upcycling the bicycle

Bicyclists around the world are generally conscious of the environment, however we’re constantly amazed at the amount of upcycled bicycle gear we find. It’s as though bikes subscribe to a Buddhist re-birth ideology where they die and come back to life in a new form. Involving everything from jewelry, furniture, large sculptures, home goods and much more all created from old, unused bicycle parts, here are some of our favorites we came across.

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Thanks to Bicycle Taxidermy, you can remember your old friend every time you walk into your den. Bicycle Taxidermy is a plaque and wall mount for your old ride’s handlebars. If you don’t have a broken down bike, you can also purchase a plaque with some other bike front already attached, though that story is a bit less interesting. We recommend using your own, so go out there and shoot your bike.Cool Material
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Bike Chain Belt Buckles available from Bike Craft. Each buckle is a TIG welded, powder-coated belt buckle made from reclaimed bicycle chain. The buckles fit most standard belts, are rust and corrosion resistant and are handmade in Portland, Oregon. Cool Material

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Sarah Wigglesworth Architects has designed a sustainable Christmas tree for developer Igloo, which will be displayed at the Bermondsey Square in London. The ecofriendly Christmas tree is composed of 35 repurposed bike wheels, which are on loan from UK charity Re~Cycle. Fairy lights on the tree are created using bicycle reflectors. The designers intend for this unique tree to be reused every year. The design is still being refined and tweaked (you know designers!) with a plan for the wheels in the final version of the tree to be capable of  movement using wind energy. The wheels also act as tiny wind turbines that are attached to the end of each branch. – EcoFriend26-13
A set of coat hangers created from parts of a bike become a constructive and unique way to hang up your clothes, and you can make them all yourself! Currently created by hand, if they were to go into production the hangers would be made from the whole of the bike, utilizing all the parts possible. For this set, three have been made: one from part of the wheel, one from the handlebars and the third from the main frame. The metal from the wheel and frame is complemented with wood finishing. – Co-oproduct
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Bike Furniture Design is a design and manufacturing studio specializing in contemporary, modern furniture made primarily from recycled steel and aluminum bicycle rims, handlebars, and frames.

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Tom Foerstel : Founder & President

Tom Foerstel

Founder & President

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60’s, Tom developed a strong desire to create positive change for people and planet.

 

He went on to pursue his passion for art and design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and worked for design firms in Southern California before moving to Boise, Idaho in the early 80’s. Foerstel Design opened its doors in 1985. Since its inception, the firm has cultivated a bold, happy, forward-looking team focussed on creating distinct and effective work on behalf of their clients.

 

An integral part of Tom’s philosophy is giving back to the community in which he lives — a company cornerstone that drives Foerstel’s long history of providing pro-bono services to local non-profit humanitarian and arts programs.

 

One of Tom’s proudest personal achievements is his ability to say Supercalifragilisticexpyalidocious backwards.