How to recycle or dispose of a steel bike frame?

August 9, 2010 11:14 AM

Does anyone know what the best way to dispose of a broken steel bike frame is?

I have a mid 80's Trek frame that I broke in a crash a couple of months ago. The downtube is folded over and the top tube broke in half, as in pulled apart. I was driven into a curb while dodging a car that pulled out in front of me while I was riding in traffic. Is there anyone who would accept the frame, being steel, other than just a steel scrap yard?

I've taken all the components off, which are in good condition and I believe are original. If anyone knows who might be interested in original vintage trek components, I would be happy to send 'em for the cost of shipping.

posted by hellslinger to sports, hobbies, & recreation (9 answers total)

Put it on Craigslist.
I came across a post a few years ago on my school's marketplace asking for scrap metal (specifying car parts and bike frames particularly) for an art project.
posted by phunniemee at 11:32 AM on August 9, 2010

So you know which components? Is it a road bike? Some parts are valuable (Campagnolo, Shimano Dura-Ace). You might find it's worth your time to list them on ebay or Craigslist. Is there a bicycle cooperative in your area? They'd love to have any working parts.

The frame is totaled. Why not recycle it at a scrap yard?
posted by hydrophonic at 11:34 AM on August 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

Too bad about your bike, by the way.
posted by hydrophonic at 11:36 AM on August 9, 2010

I sent you a memail!
posted by kpht at 11:57 AM on August 9, 2010

It can be recycled along with any other metal that you put out on the curb.
posted by TDIpod at 11:59 AM on August 9, 2010

Thanks for the helpful feedback. I will post the broken frame on craigslist for anyone who wants to have it and search for a bicycle coop as I'm almost certain there is okne here.

The bike is a 62cm Trek road bike. The brakes, derailers, and shifters are Shimano Deore, so not top of the line by any means, but they work. The brake calipers have a lever for opening wide in order to get the wheels off. There is a button in this lever that frees this lever to move. The front button is broken, however the level still works. The rear derailer is in decent condition but the front derailer is trashed as it hooked during the crash and was bent extensively.

The crank is more interesting: it is an Oval-tech triple where each gear/sprocket is not perfectly round. I assume this is to give more leverage during certain points in rotation.

Being that these parts aren't terribly valuable but might be useful as rare replacements or spares for a vintage bike, I don't mind giving them to anyone who wants to pay for shipping.

kpht, if you're still interested knowing more about the parts, I'd be glad to give them to you.
posted by hellslinger at 12:20 PM on August 9, 2010

put it on the curb most cities have scrap guys crusing around in pickups looking for shit like that
posted by swbarrett at 1:20 PM on August 9, 2010

If you didn't expect it to be pretty again, it could be repaired with the magic of welding. It probably wouldn't be worth paying money to do, but it could be good practice project for someone.
posted by ArgentCorvid at 7:29 PM on August 9, 2010

The crank is more interesting: it is an Oval-tech triple where each gear/sprocket is not perfectly round. I assume this is to give more leverage during certain points in rotation.

oval cranks are indeed intended to increase power in the deadspot of the pedal stroke. i would imagine that you can sell these on ebay or something. there are definitely people out there who would be psyched about scoring some oval cranks.
posted by nathancaswell at 11:26 PM on August 9, 2010