Recycled/Biodegradable bike accessories?

[chris]

I need some advice. I've just modified my DRZ. The OEM rear axle has been replaced by a broken wooden coathanger. This saves weight and recycles household materials. Do you think this sort of thing will become popular?



Thanks for your input.
Chris

[mcgiggle]

It looks a bit long to me, may be worth cutting it down as it may drag the road when you are banked over hard on lefthanders, AND your missing a bolt from your chain runner ! That could cause more problems.

Pete

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Originally Posted by Caminando

You could whittle any part you need, using old branches and scrap wood.

The future's wooden.

How are you getting on with making the the teak chain ?

Or are you going to use a leather belt.

[chris]

Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor

How are you getting on with making the the teak chain ?

Or are you going to use a leather belt.

Why teak? Is that a good wood to use? Isn't it a bit heavy? For a chain-substitute I was thinking of using elastic out of the waist band of old y-fronts. Is this a good solution?

Am worried about the termites mentioned above. Do you think this would be a serious problem?

Please help. I'm worried.

Anxious of Brighouse

[McCrankpin]

Have a look here:

Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Newsletter Vol. 2, Issue 2

This lad certainly deserves a medal, and a decent career in a decent industry.

I found this through a brilliant on-line cycling magazine from here:

America’s Bicycle Travel Inspiration & Resource - Adventure Cycling Association

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Originally Posted by chris

Why teak? Is that a good wood to use? Isn't it a bit heavy? For a chain-substitute I was thinking of using elastic out of the waist band of old y-fronts. Is this a good solution?

Am worried about the termites mentioned above. Do you think this would be a serious problem?

Please help. I'm worried.

Anxious of Brighouse

Teak is quite an oily wood so would be self-lubing. I think it gives good resistance to insect attack as well.

I'm only in my 40s so haven't got a pair of Y-fronts that are old enough to consider throwing away yet. So can't offer advice on the suitability of the elastic.

[Neil]

...hmmm! interesting, glue-on nobblies could be a way forward for me... pistachio shells would be ideal.

(got a pair of old DRZ spindles if you need them... if we're on recycling).

[PocketHead]

How about using BBQ skewers for spokes, that'd shave a few g's off the total. You can also save money and weight by not oiling your airfilter and removing the seat, standing is good for exercise anyway.

[*Touring Ted*]

I would Patent that ASAP Chris.....

Touratwat will carve their name into it and charge £300 for that at least !!

Perhaps a mahogany shaft for the 1200GS !!!! Gotta be worth £1000 of any 1200GS owning stockbrokers dividend !

[chris]

Guys
Many thanks for your suggestions. Sadly the bike is now reassembled with a oem Suzuki axle and new tyre/chain/spox. The only reason it was ever like that was I needed my paddock stand for one of my other bikes and hence I was able to shove the DRZ in the corner like that. The coat hanger will now be used to stir paint. The other wheel (off a klr 250) is back in the depths of the garage.

[chris]

Following the very successful DRZ rear axle, I now have wood pannier racks on my AT. Much cheaper than MM and TT too...





Please note all wooden designs are now patented...

later
Chris