John F. Kennedy said, 'Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride,' and legions of others agree: competitive and recreational biking clubs abound across the country. Moreover, fans of antique bikes have their own network of 'purists' who help each other find, replace, or repair antique components on their classic bicycles. For many, using a modern nut on a vintage bolt is not an option.

While the origin of the bicycle is clouded in mystery--some claim Leonardo Da Vinci sketched an early version in 1490--it is certain that a pedal-less prototype was in use in America in the 1840s. By the late 1860s, the velocipede appeared--with a wooden frame and propelled with the foot, like a scooter, this fad lasted only a few years. The Penny Farthing, also known as the 'high' or 'ordinary' bicycle, debuted at the Philadelphia Exposition in 1876 and was a hit. It had a huge wheel in front, a small one in the rear, and pedals.

In 1880, the League of American Wheelmen was founded. This organization became a driving force in the creation of good roads. Between 1890 and 1918, at least 3,000 bicycle brands are known to have existed, from the Abel (built by the Abel Brothers of Wisconsin) to the Zwerg Brothers bicycle. The most famous brother team of that era is probably the Wrights of Dayton, Ohio, who began as bicycle designers before creating the world's first airplane.

Since the basic design has changed little, and thanks to the quality construction of that era, collecting, refurbishing, and riding antique bikes is easy. Vintage parts, historic photos, antique ribbons and even bicycle-themed collectible sheet music are popular, too.