Weber Sports in Aurora has bike that once belonged to famed cyclist

Story by The 812's Valerie Weston

(AURORA, Ind.) – Weber Sports in Aurora is home to hundreds of cycling collectables.

The unique shop was founded in 2002 by Tim Weber who has had passion for bikes and an interest in the different forms of biking for as long as he can remember. 

He began building bikes when he was only twelve years old; an interest which carried over into his business where he sells and repairs bikes, old and new, even e-bikes.

Weber cherishes his Aurora location because the trails nearby are a community staple that draw in bikers from around the state.

He values the history of cycling as it leads to a greater appreciation of the sport. The importance of history influenced him to create a museum attached to his shop.

Weber’s museum began shortly after he opened the shop when a woman offered him the pair of bikes her grandparents courted on. Since then, the collection has grown substantially.

Weber continues to add to it as it is completely a passion project or as Weber put it, a disease.

The museum consists of bikes and other artifacts related to cycling throughout history. His oldest bike is from 1870 and the most modern bikes in the museum are from the 1970’s.

Weber’s collection is made up of some very rare artifacts, historically notable and famous items, and even pieces from England. What makes his museum so special is that each artifact has its own story.

One of Weber’s newest additions has a deeply influential story that honors Indiana heritage.

He recently obtained a bicycle that belonged to a notable cyclist nicknamed Major Taylor.

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was born on November 26, 1878 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the first African American world champion in cycling and the second African American athlete to win a world championship in a sport.

Prior to his career in cycling, Taylor worked at two bicycle shops, Hearsey Bicycle Shop and Hay & Willits Bicycle Shop. Taylor obtained the nickname “Major” because he would perform tricks outside of the shop wearing a uniform.

Taylor experienced many difficulties during his career. He faced racism and segregation challenges that prohibited him from competing in some competitions or staying in various hotels. Despite these challenges, Taylor persevered as one of the world's top sprinters, setting multiple world records and winning races internationally. He became known as the “Fastest Man in the World” after winning the world cycling championship in 1899.

Major Taylor is remembered for many things, but especially for being a trailblazer for African American athletes. He retired from cycling in 1910, but his legacy lives on.

Weber obtained the bike from another collector in New Mexico. Before that, the bike was found in Wooster, Ohio, one of the places Taylor competed. The bicycle is an Outing, built in 1895 in Indianapolis, Indiana by Hay & Willits Bicycle Shop.

Visitors can expect much more than a bike shop from Weber Sports; a place where people can come together to appreciate the history of cycling, the history of America. 

“We are definitely a neighborhood bicycle shop, that's what we are all about,” Weber said. 

The shop has an inviting environment with workers willing to help with biking needs and share engaging stories of the past.