Learn how to fix a broken spoke on your bike and avoid the costly repair shop. For a few dollars, you can pick up a spoke tool, and the spoke itself shouldn’t set you back more than a dollar. Make sure you buy the right spoke length (you can bring in another spoke at your local bike shop if you don’t know the exact length.
Replace a broken spoke on a bicycle [link]
See also: Wheel truing tutorial [link]
This sweet hack turns a cheap portable DVD player into a portable NTSC monitor. I can think of a few interesting applications: car night-vision and parking/back-up cameras, portable consoles, monitor for DIY film making, monitor for a hidden or remote (think on a kite) camera, etc. Nice, cheap and totally versatile.
Turn a 20$ DVD player into a portable NTSC display [link][via][via]
Bad news this morning: Sheldon Brown, one of the most important figures in the cycling community, has passed away. He died of a heart attack.
Most of what I know about bicycle mechanics, I’ve learned from his articles. I’ve always admired his writings. They were simple and straightforward - the words of a very knowledgeable and generous man.
May he rest in peace.
Bicycle maker extraordinaire Sheldon Brown passes away [link][via]
Sheldon brown’s articles [link]
Can’t afford a Honda S-2000 but still want a cool push button ignition? No problem. Just do it yourself! It’s quite simple, really. You just need to drill a few holes and solder a few wires. A great project for the weekend.
Disclaimer: don’t do it unless you know what you’re going. Keep in mind that if your engine shuts off, so will your power steering, ABS and power brakes. This could result in a serious or even fatal accident. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
This is a nice instructable made from old crutches and miscellaneous bike parts. The best thing is you can adjust its height. I like the design, but crutches are pretty expensive, so unless you have access to broken ones, it’s a bit prohibitive. I love the design though, it’s a really good example of repurposed objects.
Stool made from bike parts and crutches [link]
These panniers are a bit rough around the edges but are perfect for shopping around the neighborhood.
DIY 5 Gallon bike panniers [link]
This instructable shows you how to build kick-ass bike frames. One in carbon fiber, and the second one out of… carbon fiber and bamboo! It looks amazing too - sure to be a head-turner!
How I built a carbon bike frame at home (and a bamboo frame too) [link]
