How I Get Free Bike Parts Legally

I like to build unconventional bikes from discarded material. Early in my adventures seeking out parts on the cheap I would go to yard sales and flea markets to buy old bikes. This worked but the costs added up and it took a lot of time.

Then a bike-riding friend recommended I contact a group in town called BikeAthens. It turns out they were a source of endless parts and advice. You probably can find a similar source in your town.

Step 1 What BRP Does

BikeAthens (Athens, GA) has a modest membership fee of $30 a year (http://www.bikeathens.com). They are interested in all kinds of alternative transportation issues and work with state and local agencies promoting their agenda.

The key feature for me was the BRP (Bicycle Recycling Program). This is where I found the motherload of bike parts and friendly advice on all kinds of bike construction issues.

Comments

[isaacwilk]

Awesome instructable! You should make another one on how to start up your own BRP - I'm having trouble finding one here in Auckland, NZ. Probably because not to many commuters use bikes here because of the scary drivers and huge hills...
You should also make an instructable on how you make bikes out of recycled/unconventional materials, I'm sure many people would be keen to try it.

[mtaylor22]

Good idea. Try Facebook and Craigslist also. And whether or not you like hipsters, you might try to find some and ask about bike co-ops. Also salvation army might like a volunteer to fix bikes, and might give you access to dig in their dumpster or collect from unwanted bikes or broken bikes that people drop off. They only want stuff that is runing. Pawn shops and bike shops throw out lots of stuff, but are pretty protective of their trash and don't tolerate trespassing. You might be able to get permission or find one that doesn't care about dumpster diving though. Also, check the trash in the rich housing areas before the scrap collectors get there. Tons of people throw out a bike for a rusty chain or flat tire.

[tgray1]

Nice instructable!

There are other sources of free bikes and parts.

Our local landfill has a "take it or leave it" program. People with old bikes drop them off. People who want bikes pick them up. No charge in either direction. I've picked up a few good bikes to clean up, ride, and ultimately give away or sell, and have also grabbed a couple of junkers for parts.

Our local police department has their share of the 30,000 bicycles stolen annually in our area. They don't have a lot of storage space, so after 60 days unclaimed bikes are disposed of, to charities or recyclers, benefit auctions and the like. I've picked up a few. Depends on the policy of your municipality and local station.

[robosnitz]

We have a bike co-op here in Troy,NY called Troy Bike Rescue.

[LostTheDog]

how would i go about starting a bike co-op or BRP in my area (menomonie, wi)

[sillywilly]

Helping kids, needy families, DUI persons, and the homeless with bike transportation is a very good thing to do. Congrats on your programs and the volunteer spirit! The bible says "it is more blessed to give than receive"! I fully understand that as I have been at both ends of the spectrum!

[LostTheDog]

:-D amen to that!

[LostTheDog]

I live in Menomonie wisconsin where we have two bike shops... but nothing for cheap parts. I did however start a project called "Free the Bicycles".

the following is an article that the university news paper did on my project;

http://stoutonia-online.com/2011/09/08/menomonie-residents-get-wheels-turning-on-helping-community/

If anyone in the area knows where i can score some parts or bikes, or would like to get involved.. .the help would be much appreciated.

[mbaroni]

we have nothing like any of this in Monterey CA. the people here never share the road and bike lanes on roads or any type of signage is rare. we almost had something like the one in Arizona but the city shut it down with a quickness...

[onrust]

In Tucson, Az we have BICAS (bicycle Inter-Comminity Art and Salvage) www.bicas.org You can earn $8 an hour breaking down donated bikes and apply that $$$ towards the purchase of used parts. Not only can you build a bike for FREE, there are classes on everything to do with a bike.

[trixtorpy]

in Boise we have a wonderful organization called the "Boise Bike Project" http://boisebicycleproject.org/Welcome.html

[haugenka]

Nice...

In Eugene, OR, you'd be heading over to CAT (Center for Appropriate Transport) - http://www.catoregon.org/ - to find used parts, advice, rentable bike workshop space and tools, and totally crazy hauling bikes.

[johnebbinghaus]

You rock!

[whisper14072]

Anyone have any idea were I might find something like this in Buffalo/Rochester NY area?

[Fishburn]

Do you by any chance attend the University of Georgia?

[patnat]

we have nothing over here like that :-(

[bikeframe]

If you post a question on this site you might get some leads.

http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/recycling-for-charity/recycling-for-charity-bicycles

[rubberman7]

i have a question im having trouble finding places in los angeles for something like this. can you please help me?

[bikeframe]

Here is a link that should get you started: http://communitycycles.org/links/bike-collectives.html There are two coops listed in LA. They can lead you to others I am sure. Good luck and good parts hunting!