Wind Chimes From Recycled Bicycle Parts

This is a wind chime made using broken or recycled bicycle parts, a broken ski pole, and twine; all items that were laying around in the garage.

The materials are as follows:

• 1 bicycle wheel
• Random metal bicycle parts (brake handles, pedals, seats, various hardware, etc)
• Black twine or another material to hang the parts from the wheel
• Something to hold the bicycle wheel up in the air (for this project, a broken ski pole was used)

Cut as many twine pieces as there are parts, about 12-18 inches or to the desired length. The number of pieces needed will vary based on amount of bicycle parts to be attached.

Prepare the bicycle parts by pairing them with another object that is similar in weight. These parts should go opposite each other on the wheel to balance out the weight so the wheel spins optimally. Remove the bicycle seats from the metal poles if desired to use those on the wheel. Then tie one end of the cut twine to the bicycle part at the most secure spot to make sure it doesn't fall off, then tie the other end of each piece of twine to the spoke on the wheel, spacing them evenly around the wheel.. The lengths of the twine may be adjusted shorter or longer, depending on the part being hung. All parts should be hanging at or around the same length so that they hit together. Continue hanging around the wheel until all parts are hung. Hold up the wheel to ensure all parts are hitting and no adjustments need to be made before final assembly.

Once the wheel is complete, take the ski pole or other pole, and push or stake it into the ground in the desired location. The ski pole used for this project had a hole in the center that the wheel hub fit perfectly into, so no other attachments were needed. Attach the wheel to the pole so that it can spin freely. Once assembled, sit back and watch, listen, and enjoy!