Apollo Deelite #20135
 

I recently came across this bike and i am considering turning her to a fixie. But something in me says to keep her stock. Any information would be appreciated.

Looking at pics on the web, seems like pretty low end bike; nothing special. Unless it's in really nice condition, I wouldn't feel bad about turning it into a fixie.

Are you somewhere in western Canada?

Apollo Deelite was a full range brand, marketed across Canada. While it is most likely one of the ubiquitous entry level models, there is a small possibility of it being one of the more desirable mid-range or high end models. If the rear dropout does not have an integral hanger for the derailleur, then it is an entry level model and I'd have no qualms about a conversion. However, I'd save all the OEM components, should you have a change of heart, down the road.

Deelite?

I just found this 1972 Apollo Ten Speed in garbage. Pumped air into tires wiped down with a soapy rag and took it for a spin runs fast gears and brakes work unreal coasts forever and it's 45 years old.
New member thanks for having me hope pics show.
I'm older and not for me changing an old bike like this into a fixie.
Gears make it easier but to each his own. Cool and green to keep old bikes on the road original or modified

This bike pre 1975 as they used a Dee-lite badge up to1975 then metal Apollo badge to 1980 then sticker. Since it says "10 speed" on cross bar it's the low end model but is large frame sitting on seat I'm on tippy toes and I'm 6'.
If it said "Elite" or other instead of 10 speed it would be higher end.
Serial no. starts with 22 so it's a 1972 I believe according to my research anyone know better let me know. This is my only antique bike. Also have a 2001 mint Diamond back bmx also a garbage find, a Norco Katmandu and a Next mountain bike with a 52 volt battery and electric motor does about 60 kph. Cheers

Where is the serial number located? On the seat tube, non-drive side? On the BB shell? Some other location?

If the serial number is on the seat tube, non-drive side, it is probably 5 digits. It will have no year indicator in the serial number.

If the serial number is on the BB shell, does it start with '22' or 'S2'?

I don't know what BBC shell means but serial number on lower not drive chain side of seat post 5 digits 22535. So all I know it's 're 1975 because it has a Deely badge?

Sorry pre 1975? Thanks

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Have had this same frame in this colour hanging in me racks for over thirty years. Until reading [MENTION=20650]T-Mar[/MENTION]'s knowledgeable posts regarding the marque since joining the forum I never understood what it was. My example looks just like these photos but is about 49cm in size.

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You are correct about the Deelite headbadge, it was used up to 1975.

The serial number is from the frame manufacturer Kuwahara of Japan, who stopped using this format of serial number in 1974.

I have seen another "Ten Speed" model with a serial number 220xx. Looks identical to yours except for the colour. It had SunTour components with a date codes of PB and PG which translate to 1973.

The Bottom Bracket (BB) shell is the cylinder that houses the bottom bracket spindle that the crank arms connect to. On the bottom of the shell is where many manufacturers put their serial number.

I should measure mine I'm a full time single Father so I don't get to much time messing around with old bikes
This is the second one I've found. The last one was a smaller frame and needed tires but I still rode it to work all winter and got $100 for it on Craig's list. This one fits my six ft frame so well I'm keeping it which wasn't my original plan.

BB= bottom bracket. Should have figured that out. This one has Suntour components so I should look for codes. Mine has more rust then one in pic but mechanically I tightened axle arm pins and tightened front derailier cable that's it.Nice new white tape on handlebars would be nice and polish rims. Thanks for your help in guessing age of my 10 speed.