This study experimentally investigates the axial response of bamboo to steel connections under quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. It examines three different connection configurations: (Type A) plain bolted; (Type B) transversely confined by hose-clamps; (Type C) transversely confined by hose-clamps and infilled with cement mortar. The study specifically evaluates the effects of loading history in terms of strength degradation, pinching and dissipated energy, and recommends equivalent viscous damping coefficients. In general, the Type B and C connections are superior to Type A; they develop higher strength, possess ductile failure modes and dissipate more hysteretic energy. Compared to the monotonic response however, their cyclic performance is limited by early bolt-fracture. Nevertheless, the examined connections show promise towards a capacity-based design as the ductile components (i.e., the bolts) fail before the brittle components (i.e., the culms). All members are composed of pairs of Bambusa pervariabilis (Kao Jue) bamboo culms. •Plain bolted connections suffer longitudinal splitting and show poor cyclic performance.•Hose-clamps with or without infill arrest splitting and improve cyclic performance.•Early bolt-fracture limits the strength and ductility during cyclic loading.•Cyclic deterioration occurs mainly by embedment and plastic deformation of bolts.•Bolt-embedment creates cavities in the culm-wall and pinched hysteresis loops.