Originally Posted by
blitherbike
No problem about the pics. I was wondering, though, if you might remember an unusual detail about the bike which would help me settle my query for the builder of my bike. My Belgian made Montgomery Wards Elite and a couple virtually identical Belgique Cross Rapidixes (or Rapidix Belgique Crosses?) have sort of stippled rear dropouts, with the serial number stamped into the non-drive side dropout. While I could tell that the shape of the dropouts on our bikes appeared to match, I couldn't quite make out that texture detail from your photos. Did the American Arrow have them as well? Of course, I completely understand if you don't remember that mundane detail especially since it seems that you've owned quite a number of bikes. But if you do remember, I could really sigh in relief.
My Montgomery Ward Elite:
Virtually identical Rapidix:
Another Rapidix:
Thanks again!
hello blitherbike,
in about 1976 i assembled a new Belgique tenspeed that i had purchased with a batch of merchandise from a shop which had closed. the bicycle dated from several years earlier, perhaps ~1972-73. it was the same colour as your Montgomery Wards Elite and the beige-gold Rapidix. it had the stipled dropouts you mention.
it was the first i had encountered of the name Belgique. did not know the actual manufacturer.