A mutant slowly rises from a pile of abandoned bike parts. Frames fuse together, long chains wrap around gears.
Justin Harrick is building these mutant bikes in his workshop.
Some are strange concoctions. His own tall-bike is really a frame welded on top of another frame.
Others look more like conventional bikes.
“Some have motors and all sorts of stuff in them. It just depends on what people want,” Justin said.
He said some of his clients want something unique to ride. A few even want something unique for their living rooms.
He said many parts are recycled. In fact, his workshop is just down the road from Eaglehawk’s landfill and recycle centre.
“The tip shop is a good spot, garage sales, eBay. People will just be throwing them out and ask if I want them,” he said.
“I’ve also got a bone-yard at home in a shed. There could be 100 bikes in there for all I know.”
He loves the satisfaction of giving bikes a new lease on life.
“It’s just a nice feeling, you know? It’s probably good for another 10 years. And then someone else might pull it out of the bin and do it up all over again.”
Justin presented sessions on the weekend at the Bendigo Sustainability Fair at PepperGreen Farm – one on general maintenance and another sharing some of the secrets to building mutant bikes.
“A lot of people don’t know how to change a tyre, for example. They’re scared to have a go at it. That’s why a lot of bikes end up in the bin. There’s actually nothing wrong with them, they just have a flat tire,” he said.
Those interested in finding out more about Justin’s bikes or wanting to commission a bike can contact him via his website, www.juxton-mfg.com.
