DIY Bicycle Clock
Do you like clocks? I really like clocks as an alternative to artwork. You can make them out of almost anything as long as you have the quartz clock movement.
I saw a clock on Thistlewood Farms (a blog and blogger that I love). I’ve always wanted to make something like it because my husband loves bikes. It is made from a bicycle wheel. I have lots of bicycle-art in my home because my husband blogs about cycling and he loves to ride.
Here’s my version of a bicycle wheel clock. I hope you like it.
Supplies needed
To make a bicycle clock you need these supplies.
- Bicycle Wheel without the tire – I took one off an old unused bike.
- Numbers – I wanted to use large wood Roman numerals and I found them on Etsy
- Velcro – I used velcro to attach the movement to the wheel so that I can easily change the battery later.
- Clock mechanism with hands – be sure to buy a high torque long shaft movement because a bicycle tire is large.
- Round piece – You need to attach something round in front of the clock mechanism to hide it. I used a coaster, but in the example I was trying to replicate she used a paint can lid. It can be anything round that isn’t too thick.
- Spray Paint – Optional if you want to change the color of the hands. I used red.
Steps to Make the Bicycle clock
Once I finally started to make the clock it only took about an hour (although there many weeks of procrastination).
Step 1 – Remove the rod from the middle of the wheel. This was maybe the hardest part. Bike wheels have a large bolt through the middle that gets in the way. I had to use a wrench on either side and lots of elbow grease to get the bolt loose.
Step 2 – Spray paint your clock hands if you want to change the color.
Step 3 – Drill a hole for the clock movement in your round part. I say “part” because you can use any round piece you want. You could use a paint can lid or a coaster (as I did). See 2021 update below.
Step 4 – Put a piece of velcro over the middle of your wheel and stick the other side to the back of your clock movement. You could use glue, but it will be difficult to change the battery if you do this.
Step 5 – Attach the clock hands according to the manufacturer’s instructions included in the movement set. A word of caution – when I first assembled my clock I found that the clock hands were sticking whenever they overlapped. You might need to gently bend the clock hands so that they don’t stick as they pass each other. Mine stopped at 4:20 (which made my husband laugh).
Step 6 – Hang your clock on the wall. Once it’s hung it’s easier to see where the numbers should go. Then attach your numbers to the wall. I didn’t want all the numbers just 12, 3, 6 and 9. I attached them with double sided foam tape.
Here’s my final clock and I really like the way it turned out. It’s hanging in my laundry area, which I recently wallpapered. You can read about that wallpaper project here.
2021 Update: If you’re actually making this clock you should know that I had to ditch the velcro because the bike wheel was too heavy. The clock was leaning in a way that didn’t look quite right.
On round two I used a metal bracket fastened with a screw to a different coaster as the clock center. You can see the details here.
Love your bike wheel clock Andrea! It’s so striking set against your wallpaper. Thank you for all your organizing efforts. I’m happy to be crafting with you today. ♥
Looks amazing against the wallpaper Andrea! Can I ask how you hung the wheel? I”m working on a clock too and find those hands really fussy too. I think mine even stopped around the same time – lol!
Thanks Sara! I tried hanging it from the top but it wasn’t sitting right. I put a nail in the wall close to the middle near the spokes because the wheel is close to the wall there.
Andrea
This is one of the coolest handcrafted clocks I’ve seen! How creative and unique! The wallpaper background makes the design extra special and takes it to a whole new level
Wow, what a great project! I love your version and I am sure your husband enjoys it as well! Thanks again for co-hosting this awesome blog hop. So much inspiration!!
Shelley
Andrea what a great idea!! The bicycle rim is such a surprise and a great conversational piece to use for a clock. Very crafty indeed!
Wow! This is different!! The bicycle wheel looks great against your wallpaper, and the gold Roman numerals applied to the walls is brilliant! a real eye catcher! Thanks for all your hard work and time keeping us organized Andrea, much appreciated!
This is so very cool Andrea and perfect for your home! Looks amazing, great tutorial, thanks for sharing, and wonderful crafting with you friend.
I love the whimsey of repurposing a bicycle wheel and it really pops against your wall paper! Pinning! Thanks for organizing the hop! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
It’s adorable. I love the idea of using old materials to create something useful. What a great project and so fun hopping with you.
Andrea, I love the way this project turned out and hanging on the wall papered wall creates such drama!
Andrea, I love your bicycle wheel clock! It’s so chic and modern. It really pops against that fabulous wallpaper. The red hands and gold Roman numerals were a great choice. I also love the connection to your husband’s cycling hobby. Thanks for coordinating another fun hop!
Andrea, this is gorgeous! I didn’t know what your husband blogged about, but wow, this is a perfect clock for your home! I love the pop of red you added by painting the hands! It was so creative to use the velcro so you can easily change the battery. I have thought about making a clock in the past, seeing the kits for making them at the craft stores. I might have to take on this challenge! Thanks so much for all of your hard work in making these hops happen!
Andrea, what a clever idea. Not only pretty and whimsical, but practical too. Thanks for leading the way on the blog hop.
Wow! This is a work of art for sure, so modern and industrial and looks amazing against that black wall paper. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is an awesome idea…..very striking. Only one little issue….six in Roman numerals is VI, not IV. Only mentioning it in case you have any math teachers visiting because it will make them nuts.
Dawn,
I’m so glad that you pointed that out. Thank you! I switched it but there is no telling how many people would not have told me, even if they noticed.
Andrea
What an amazing clock you created! It looks so upscale hanging against your new wallpaper.
Thanks Allyson!
I loved this the first time I saw it and I’m so glad you shared it for Charming Homes & Gardens! I’m featuring your post this week!
Thanks Kristen! That’s great news. I will make sure to go visit all of the other posts to get some inspiration.
Great tutorial Andrea! It is too cute! Thank you for sharing with Charming Homes and Gardens!
Your bike wall clock turned out really cool. Great up-cycle idea!
Have a great day,
Kippi