How to make a stained glass bike light

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Step 1: Prepare your bike frame

First off, find a nice triangle frame section on your bike that you can insert a glass panel into, we chose one above the back brake and thought it would make a perfect back light.

Clean this area of your bike and remove any bits of tape or things that might get in the way of your hack and put them to one side.

We also made one for Jane's lovely old blue bike :)

CobyUnger says: Mar 27, 2013. 9:36 PM

I saw this a while ago and just thought of it today. I think I'm going to make one this weekend.

projectsugru (author) in reply to CobyUngerMar 28, 2013. 2:09 AM

whoop, take pictures, would love to see yours :)

CobyUnger in reply to projectsugruApr 30, 2013. 7:53 AM

We finished them last night. We used laser cut acrylic instead of broken glass. Also we didn't have Sugru so we used silicone calk instead. In order to make them a bit stronger they backed with a piece of clear acrylic as well.

Really fun project. Thanks for the inspiration. Photos coming soon.

neil1701 says: Mar 4, 2012. 10:37 AM

I an original idea for bicycle decoration and i think it looks better on traditional lug-framed bikes rather than more modern tig-welded bikes.I daresay a piece of clear plastic - 2 or 3 mill thickness decorated using different coloured acrylic paint would substitute for coloured glass.......excellent

airsoft master 25 says: Oct 24, 2011. 2:16 PM

if you wrecked would the glass shatter????

projectsugru (author) in reply to airsoft master 25Oct 24, 2011. 3:53 PM

hi, that's a very complicated question.
I am confident with the panel, it are well made and mounted onto the bike.
The triangle part of the frame it is set in is small and very strong which increases the strength of the panel.
I think it would survive many crashes.
Hope this helps...

airsoft master 25 in reply to projectsugruNov 1, 2011. 9:16 AM

ok thanks

mrenee says: Oct 21, 2011. 8:19 AM

I love it, looks great!! My only wish is that you would include some night pictures with the tail light on so we can see just how it lights up and the brightness of it. Thanks!!

projectsugru (author) in reply to mreneeOct 27, 2011. 5:10 AM

Hey mrenee, we've put up a photo of the bike light at night for you! Enjoy!

projectsugru (author) in reply to mreneeOct 23, 2011. 6:27 AM

thanks mrenee, I filmed some night time cycling the other night, I'll pop it up here soon :)

projectsugru (author) in reply to mreneeOct 21, 2011. 9:08 AM

hi mrenee, thanks, and sure, will pop that onto the to do list :)

Nicola Tesla says: Oct 23, 2011. 8:22 AM

Figured out how not to waste surgu. Put copper tape around the edges of the glass, and SOLDER IT TOGETHER!!!!!!!
(amazing idea eh?)

batman96 in reply to Nicola TeslaOct 24, 2011. 8:59 AM

That's how real stained glass is done

fugglesby says: Oct 24, 2011. 4:23 AM

This is really truly fantastic.
Well done :)

projectsugru (author) in reply to fugglesbyOct 24, 2011. 5:06 AM

thanks fugglesby, very much appreciated :)

Mr.Sanchez says: Oct 21, 2011. 5:52 AM

This is Sooo Vintage I Love it.!!!

Wezard says: Oct 21, 2011. 5:40 AM

This is a nice decoration, but I don't think it's suitable as a bike light, and is unsafe to actually use. The primary purpose of a light is safety, not good looks.

Perhaps you could integrate the "plastic and ugly", yet functional light into the design somehow?

In the UK, you are only allowed a red light at the back and a white light at the front of a vehicle (plus indicators, reverse lights etc.) however there is nothing saying that there can't be an unilluminated frame for a British Standards Institute approved light.