“It was comfortable,” he said of the early prototype, which also had a stretchy and squishy inner-tube seat. Unfortunately, it was used outside on Gregg’s deck, and “stretched inner tubes don’t like the sun.” The chair eventually fell apart.
Gregg has refined the design of his chairs, but after 20 years, the materials Bike Furniture Design uses are much the same: mainly rims, along with some tubes, spokes, axles and tires.
As a mechanic, “I saw a bunch of useful material piling up that was otherwise damaged and couldn’t be used on a bike anymore, but was still good somehow,” he said.
The parts – some used, some discontinued, some prototypes – come from manufacturers, shops and individuals who want to keep sitting on their trusty ride, even if they can’t take it out any longer.
“I try to limit the materials,” Gregg said. “It was too cluttered to save other stuff.” He describes the parts he does use as “nicely structural,” making them perfect for his tables, chairs and bar stools.
“If I could just make tables all the time my life would be a lot easier, because they’re not as difficult to build as something that needs to support a person,” he said, adding, “I like the added challenge of making seating, which is similar to a bike.”
When Gregg started making furniture, he was actually studying to become a frame builder.
“It was too hard,” he said. “The meticulousness that was required, and the time to do it (were too demanding).” He turned to chairs and tables instead, thinking it would be easier, “but in the end I guess it wasn’t.”
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