While looking for inspiration for this project, I started by thinking about sources of waste that I commonly come across. I’ve always been drawn to repurposing old gear, especially ski and bike gear. When I thought about the old gear I’ve collected, I realized that bike tubes are a pretty common source of waste. All of this thinking about all the old gear I have made me think about the one piece of gear that I don’t own- a camping chair. This inspired me to make a camping chair out of old bike tubes.
I think this chair will have a somewhat retro- rustic camp chair aesthetic. I’m planning on weaving the bike tubes together to make the seat. As for the folding mechanism, I’m thinking about having one simple rotating point like a camping stool. Another option is to build the chair in two sections that fit together like the chair below. I’m also planning on weaving the tubes around wooden frames. I think the use of wood will give my chair a rustic aesthetic, since modern chairs usually use metal tubing. The biggest requirement I have for this chair is that it must be easily storable and compact. Because of this I want to primarily use straight lines and squares. I think this will lead to a simple aesthetic.
I’m really excited to see where this project goes. I have a strong vision for how I want my woven seat to look, but other than that nothing is too set in stone. I’m hoping to have something unique to pull out during camping trips this summer.
Sources
https://gearjunkie.com/camping/best-camping-chairs
https://blog.puriri.nz/2014/05/bicycle-inner-tube-woven-chair.html
2 Comments. Leave new
Thanks! Thats actually where I got the idea. I also race, and have ran out of chainstays that need to be protected.
This is an awesome idea! I used to race mountain bikes in high school and I remember how often me or one of my teammates would pop a tire and replace the tube. We used to cut the tubes and us them to cover parts of the frame from grease and grime. I think making a chair out of them is a really cool idea and I’m excited to see where your project takes you.