Here we have such a Batavus Professional lotek makes mention off.
Batavus is the other large Dutch manufacturer. Sometimes Gazelle took the lead, in other years it was Batavus. Both had their performance orientated frames made in house at their own small series/custom department . Gazelle had their.... Champion Mondial line up. Batavus carried the 'Professional'. Traditional 3rd of the Dutch manufacturers was Union, but they outsourced the performance aimed frames. They had their thoroughbreds made with Gianni Motta in Italy.
I picked up this Batavus Professional a couple of weeks ago >>>
Mid 80s frameset in teampaint. I picked it up as full bike. Its previous owner told me it started its live in competition. After it was retired from racing this roadframe had been used on the track(!) for a couple of years. Particular track-typical scratches on the seatstays kinda confirm this. When I picked it up it was equipped with parts donated by most likely a 70s low end Raleigh. No idea why and I couldn't get an explanation for it, but what I did know for sure immediately was the parts would have to fly a la minute when home.
The frame has no tubing decal. Around that time Professionals could be had with Reynolds 531C, Reynolds 531P, Columbus SL or Columbus SP. SLX came little later. SP was mostly used with larger frames. I do not feel spiral shaped butting under inside the steerer (SL), so I think most likely 531C or 531P is used for this frame. Lugs are like with Gazelle Bocama longpoint >>>
Metal 'Batavus' headbadge >>
I do not have plans for this newly acquired frame yet. This frame is a little small for me, so building a serious roadbike with it does not seem to work for me. Probably it will end up on the wall, as a piece of art sort like, but that is not were it is made for. More for this >>>
On the cover of the 1984 catalogue (source: Bulgier site)
Overall the Professional line up was not as broad as the Champion Mondial line up. Champion Mondial also included randonneurs, stayers, aerobikes among more. The Champion Mondial is also made in larger numbers. Both series are well made with keeping eye on what they are intended for. Nothing ueberfancy with plenty decoration, but Dutch pragmatic.