Bicycle Museum of America

BMA is a perfect museum. Not huge and overwhelming but the most comprehensive collection of vintage and modern bicycles probably in the world. Jim knows his stuff and both he and Rita were so warm and welcoming. There is just a small part of the collection on display at any one time— and that’s THREE floors-​worth. All I can say is GO HERE!

My inlaws took us to visit this little gem. It was very educational and the curators were there along the whole tour to answer any questions we may have. They said they go to a bike auction once a year so the bikes on display are constantly changing. I’d never seen such a variety of bicycles, antique or modern. They had WWII bicycles on display which were in such good condition you could practically imagine yourself back in the day riding such a bike. There was far too much to look at to actually discribe it all, but it was totally worth the admition! A little hidden gem that was a perfect way to spend a rainy cold Ohio afternoon!

Very cool place a must see if your in the area. Very awesome. They have three story’s of very cool old bikes and other stuff. I would go back again if I’m ever in Ohio again

The town of New Bremen, Ohio (2hrs north of Cincinnati) is defined by the fact that Crown Equipment is based there. They make electronic lifts trucks.
According to the curator/​docent, Jim Dicke of Crown Equipment sat down and asked, «What could we do to bring people to this town? To make it more liveable, to make it someplace worth visiting?» And so Dicke bought Schwinn’s private collection when they went out of business in the 90s.
The Schwinn collection– and many more bikes since then– now live at the Bicycle Museum of America, in New Bremen. It is believed to be the largest private collection of bicycles in the world, and it is a GLORIOUS collection. You can really watch the history of the bicycle through the various artifacts they have on display, and the curator is incredibly helpful and has many stories.
There are bikes you can ride, bikes you can touch, videos you can watch. Plenty to read, plenty to ogle over, plenty to laugh at (not every bike invention was a success).
Give yourself at least two hours at this museum to get a quick look at everything. Plan for longer if you’d like to really spend time with the exhibits.
One negative note: their hours are horrible. If you work a 9 – 5, prepare to either use a vacation day or leave Cincinnati VERY early on a Saturday to get to experience the museum.

This is a very unique museum that my family and I found randomally while driving through New Bremen. They have everything from wooden bikes, to «harley bicycles» to unicycles. It’s just a small little place, but packed with so much entertainment and information! If you’re ever in New Bremen and have some time to kill… stop by this place and be amazed.

I visited an hour before the museum closed. After we paid the $ 3 entry fee, the docent was kind enough to offer my friends and me free passes for a future visit, so we could see the displays in better detail.
The museum had more than I expected, with three full floors of bicycles from the early 1800s to present day. And I finally got to ride a penny-​farthing, which was secured upright for my protection.