5 Things to Do with… Old Bicycles

By Chris Gardner | Updated Nov 26, 2014 3:23 PM

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The old adage goes, “It’s like riding a bike.” Meaning of course that cycling becomes so integrated into your muscle memory that you never lose the skill. So why not integrate bicycles into your home as well?

There are all kinds of broken bikes available in classifieds and at garage sales—perhaps you even have one in your garage already. Also, many cities have bicycle repair co-ops and recycling centers that make parts quite easy to come by.

With so many components (wheels, gears, handle bars, etc.) so readily available and affordable (if not free), old bicycles are great fodder for making all sorts of recycled projects.

 

1. BICYCLE PLANTER

DIY Old Bicycles - Planter

Photo: potterybarn.com

First up, take some inspiration from this bicycle planter, which you could purchase from Pottery Barn (for $250; it’s still available). But you, good reader, are the kind of person that makes stuff, and you could easily recreate something like this at home using an old bike, some inexpensive wire baskets, and a little paint.

 

2. BIKE-WHEEL POT RACK

DIY Old Bicycles - Pot Rack

Photo: readymade.com

The radial spoke structure of a bicycle wheel makes for a fantastic way to organize and store your pots and pans and other kitchen gadgets. The spinning wheel brings all the utensils within easy reach. Get the full how-to from ReadyMade.

 

3. BICYCLE VANITY

DIY Old Bicycles - Vanity

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

Talk about full integration. This bicycle ‘vanity’ from designer Benjamin Bullins houses a sink and small countertop—as well as towel storage in the basket. Genius. Learn more at Apartment Therapy.

 

4. BIKE-WHEEL LAZY SUSAN

DIY Old Bicycle - Lazy Susan

Photo: readymade.com

The bike wheel’s center axle allows it to spin along a road, but it can also spin other kinds of goodies… like your breakfast? This Lazy Susan project would require a somewhat large dining table, but if you’re looking for something functional to break up that large space, this one is all kinds of fun.

 

5. HANDLEBAR MOUNTING RACK

DIY Old Bicycles - Mounting Rack

Photo: kylethewilson.wordpress.com

Lastly, what better way to use old bike parts than for storing… a bike? Inexpensive and secure, this solution would work especially well in a smaller home or apartment, or as a way of keeping multiple bikes aloft on a garage wall. A project guide is available from Kyle Wilson.

Ride on!

For more on reuse and repurposing, consider:

Bob Vila Radio: Salvaged Treasure
5 Things to Do… With Vintage Ladders
5 Upcycled Pot Racks and Cookware Storage Ideas