Creative & clever uses of old parts...
 

Not exactly C&V-specific, but folks in this forum seem a cut-above when it comes to resourcefulness & creativity, so... The recent thread on component display had me wondering about clever uses for old bike parts. I'm working on an idea using an old rim and some hemp rope to make some 'hanging chairs' for my porch. Anyone care to share some other ideas for 'retired' parts? I seem to have accumulated a fair number of old chains, rims and spokes in particular and trying to come up for things to do with 'em!

This was a few years ago. A bottle opener from a coaster brake arm.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...01439f6285.jpg

People use sharpened spokes to open up the lining on cable housing after cutting.

I put old cable in housing before I cut it, making the step above unnecessary.

cheers -mathias

I don't have any pictures. I used to make bracelets from spokes and chain links.

I made a keychain out of leftover DA chain. Just get a key ring from the hardware store. One of my favorite keychains ever.

I made a coaster brake strap out of a rusty spoke this evening. Advised the owner to get a real strap. Funny how we never have a strap when people bring in a bike without one.

I bet one of you has all the coaster brake straps in a bucket next to the oil hole spring clips.

Old, failed hubs apparently make fine conversions as pen holders. I made this one that sits on my desk at work.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...33246db858.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cc1bcbf434.jpg

At the Hot Tomato restaurant in Fruita CO.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86128a9ffd.png

Lawsuit in waiting right there. :twitchy:

A few old projects from the scrap pile:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c5affad4f.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...936c0a84b.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6f37c9fd9.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0ccfc02af.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...de43e40cb.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2833f4d4a.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0f73bcafb.jpeg

I've shared this before but this is how I've repurposed some old, mis-sized stems and handlebars.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6c3a2fa79a.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...619b3d9bfc.jpg

Ooh, that's good- I wonder if I can make a couple work as candle holders.....

Now we're talkin'!

old silverware handles make nice straps.

The Seattle Space Needle, modeled in old bike parts. These were made by a very clever mechanic at Bike Works (https://bikeworks.org) as table centerpieces for their annual big fundraiser dinner and auction. Yup, I paid $$ for it, despite being a long-time volunteer.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Bicycles/...IMG_1066-L.jpg

I’ll keep this thread in mind for uses of the plentiful scrap bike parts that we “generate”.

I've done clocks from old chainrings, lamp from old CF forks, key chains from QR levers & down tube shifters, and small picture frames from cassette/freewheel cogs. I have seen old hubs used for candlestick holders and some really cool salt & pepper shakers. Also have seen a nice table made with old rims (whole rims and half rims for legs); wish I could weld to do this one.

Yet another toilet roll holder:
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...442f7eff78.jpg

The hub was cracked at a spoke hole, the frame crashed/buckled at the headtube. What else you gonna do?

Mark B

Got to be one smooooooth toilet paper roller!

You guys are super creative!

Picture is not my creation , but is inspiration for making some sun loungers for out by the pool . ( work in progress ,no pics )


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bb3fc10c37.jpg

And durable too. I like that in a bog roll.

Bottle opener :)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00aa105a41.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d7216ca28f.jpg

I find that the "push down" openers work better with fork/dropout ends. I was unhappy with the pull-up version that I made from the bike I was riding when I was hit.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...14ee219eff.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0ba61947b5.jpg

One of my pen-holders. The screws are from SPDs, natch. I like the six-bolt disc stuff, since you can just zip down/polish a destroyed rotor as a base. This one lives at the shop I work at part-time. I've got one on my piano made from a destroyed 3-speed hub; the wide mouth on those is nice, as it doesn't really need anything else for stability.