on Christmas, donations can still be made. So, if you can and want to improve the living conditions of a person in Africa or Latin America through the transformative power of two wheels (which you know firsthand), all you have to do is follow this link.

There, you can donate a complete Buffalo bike (147 euros) or any amount you choose, whether lower or higher. Certainly, any help counts when it comes to socially and economically empowering the most needy communities through a safe, all-terrain, and eco-friendly means of transportation.