Haydino

Hi all!,

First post and i have a few questions about a bike i just bought. Under a quick google search of "LeJeune champion du monde" I see that the majority of these bikes are in Red. The bike i just bought is in silver, my question is has this been repainted or is this an original colour from the factory? judging from the sellers photographs it looks to be original?

repechage

The model name you mention I think this bike is not. That was for the top of the line bikes.
The signature color was Red, but not all of their bikes were.
The graphics on the seat tube are not familiar to me but that is not to say they are wrong.

A nice benefit of these bikes is that LeJeune kept good geometry down the product line, the bike should be decent riding, with tubulars as it appears to have, all the better for that.

I would give it a full service, clean up everything, not make a large investment, renew brake blocks, tires, at least swap the rear cables to the front and buy new rear brake and shift cables and enjoy it.

The lower spoke count wheels are really a surprise, I would expect 36 spoke wheels... But why not?

juvela

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The opaque red was a colour used for the SONOLOR team. There was also a flambouyant red used for production bicycles. Champion Du Monde in this case is a subtitle or epithet, not a model name.

Appears we are near the 1975 time here.

Our @CV-6 will be along momentarily with far more and better information.

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Haydino

Thanks for clarifying that guys! I look forward to cleaning it up and riding it! I'm keen to learn more information about the bike!

T-Mar

The bicycle has stamped dropouts with a claw rear derailleur mount. This is a sign of an entry level model. While the tubular wheelset suggests a club racer, thise may be a conversion, as the front brake pads appear to be at the bottom of the adjustment range. The Huret derailleur combination, if OEM, suggests mid-1970s.

Haydino

Thanks for that Info T-Mar! what are the Hurret derailleurs like? would it be worth upgrading these?

non-fixie 

Nice find. Give a LOT of love. It needs it, more than anything else.

Haydino

I intend to give it the love it needs!

repechage

The front dérailleur I have found to be a bit sluggish if the weather and neglect has been inflicted upon it.
I would loosen up the adjusting screws as far as possible and work lubricant in, the hyper movement beyond it's needed range helps free the pivots up. Taking it apart is not advised.
the rear mechanism is of decent design, same basic suggestions, clean and lubricate it.
The parts that are on the bike are basically in concert with each other, the wheels being a slight upgrade and a bit more tender due to the low spoke count.

Are the hubs Pelessier brand?

seypat

Here is the approximate model you have.
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/France/bicycles/LeJeune/LeJeune_cat_pages.htm

Haydino

No idea on the hub brand, These are the sellers photos, we'll have to see when it arrives!

non-fixie 

No, they are actually pretty nice. Much nicer than their looks suggest. They actually shift better than Campagnolo NR, IME. Clean and lube, like @repechage said, and you should be good.

Haydino

Thanks for the help! If i was to change anything, I think I might upgrade the saddle to another...

Haydino

On a side note, I've been thinking about new bar tape to put on (It clearly needs it lol), Where would I find period correct bartape?

repechage

Tressostar or Tressorex would be original.
There is also Cateye and Newbaums.
Due to possible adhesive transfer you want current production.
Online, local shop, should not be too difficult to get.

I would go Red.
Saddle may not be tolerable, try it first, plenty to choose from and you can spend as much as you want.

I would raise the levers up the curve of the bar, I suggest setting them up where the tip of the lever is aligned with a line coming fwd from the flat lower portion of the bars. Where the levers are now would be very awkward to rest your hands on the hoods comfortably.

Haydino

I too was thinking Red!!!
You're right about the levers, they're too low for sure, I'll bring them up when I overhaul it.

Thanks for the help!

devinfan

First off, lovely bike. Looks like a Lejeune Tour de France to me. Not high end but it doesn't matter at all, sure to be a great rider. I like the paint as well. I think cleaned up and waxed this bike will be beautiful. I'm a huge, huge fan of this level of French bikes, I think you're in for a treat!

Haydino

Can't wait till it arrives!

Haydino

I've been researching into getting a new saddle prior to it's arrival... does anyone have any recommendations as to what would be period correct? I'm half tempted to get a Turbo to put on it...