If you're in Ohio, take a little detour to New Bremen for a chance to see how the world's most popular vehicle got its start.
The Collection
The 1816 Draissine was the first mode of transportation to closely resemble the modern bicycle. Invented by Karl von Drais, it consisted of a wooden skeleton that weighed 48 pounds, it was stearable and had a rear-wheel brake.
The museum is organized by era, so you can examine the 1860s velocipedes (the first ones with pedals attached to the front wheel), the 1880s high-wheeler designs (promoted as "the safety" wheel), and the 1886-model bicycle for two (which only wealthy people could dream to afford).
See the record-breaker 1892 Victor, which sold for $130 in a time where a worker's salary was around $18 a month. The Victor featuredinterchangeable parts, cushioned tires, and hollow rims.
Fast forward to this century for a look at the legendary 1922 Dalton, built by a company that originally manufactured sewing machines.
The museum also affords you a look into the world of bicycles that never made it to market, such as the 1936 Pedi-Plane Prototype, which stand only 23 inches above the ground and had twin headlights.
Newer examples (including race models) are also in exhibition, from the futuristic-looking 1960 Bowden Spaceliner (which was a response to the growing interest in the "space age") to the 1973 Schwinn Cotton Picker/Apple Krate, of which you may have had one yourself.
Admission & Hours
The museum is located at 7 West Monroe St. (St Rt 274)