I took a break at work today, and cruised into town to run an errand or two. I happened to spot this bike in the pile at a local thrift, and took it home for the princely sum of $2.50. I hoep I didn't get burned too badly....

It is a 10 speed, and is complete except cables, tires, and tubes. Wheels are true, and frame is not bent, dinged, or broken. The paint (gold/copper) is even in decent shape. The only "decals" are some cheapo looking clear-backed stick-ons on the head, top, seat, and down tube. There are no clues as to tubing type, but the bike feels light and so I don't think it is gas-pipe. Serial number on BB is A005622.

What it is, what it has:
Superia "Explorer Star" marked lugged steel frame set, probably about 25"
Shimano 600 derailluers
Shimano Tourney brakes - calipers and levers
ITM Special bars, non-marked alloy stem
Shimano dropouts with adjusters
Coronado alloy cotterless crankset
Araya rear and Weinnmann front alloy 700c wheels, both with QR hub/skewers

This bike is too big for me, but I have everything I need to build it out and turn it over to someone that can use it. I've done a bit of Googling, and it appears that this frame might be of Belgian lineage. Can anyone add additional info as to what I came up with?

John D.

John,

My reference souce confirms that it is Belgian, but tells me nothing else.

Superia produced a wide range of models. They sponsored a number of pro squads in the '60s and '70s. Eddy Merckx turned pro in 1965 with the Solo-Superia squad. The bicycle he rode that year was an actual Superia and not another brand with Superia decals. Sounds like you have a late '70s model.