hi. i just picked up this rowil cruiser in winnipeg, MB, canada. i can't find a single word about it on the web. the front decal says "made in germany." that's all the info i have. help?
thanks. mike

https://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...rius/rowil.jpg
https://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...ius/rowil4.jpg
https://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...ius/rowil5.jpg
https://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...ius/rowil6.jpg
https://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...ius/rowil3.jpg

Hi aporius, I think you have everyone stumped! The only thing I could find for Rowil involved cigarettes. What kind of components are on there?

And welcome to BikeForums!

East Hill

thanks for the reply! ok, this is what i can find...
- Centrix wheels (coaster brakes) with Veith Extra Prima tires (26 x 3/8)
The Centrix wheels say "made in west germany," and the Veith tires are german made as well.
I looked up Veith Tire Company and found them to have been in operation since the late 1800's. they were aquired by Pirelli in 1963.
that's all i got. i also found the serial number.
i actually just bought a Centrix wheelset off an ebay bike shop. i'll send them an email asking where they got it from. thanks.

... and Hebie grips

Well, if the wheels are original, than the bike was made no earlier than 1949, and no later than 1963.

1949 was when 'West Germany' became 'West'. So, it looks as if you could have a bike made very soon after WWII, or the 1950s.

Hebie is still in business. The company was apparently founded in 1948 or perhaps just a bit earlier.

East Hill

I just found a Rowil, and it says made in Japan?? Yours is from Germany, I'm confused! Anyone else have info?