Bicycle Heaven, Pittsburgh (must see)

Bicycle Heaven in Pittsburgh is the largest transportation museum in the world dedicated solely to bicycles. Founded by Craig Morrow, Bicycle Heaven originated from his extensive personal collection, amassed over many years of dedicated gathering. Since its inception in 2011, the museum has grown to house an awe-inspiring collection.

Sprawling over a 650 square meter showroom, Bicycle Heaven displays more than 3,500 bicycles, with 27,000 more kept in storage. This active collection is supported by over 100,000 parts, ensuring that each piece remains in pristine condition for visitors to appreciate. The museum's commitment to preserving bicycle history is evident in its vast array of bikes, ranging from vintage models to more modern designs.

A unique aspect of Bicycle Heaven is its operational model, which cleverly combines the museum aspect with a functioning bike shop and a role as prop agents for film, television, and theatrical productions. This synergy not only facilitates the museum's free entry policy but also enriches its collection. Bicycles used in productions are eventually returned and become a permanent part of the museum's offering, adding to the historical tapestry Morrow has curated.

Among the museum's prized possessions are the Bowden Spacelanders, designed by British industrial designer Benjamin Bowden in 1946. These space-age fiberglass bicycles, which entered production in 1960, are exceedingly rare. Of the original 522 Spacelander bicycles made, only a fraction are believed to have survived into the 1990s, making Morrow's collection of 17 Spacelanders particularly significant. Given their scarcity and remarkable condition, these bicycles are among the rarest in the museum, each valued at over $50,000.