Comments on: Introducing the Recyclable Plastic Bicycle http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/green-living/recyclable-plastic-bicycle/1653 for environmentalists who don't take themselves too seriously Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:18:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: David http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/green-living/recyclable-plastic-bicycle/1653/comment-page-1#comment-81480 David Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:34:23 +0000 http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/?p=1653#comment-81480 Sorry to sound unenthusiastic, but I can't see what this is trying to achieve. I think a comparison with a steel framed bike would make more sense than comparing with relatively energy intensive aluminium. Steel is easy to recycle, doesn't degrade when it is recycled, and existing steel bicycle frames have for a hundred years been melted down to make (amongst other things) other bicycles. Also, anyone with brazing / welding skills can easily repair a steel frame. I can't see that being possible with polypropylene. Finally... how about a design which is for a proper useful bicycle with mudguards, lights, rack, chain guard etc. The chain is made into a much shorter life part by not being protected by a chain guard. Sorry to sound unenthusiastic, but I can’t see what this is trying to achieve. I think a comparison with a steel framed bike would make more sense than comparing with relatively energy intensive aluminium.

Steel is easy to recycle, doesn’t degrade when it is recycled, and existing steel bicycle frames have for a hundred years been melted down to make (amongst other things) other bicycles. Also, anyone with brazing / welding skills can easily repair a steel frame. I can’t see that being possible with polypropylene.

Finally… how about a design which is for a proper useful bicycle with mudguards, lights, rack, chain guard etc. The chain is made into a much shorter life part by not being protected by a chain guard.

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