Pee-wee Herman’s classic cruiser bicycle just sold for $125,000 at an auction

Pee-wee Herman’s iconic cruiser bicycle from the 1985 cult classic Pee-wee’s Big Adventure recently fetched a remarkable $125,000 at auction. This particular bike is one of only 14 crafted for the film and ridden by Paul Reubens’ character in several memorable scenes.

Reubens passed away in the summer of 2023.

The Bicycle: A Custom Schwinn DX

The famed bike is a heavily customized Schwinn DX cruiser, originally manufactured in the 1940s and 1950s. For the film, it underwent extensive modifications to achieve its distinctive look:

• Scooped fenders and vented wheel guards

• Whitewall tires and chrome components

• A lidded top cargo hold and rear rocket tail lights

• An electric rocket headlight and Hypno-wheel tire hubs

• A tank console with secret weapon buttons

• Handlebar accessories like a tiger siren, ball compass, CB intercom, and rearview mirror

• Streamers and a rear dorsal fin

These enhancements were meticulously designed to reflect Pee-wee’s whimsical personality and became central to the film’s narrative.

Production and Restoration

During the movie’s production, the bikes were assembled by Pedal Pusher, a Los Angeles-based shop. Each bike was powder-coated red and equipped with large Wald handlebars, Union pedals, Schwinn racks, and chainguards. Additional accessories like mudflaps, bells, streamers, and mirrors were sourced to complete the look.

The auctioned bike has undergone slight restoration to maintain its screen-used appearance, preserving original elements such as vintage streamers and a working replica of the tiger siren. It also features a replica “Property of Pee-wee Herman” tag, adding to its authenticity.

Pee-Wee Herman’s bicycle at Bicycle Heaven

Legacy and Display

Pee-wee’s bicycle has left a lasting impression on pop culture, symbolizing the character’s childlike wonder and adventure. It also showed the fun, everyday side of cycling to a North American audience that desperately needed to see it.

In addition to the auctioned piece, another original prop bike is on display at Bicycle Heaven in Pittsburgh, the world’s largest bicycle museum. This museum houses more than 3,500 bicycles, including rare models like the Bowden Spacelander, and serves as a testament to the bicycle’s cultural significance.