Pittsburgh’s Bicycle Heaven: The World’s Largest Bicycle Museum
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Pittsburgh is an underrated city with lots of unique sights to explore. During my time living here, I have discovered a few hidden gems. If you are into quirky, oddball attractions, then you will definitely want to plan some time to visit “the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop.”
Pittsburgh natives Craig and Mindy Morrow opened Bicycle Heaven in 2011. Craig started with one bike which he found in the junk and proceeded to collect vintage bikes while also doing repairs. He opened this iconic museum when his collection outgrew his space. Today, the collection is quite massive. It’s so impressive, and even though I am not a bike connoisseur, I love walking around enjoying the nostalgia. You can learn more about the museum’s beginnings on their website.
At this quirky museum, old bikes are given a new purpose. Everywhere you turn there is a bike – even on the ceiling! Lots of fun decor, memorabilia, and cool lighting and music give this museum a retro nostalgic vibe. It’s definitely a fun blast to the past for millennials, Gen X, and boomers. I enjoyed strolling around many times during my time living in the ‘Burgh. There is just so much to take in here that you really need to visit a few times to truly appreciate the collection.
Not only can you bring in your bike for a tune up, trade in an old bike, but you will also be able to view bikes featured in various movies and series. From Super 8, to The Monkees, to Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, you will see many iconic cycles from the big screen. The museum has received much press via various publications including The New York Times.
Vintage Bikes Galore
According to the website, the museum houses almost 6000 vintage bikes. Most notably, the museum is home to 17 Bowden Spacelanders. This rare bike was the first fiberglass (only 30 have been found out of the 544 made). In mint condition, this bike is worth a whopping $18,000-50,000. Interestingly, occasionally someone finds a Spacelander at a flea market/garage sale for next to nothing.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, one turned up years ago at a flea market in Des Moines for a mere 10 bucks. As the popular saying goes…”Another man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Just one reason to hit up flea markets and yard sales on the regular!
The futuristic looking Bowden SpaceLander, 1964
And a few more. These bikes were so colorful and futuristic looking.
A few memorable vintage bikes. Keep in mind that these are just a few that caught my eye. You could easily spend hours exploring here!
Schwinn Krate Models
Date: 1968-1973
Today’s value: $1000-10,000
I love the retro streamers – it reminds me of the type of bikes I rode as a kid in the 80’s.
Huffy Radio Bike
Date: 1955
Today’s value: $5000+
They did a really nice job with the background scenery here. I love all the 50’s memorabilia!
Shelby Donald Duck
Date: 1949
The horn was a quack and the eyes lit up which is pretty cool. It’s amazing that they kept this old bike in such great condition.
Schwinn Stingray Sneaker Bikes
Date: 1978
Interestingly, this museum is the only place where you can see both a boy’s and girl’s model together. These stingrays were super popular in the 60’s and 70’s.
Schwinn Manta Ray
Date: 1971-1972
After numerous accidents, the stick shifter was banned.
Roadmaster
Date: 1936
For all the movie fans out there, Roadmaster bikes were featured in the film Breaking Away (1979).
Schwinn Starlet
Date: 1950-1960
Mattel Vrroom Tricycle
Date: 1964
The Bike Tree
Two vintage bikes (1930’s Dayton and a 1960’s Schwinn) caught in a tree. According to the museum sign, they were found entangled in a tree somewhere in rural Ohio. Supposebly, this is the only place you can see something this weird.
A collection of old Schwinn bike seats including the famous banana seats.
The funkiest place in the ‘Burgh
The museum is very busy with lots to see. Really, it’s a sensory overload of everything bicycle related possibly imaginable. Anyone who loves classic bikes will surely leave impressed. This is a museum you may need to visit more than once to take it all in. Despite the enormity of the collection, the bicycles are presented in an attractive manner. The vibe is very funky and retro with room upon room of colorful bikes and parts.
I really love the neon glow in the dark sprocket room: it’s so cool and funky!
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure
While the shop repairs bikes and sells endless parts, it’s most known by tourists for the quirky museum. Fans of Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure will surely remember the famous red bicycle. Who remembers the funny exchange with Francis early on in the movie?
Francis: “Today’s my birthday and my father says I can have anything I want.” Pee-wee: “Good for you and your father.” Francis: “So guess what I want.” Pee-wee: “A new brain.” Francis: “No. Your bike!” Pee Wee laughs on the ground. Francis: “What’s so funny, Pee-wee?” Pee-wee: “It’s not for sale, Francis.” Francis: “My father says everything’s negotiable, Pee-wee.” Pee-wee: “I wouldn’t sell my bike for all the money in the world. Not for 100 billion-million-trillion dollars!”
Several bikes were made for the movie. According to the museum, this bike is 1 out of 4 remaining of the 14 bikes used in the movie. One is owned by Paul Reubens who played Pee Wee. Another is on display at The Bike Museum of America and another sold for a whopping $38,000 on eBay! Today, you can view one of them at Bicycle Heaven. There are also a number of Pee Wee memorabilia items including the Pee-Wee Herman doll.
More famous movie/TV bikes
While browsing around the museum you will notice many bikes featured in various popular films over the decades. As the bikes are oftentimes as much of a character in the film as the actors themselves, these memorable bikes will likely jump out at you before you even reach the informative sign.
Elliott’s bike from ET
Kuwahara from Japan (1982)
On auction for $6000
The Monkees
Four-seat, gold tandem contraption used in the 1966-68 series
On loan from a Hollywood studio
Eclectic themed bikes
Various theme bikes made throughout the years including the Beatles Yellow Submarine bike are on display. This was definitely my favorite, although there are lots more to discover. It’s definitely a nostalgic overload for anyone who grew up in the 60’s.
Beatles Yellow submarine
Date: 1970
Beatles Capitol Records
Another cool Beatles themed bike. This rare model was made for Capital Records.
Rare vintage Beatles bike seat
Date: 1970
This is one of only 50 made. It’s a pretty cool seat – I love the color and design.
Happy Days Fonz….”Ayyy!” There is also some memorabilia and signed photos to look at.
I love this Marilyn Monroe themed bike. Lots of pink overload and some Marilyn memorabilia surround the bike.
This Betty Boop themed ride is another classic. There is a lot of little trinkets to explore around every ride – that’s the really cool aspect of this museum.
Lots of cool memorabilia too like this Bally Space Time pinball machine (1972) that the Fonz played- unfortunately out of order on our visit!
And of course, plenty of Steelers memorabilia! Did you really think you could visit Pittsburgh and not find some Steelers memorabilia?! This city has a lot of sports pride – I love it!
FAQ
Where is it located?
This museum is located at: 1800 Preble Ave in Pittsburgh. Don’t let the rundown industrial location fool you.
What times can I view the collection?
Hours are 10am-7pm, 7 days a week.
How much does it cost?
Although admission was free for a long time, tickets are now $15 per person. Also note that they suffered major flood damage in 2022 and could use any donations.
What is the best bike path in the city?
The ‘ Burghis home to a number of fantastic paved bike paths – many quite scenic. Biking is a fum & affordable way to explore the city especially today with high gas prices. By biking, you can connect to various city sights minus the hassle of parking, traffic, and added fees. Also biking is a fun way to get in your cardio for the day and oftentimes much more scenic than a boring gym!
Three Rivers Heritage trail – The museum is located nearby this amazing trail. The majority of this 33 mile long trail is paved. Highlights include river views and easy access to local attractions. I absolutely love everything about this path: they skyline and bridge views, the distance, and the access to parks and restaurants. If you have the time, The Strip District is a historic region of the city home to a lot of great restaurants and coffeeshops.
Tip: Plan your ride on Sunday when parking meters are free! The best spots to access the trail are near the Strip Market district (plenty of parking) and near The Andy Warhol museum.
