“The idea was pretty weird then,” he said, “and now it’s pretty standard.”
So much so that Bergh has even launched a new site, ReBike, to highlight other artists, businesses and nonprofits reusing bikes in some way.
Bergh's own business, Resource Revival, had its start when he got a flat tire on his way to his job as a recycling educator. He didn’t want to throw the heavily patched tube out, so he turned it into a cradle for his stereo speakers.
When he launched Resource Revival three years later in 1994, Bergh had between 20 and 30 products made out of inner tubes. He stopped collecting the tubes in 1998 when he found that welded items – “candle holders and tables and stuff” made with some of his friends – were selling much better.
They started using parts from cars, motorcycles and computers, but, said Bergh, “It was too much. We realized ‘This is crazy. Let’s focus back on bikes’.” They now use mostly chains, cogs, chainrings and rims in their products, which include clocks, picture frames, candleholders and bowls.
“We all like bikes, and bikes represented the positive change we wanted to see in the world,” Bergh said. Not only that, “People like bikes and bike parts. Other parts didn’t have that same appeal.”
The chains come from a couple hundred bike shops around the United States – shops in the can send chains to Resource Revival through its “rebicycler” program – while the other parts come from just a few stores.
One of the challenges that Resource Revival has faced along its path to success is how to transition into the realm of mass-manufacturing. As Bergh pointed out, making one or two bowls is one thing; filling an order for hundreds of bottle openers is something else entirely.
Despite the expansion, all the items are still handmade in Mosier, OR. To help deal with large orders, Resource Revival works with Opportunity Connections, a sheltered workshop that employs adults with developmental disabilities.
“I think we’ve done well.”
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