Pittsburgh Curiosities: Pee-wee Herman’s Bike By Kristy Graver
PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
When actor Paul Reubens, better known as Pee-wee Herman, went to that great big playhouse in the sky on July 30, Bicycle Heaven saw a spike in the number of visitors. In addition to being the world’s largest bike museum and shop, the North Side institution houses one of 14 Schwinn DX Cruisers made for the 1985 Warner Bros. flick, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure;” the plot of the movie centers on Pee-wee’s quest to find his stolen two-wheeler.
“Since Pee-wee passed away, we’ve had over 2,000 people in just to see the bike,” says director Henry Morrow, whose father, Craig Morrow, founded the business in 2011. Fans from around the world make the pilgrimage to Preble Avenue to peep the iconic ride. Only four are known to still exist; one sold on eBay years ago for $38,000.
Displayed on the second floor of the building, the red-and-white Schwinn is surrounded by Pee-wee paraphernalia and other famous cycles, including a four-seater powered by The Monkees and a one-of-a-kind “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” bike. The museum is free to enter, but donations are accepted to keep the gears of the shop turning. Just tell ’em Large Marge sent ya!
Find It!
Chateau: 1800 Preble Ave.