Bicycle Museum of America Redux

It was another cold day on the flat land today, and Alex and I were up for some adventure. Once again, I took advantage of her good nature and drove her an hour and a half south to the Bicycle Museum of America.

This was her first visit to the museum, my second. I visited here first last October, although the museum has been open here since 1997. Many of the bikes in the collection are Schwinns, and just about all bikes in this room are Schwinns.


I particularly like this Schwinn Paramount track bike.

A little farther back. That's a big-looking frame, isn't it? I suddenly don't feel quite so freakishly large.

Just off of the front room, full of Schwinns, is a door and stairway leading to the basement. My favorite part of the museum. All kinds of bikes, all eras, and even tricycles are stored down here.

There were a couple beam bikes that caught my eye. Hmm, sponsored rider on this bike.

A sponsored rider for this bike. Methinks these were not ridden by normal humans. I'm guessing these bikes belonged to elite triathletes.

Ahh, more my speed. A mid-70's Peugeot. With a Simplex derailleur. Nice. Probably should snip the end of that cable.

I enjoyed looking at the components - here's an early Campy derailleur on a bike hanging from the ceiling.

Upstairs were more and more bikes.

Another Peugeot. With lots of miles. Still looks like a sweet ride.

Look at this derailleur. Before 1962 or there-abouts, most rear derailleurs looked something like this. The two bogey wheel assembly slides back and forth on a spindle, instead of the pantograph-style derailleurs of today. A very nice, French machine.

Hey, I don't think you're supposed to sit in there!

Jeez, you almost hit me! I think the curator is coming, get out of there!

I did find the Country Bike Shop in Celina, about 15 miles away from here. I had a delightful, hour-long discussion with Dick, the owner's father. They had many, many Rivendell bikes set up in different configurations and sizes. If I had the money, I'd have taken home a sweet Sam Hillborne that was set up just for me, and in my size!

No riding for me today, but it was a great day!

Happy riding!