New Exhibit At Museum Of The West Explores The Science Behind Bicycles

Photos courtesy of Carnegie Science Center — The Science of Bikes

Western Colorado is biking country. Whether your tastes run to mountain biking, road cycling, downhill biking or gravel, it’s likely you’ve got at least one bicycle in your garage. And while you know how to ride your bike, have you ever thought about how it actually works?

Beginning on Oct. 3, 2025, Museum of the West is presenting “Gear Up: The Science of Bikes,” an interactive exhibit that explores the mechanics and workings of bicycles. “The bicycle is an elegant example of basic science principles and material science,” explains Mollie Shepardson, director of development and communications for Museums of Western Colorado, which includes Museum of the West, Dinosaur Journey and Cross Orchards.

“Visitors will learn how bikes work, the history and evolution of the bicycle and how bikes have impacted our culture,” Shepardson adds, noting that the exhibit is geared toward all ages and you don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate it. “Just because someone might not have ridden a bicycle or doesn’t do so on a regular basis, doesn’t mean that they won’t enjoy this exhibit,” she says.

“Gear Up: The Science of Bikes” was developed by Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and produced in partnership with the Sciencenter. Museum of the West is able to bring the exhibit to Grand Junction thanks to support from the Grand Junction Lions Club who recently funded the creation of a traveling exhibit gallery at Museum of the West.

“Gear Up: The Science of Bikes” will be on display from Oct. 3 to Dec. 27, 2025 in the Museum of the West’s Grand Junction Lions Club Traveling Exhibit Gallery at 462 Ute Ave. For more information, visit museumsofwesternco.org.

Originally published in the fall 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.