What To Do With An Old Bike? (6 Option)
 The Short Answer is: |
If you have an old bike that you no longer use, there are several things you can do with it. One option is to donate it to a local charity or community organization that accepts bikes. Another option is to sell it online or at a garage sale. If the bike is beyond repair, you can recycle it at a local recycling center or scrap yard. Additionally, you can repurpose parts of the bike, such as the inner tube, for other projects. |
If you have an old bike that you no longer use, you may be wondering what to do with it. Fortunately, there are several options available to you.
You can donate it to a local charity or community organization, sell it online or at a garage sale, recycle it, or repurpose parts of the bike for other projects. In this article, we will explore these options in more detail to help you decide what to do with an old bike.
Table of Contents
Evaluate the Bike’s Condition
Before deciding what to do with your old bike, it’s important to evaluate its condition. This will help you determine whether it’s worth repairing or if it’s better to donate, sell, or recycle it.
Start by inspecting the frame for any cracks or damage. Check the wheels to see if they spin freely and if the tires are in good condition. Test the brakes to make sure they work properly.
If the bike has been sitting for a long time, the chain may be rusted or the gears may be stuck. Once you have a good idea of the bike’s condition, you can decide what to do with it.
Option 1: Donate or Gift Your Old Bike
Donating or gifting your old bike is a great option if it’s still in good condition and can be used by someone else. There are several charities and community organizations that accept bike donations.
Some of them are Bicycles for Humanity, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local schools and vocational training centers. Some nonprofit bike shops also accept old bikes for parts or refurbishment.
Before donating your bike, make sure to clean it and inspect it for any damage. You can also consider donating bike accessories, such as helmets and locks, to help those in need.
Option 2: Sell Your Old Bike
Selling your old bike is a good option if it’s still in decent condition and you want to make some money. You can sell it online through websites like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, or you can sell it at a garage sale or flea market.
When selling your bike, make sure to clean it and take clear photos of it from different angles. Be honest about its condition and any issues it may have.
Set a fair price based on its age, condition, and market value. You can also consider trading it in at a local bike shop for a discount on a new bike.
Option 3: Repurpose and Upcycle
Repurposing and upcycling your old bike is a creative and eco-friendly option that can give your bike a new life. There are many ways to repurpose old bike parts, such as turning the frame into a bookshelf, using the wheels as a trellis for climbing plants, or transforming the pedals into a coat rack.
You can also upcycle the bike into a unique piece of art, such as a chandelier made from old bike wheels or a table made from a bike frame.
Repurposing your old bike not only keeps it out of the landfill but also adds a personal touch to your home decor or garden.
Option 4: Trade-In for a New Bike
If you’re looking to upgrade your bike, trading in your old bike for a new one is a great option. Many bike shops offer trade-in programs where you can bring in your old bike and receive a discount on a new one.
This is a convenient way to get rid of your old bike while also saving money on a new one. Before trading in your bike, make sure to clean it and evaluate its condition.
The value of your trade-in will depend on the age, condition, and market value of your old bike. You can also consider selling your old bike online or donating it to a local charity if it’s still in good condition.
Option 5: Restore and Keep as a Second Bike
If you have an old bike that you’re attached to and want to keep, restoring and keeping it as a second bike is a great option. Restoring an old bike can be a fun and rewarding project that allows you to learn more about how your bike works and personalize it to your liking.
You can find step-by-step guides online, such as on Instructables, that show you how to clean, repair, and improve your old bike.
Some tips for restoring your old bike include replacing the tires, brake blocks, and other rubber parts, cleaning and lubricating the chain, and replacing any damaged or worn-out parts.
Once you’ve restored your old bike, you can use it as a backup bike or a second bike for a friend or family member to ride with you.
Option 6: Recycling and Responsible Disposal
Recycling and responsible disposal of your old bike is an eco-friendly option that helps reduce waste and conserve valuable resources. Recycling not only gives your bike a new life by repurposing its components but also helps reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.
If your bike is beyond repair or you don’t want to keep it, you can recycle it at a local recycling center or scrap yard. Some bike shops also offer recycling programs where you can bring in your old bike and receive a discount on a new one.
Before recycling your bike, make sure to remove any accessories and clean it thoroughly. You can also consider donating it to a local charity or community organization that accepts bikes. Proper disposal of your old bike is important to reduce waste and protect the environment.
Creative DIY Projects with Old Bikes
If you have an old bike lying around, you can repurpose it into creative DIY projects that can add a personal touch to your home decor or garden. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- DIY with old bicycle wheels: You can use old bicycle wheels to make various items such as a clock, a chandelier, or a garden trellis. Check out this video for over 25 different ideas.
- Decoupage bike makeover: If your bike is looking a little drab or dull, you can give it a makeover using Decoupage. Check out this tutorial to find out how to do it.
- Creative bike decorations: You can decorate your bike with various items such as color chip wheels, spray paint, pipe cleaner spokes, and polka dots. Check out this list of 30 favorite creative bike decorations for more ideas.
- Bicycle generator: You can build a human-powered generator from a used bicycle and use it to power light bulbs, blenders, and other small appliances. Check out this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
- Restore an old bicycle: By restoring an old bicycle, you can save money and gain a better understanding of how your bike works. Check out this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
- Bike part ornaments: You can make holiday ornaments with bike parts such as chains, gears, and spokes. Check out this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
Repurposing your old bike not only keeps it out of the landfill but also adds a personal touch to your home decor or garden.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to What To Do With an Old Bike:
How to do up an old bike?
To do up an old bike, you can follow these general steps:
- Clean the bike thoroughly, including the chain, gears, and brakes.
- Inspect the bike for any damage or wear and replace any worn-out parts.
- Decide on the purpose of the bike, such as turning it into a gravel bike or a town bike.
- Upgrade the bike with new parts or accessories as needed, such as new tires or a new saddle.
- Test ride the bike to make sure it’s functioning properly.
There are many resources available online, such as tutorials and videos, that can guide you through the process of restoring an old bike.
How much do old bikes go for?
The value of old bikes depends on several factors, including age, condition, make, and model. According to, age is one of the most important factors influencing a vintage bike’s worth.
Most vintage bicycles are worth between $100 and $400, and museum-quality vintage bikes are typically valued between $3,000 and $4000, However, the value of a given vintage bicycle is what a buyer is willing to pay for it, and collector interest can vary significantly.
Are old bikes worth keeping?
Whether old bikes are worth keeping depends on their condition and your personal attachment to them. If the bike is in good condition and can still be used, it’s worth keeping.
You can use it as a backup bike or a second bike for a friend or family member to ride with you. If the bike is beyond repair or you don’t want to keep it, you can donate it, sell it, or recycle it.
Repurposing old bike parts is also a creative and eco-friendly option that can add a personal touch to your home decor or garden.
What can you make out of a bicycle?
Bicycles can be repurposed into various items such as a clock, a chandelier, or a garden trellis using old bicycle wheels. You can also use decoupage to give your bike a makeover or decorate it with various items such as color chip wheels, spray paint, pipe cleaner spokes, and polka dots.
You can build a human-powered generator from a used bicycle and use it to power light bulbs, blenders, and other small appliances. Additionally, you can make holiday ornaments with bike parts such as chains, gears, and spokes.
Finally, restoring an old bicycle can be a fun and rewarding project that allows you to learn more about how your bike works and personalize it to your liking.
Conclusion on What To Do With An Old Bike
In conclusion, there are many options available for what to do with an old bike. Whether you choose to donate, sell, recycle, repurpose, restore, or trade in your old bike, you can feel good about reducing waste and conserving resources.
Donating or gifting your old bike to a local charity or community organization is a responsible and environmentally friendly option. Selling your old bike is a good option if it’s still in decent condition and you want to make some money.
Repurposing and upcycling your old bike is a creative and eco-friendly option that can give your bike a new life. Restoring an old bike can be a fun and rewarding project that allows you to learn more about how your bike works and personalize it to your liking.
Finally, recycling and responsible disposal of your old bike is an eco-friendly option that helps reduce waste and conserve valuable resources.
