In a modest apartment packed to the brim with gleaming spokes and polished frames, local resident Jordan McLeod has curated an astonishing collection of vintage bicycles. Each hallway and corner is lined with relics of cycling history, transforming an otherwise ordinary living space into an extraordinary time capsule. Stepping into McLeod’s home, visitors are immediately greeted by the imposing silhouette of a 19th-century penny-farthing, its massive front wheel dominating the entranceway.
Years before assembling this unique collection, McLeod traced a lifelong fascination with bicycles back to childhood summers spent riding through city parks. "Those memories inspired me to learn more about the roots of cycling," McLeod recalls. This curiosity quickly evolved into a mission. Over nearly two decades, McLeod has scoured flea markets, auctions, and specialized online forums to gather models spanning more than 140 years of two-wheeled innovation.
Some of the rarest treasures in McLeod’s apartment include a restored Humber cross-frame from 1895 and a classic French racing bike once used in the 1960s Tour de France. Each bicycle has a carefully preserved story. According to McLeod, "it’s not just about the bikes themselves, but about the people, places, and histories they represent." The collection now exceeds forty distinct models, each displayed and maintained with painstaking attention to detail.
McLeod’s living room is dominated by a wall-mounted display of Italian, British, and North American bicycles, each labeled with its origin, year, and any known provenance. “Bicycles have long been symbols of progress and freedom,” McLeod explains. “Displaying them here reminds me how far transportation—and society—has evolved.” QR codes allow visitors to access further details on each bike’s individual background and restoration process.
Despite limited space, McLeod has ingeniously arranged the apartment so each bike retains its own display area. Ceiling racks and custom stands maximize floor space, while built-in shelves house cycling memorabilia, including leather helmets, vintage race posters, and brass bells. “It’s a daily challenge, but I take pride in blending history with my home,” McLeod says, gesturing towards a display case wrapped around the kitchen archway.
The collection’s impact stretches beyond aesthetics. McLeod regularly hosts small open-house events, drawing cycling enthusiasts, history buffs, and curiosity seekers alike. Local resident Paula Martin, who attended a recent gathering, said, “Jordan’s apartment isn’t just a museum; it’s an immersive experience. Each time I visit, I learn something new about how bicycles shaped our lives.” Such events spark community dialogue on sustainable travel and heritage preservation.
Preservation of these rare bicycles poses unique challenges. McLeod invests considerable time and money sourcing replacement parts, often from international sellers or specialty re-manufacturers. According to industry estimates, restoring a single antique bike can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. McLeod admits, “It’s definitely not a cheap hobby, but it’s rewarding to see these machines rebound from rust to glory.”
Every restoration requires research. McLeod meticulously consults vintage catalogues and old photographs to ensure accuracy in each project. Occasionally, this involves reconstructing missing pieces altogether. “The older models have no instruction manuals,” McLeod notes. “It becomes a combination of detective work and engineering.” For particularly challenging restorations, fellow collectors and specialized craftspeople are frequently enlisted for assistance.
Interest in McLeod’s collection has steadily grown thanks to social media. The resident regularly posts updates and behind-the-scenes videos on dedicated cycling forums and Instagram, where followers span continents. “There’s a worldwide community who appreciate these bikes’ artistry and legacy,” McLeod explains. Social platforms have also helped connect McLeod with likeminded collectors, occasionally leading to rare trades and acquisitions.
Asked about future plans, McLeod hopes to collaborate with local museums and schools to bring parts of the collection into the public eye. “Sharing this history is vital,” McLeod says. “Young people need to see how design and innovation evolved over the decades.” Plans are underway for temporary exhibits and educational workshops, aimed at fostering appreciation for cycling’s rich heritage in younger generations.
For McLeod, the apartment’s transformation is about more than personal fulfillment; it’s an ongoing tribute to the evolution of mobility. “Each bicycle here is a snapshot of its era, a testament to both human ingenuity and changing times,” says McLeod. The living museum stands as both a celebration of the past and an inspiration for future journeys—on two wheels and beyond.