Classic & Vintage - "American Arrow?"

Picked up this bike early this summer and have been enjoying it ever since. It's labeled "American Arrow made in Belgium" with a very cheap label. I posted it earlier on Old Ten Speed Gallery and someone replied that they had an American Arrow made in West Germany. It must be vintage early 70's, because it has a license from 1974. It is surprisingly light, marked "RC tubing," and has alloy wheels, stem and bars; with a steel, cottered crank. The frame is not especially tall, but it is long (almost 2 in longer than a taller Fuji that I own) and fits me well. When riding, it has the feel of a French bike (like a Motobecane I rode a few years ago). All in all, it has a generic look and intriguing features, which makes me so curious who made it, obviously no one "American." The only things I've changed are the bar tape and tires (just things I had in the garage). I know you all like a mystery--can you help me with this one? Thanks.
Bob Johannes

wish i could help, but i had one until it was stolen and looked for info about it all over the web and couldn't find anything.

Picked up this bike early this summer and have been enjoying it ever since. It's labeled "American Arrow made in Belgium" with a very cheap label. I posted it earlier on Old Ten Speed Gallery and someone replied that they had an American Arrow made in West Germany. It must be vintage early 70's, because it has a license from 1974. It is surprisingly light, marked "RC tubing," and has alloy wheels, stem and bars; with a steel, cottered crank. The frame is not especially tall, but it is long (almost 2 in longer than a taller Fuji that I own) and fits me well. When riding, it has the feel of a French bike (like a Motobecane I rode a few years ago). All in all, it has a generic look and intriguing features, which makes me so curious who made it, obviously no one "American." The only things I've changed are the bar tape and tires (just things I had in the garage). I know you all like a mystery--can you help me with this one? Thanks.
Bob Johannes

I have this same bike in a greenish gold metalic color. My brother has royal blue. Unfortunately, I removed all the decals, etc. Converted to clinchers from original tubular tire/wheels, aero bar and other mistakes. Still have original nylon seat and handle bars, Simplex derailleurs. Perfect frame and perfect drop bars for me. Never found another bike that fit as well and extremely light when it had the sew-ups. Ever find any info on manufacturer? I would like to find out what bottom bracket, etc. would fit for a restoration/upgrade.

Made by Superia. All I know is they sponsored a racing team in Europe in the 60's. World Champion Rudi Altig rode a Superia. Nice bikes that you don't see much of in the States.

Hey there,


Any luck with the American Arrow bottom bracket ?


I have an old frame from my dad that I am wanting to convert to a single speed.


I am pretty sure it is and ENGLISH threaded 70mm bb shell.


But I am looking on the internet to find a cartridge bottom bracket and it would seem a 70mm English bb doesn't exist anywhere else, only Italian.


I went to the local shop and he said he could order me something, that Shimano makes one, but I am not 100 % certain the guy understood the threading. I am looking specifically for a 70x107mm for a single speed conversion. I have looked at many bottom brackets online, no 70x107mm English to be found, Shimano or otherwise.


Any luck with yours?