Selfsufficientish.com

I picked it off of the pile of rubbish left out across the road.... it is rusted badly and the tires are flat (obviously) but the gears and brakes still work.

The frame has been painted black (I think it might have been Pink before) So it is all gunky around the saddle post.

I think it is 18" wheels though I haven't measured


I have a bike, an fancy new giant (21") thing I can barely get my leg over the cross bar, but it was expensive (for us) so I have to keep it.



I am thinking about rigging this old banger up to a generator (can you buy a simple adaptor type thing for a bike? you ought to) or perhaps dis-assemble it for parts or for other stuff.... sculpture to keep the birds away? Or is it going to be a better idea to fix it and clean it up as a bike?

If you are interested in making a yurt the wheel can be used to make the top circular support that the poles all slot into. That's what we're gonna try in May. Now you just need to find lots of poles, trellises, old tarpaulin......

Dear Annpan,

Ncaat have published plans for using old bike wheels to make aerogenerators, might be easier than attatching to a generator and pedalling. On the other hand, getting it roadworthy and using it as a spare bike for visitors or even as a gift to a bikeless friend also seems worthwhile,

Love and Peace
Jim

You could have a go at cleaning it up! You might be surprised how much of the rust comes off easily (sorry, did I say easily? I obviously meant with lots of scrubbing).

There is a good guide to green cleaning methods at http://oldbikeblog.blogspot.com/2009/01 ... cycle.html

I've also heard of bike wheels being used to make DIY spinning wheels.

You say it's rusty but is the frame rusted? If so, I'd be wary of using it as a bike. You don't really wanna be on it when it breaks.

Eigon wrote:I've also heard of bike wheels being used to make DIY spinning wheels.

I have a (loaned) book that shows how to do that - it uses the frame and one of the wheels with the bike turned upside down