Recently, an exciting acquisition came into my possession, sparking an immediate dive into research. My ongoing project of building a replica of the iconic bike from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure had led me down numerous rabbit holes, exploring the on-screen bikes used in the film. It was during this deep dive that I stumbled upon this particular bicycle, and fortunately, I was able to bring it home. What makes this find truly special is its origin: it comes directly from the prop house responsible for equipping the bikes for Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
To truly appreciate this bike, let’s pedal back to the beginning and explore the history of the bikes used in the beloved movie.
The Genesis of an Icon: Pedal Pusher and the Schwinn DX
The story begins at Pedal Pusher bike shop in Newport Beach. It was here that the initial inspiration for the movie’s famous bicycle took shape. The very first bike, purchased from Pedal Pusher, became the muse, gracing the cover of the movie script and the film’s promotional poster. While the poster showcased this bike, it underwent airbrushing to achieve the exact look desired for Pee-wee’s on-screen ride.
As the movie moved into production, a significant order of thirteen identical bikes was placed with Pedal Pusher. Charlie Churchill, who was working at the shop during that time, provided fascinating details about this bulk order:
- The bikes were powder coated in a vibrant red.
- Each was fitted with large Wald handlebars, Union pedals, and distinctive “donkey” grips.
- Schwinn racks and Schwinn chainguards were standard components.
- For models lacking built-in kickstands, Greenfeild kickstands were used.
- Production later returned to Pedal Pusher for additional accessories like mudflaps, bells, streamers, and mirrors, adding to the bike’s whimsical character.
The opening scene of the Tour De France segment offers a glimpse into the bikes as they were initially delivered – essentially plain red Schwinn DX models, ready for their transformation.
From Delivery to Movie Magic: Outfitting the Bikes
These thirteen Schwinn bikes were delivered directly to the prop house, marking the next stage of their journey. It was here that the bikes were transformed into the memorable machines seen in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. This included the addition of tanks, bags, sirens, and all the quirky gadgets that made Pee-wee’s bike so unique.
An employee from the prop house, who was involved in crafting the bags and guards, suggested that likely no more than four sets of bags were ever created. Intriguingly, only four sets are known to exist, and the set featured in the movie’s opening sequence is still missing. My research at the Academy of Motion Pictures library, reviewing production photos, further supports the idea that fully kitted-out bikes were not abundant.
Valuable insights from the Propmaster of Big Adventure revealed more about the bike situation:
- Bikes were delivered without tanks or accessories.
- Prototypes were created for each accessory to facilitate replication.
- A total of 14 bikes were used, but budget constraints meant that fully outfitted bikes were never simultaneously available. (The extra bike, beyond the initial 13, is likely explained by the specialized “Tarzan/House jump bike” built by production for specific stunts.)
- Parts were often swapped between bikes to complete filming needs for a particular scene.
Turning back to the bike I acquired, the evidence is compelling. Every component aligns perfectly with the bikes used on screen, down to unique markings on the springer and stem bolt. The seemingly random mix of parts across the screen-used bikes and this one is too specific to be mere coincidence. Adding to the credibility, a former Pedal Pusher employee who worked on the original movie bikes confirmed that all the parts are consistent with those used in production.
Based on this mounting evidence, I strongly believe this bike is one of those built for the film, though possibly never fully “Pee-wee-fied” with all the accessories.
The Mysterious Tank: A Key Piece of the Puzzle
One of the most captivating aspects of this bike is its tank. Constructed from cast fiberglass with internal wood supports, it mirrors the screen-used tanks. Intriguingly, this tank also features filled holes, identical to those used for switches on the movie bikes, along with a notch cut for cable routing. Evidence suggests it may have been painted white not once, but twice. While definitive proof remains elusive, there’s a tantalizing possibility that this tank itself saw screen time.
Currently, I’ve resisted the urge to clean the bike, wanting to preserve its potential history. My additions have been minimal and easily reversible – a siren, a light, and a sign – to echo the pre-airbrushed poster bike look. The temptation to fully outfit it with bags and all the trimmings is strong, but for now, I’m content to appreciate it as a fascinating artifact of movie history. Sometimes, the most rewarding discoveries come from the deepest dives into research!
A huge thank you is due to Charlie Churchill for his invaluable assistance and information, without which much of this discovery would not have been possible.
Side profile of the red Pee-wee Herman bike, emphasizing its vintage Schwinn DX frame and Wald handlebars.
Angle shot of the Pee-wee Herman bike highlighting the Union pedals and Schwinn chainguard, components consistent with movie bikes.
Close-up of the stem bolt on the Pee-wee Herman bike, showing unique markings that align with screen-used bikes from Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
