Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Where did auchencrow go??
Help!
I've been reditioned by Santa's elves in a forced-labor camp (way) up-north!
Originally Posted by
oldbikenewbike
In an effort to bring this thread back, here's my 1975 (Thanks, Rootboy) Le Champion....
What a well-preserved specimen, oldbike - Just lovely!
Originally Posted by
rootboy
And another. Again…
You bought
ANOTHER one? AGAIN?!?
-It looks just like your other one, and if you don't mind me saying so Rootboy, I think you're getting a little bit greedy. You should save some leChamp's for the less-Le-Champ-fortunate, especially with Christmas approaching and all.
Originally Posted by
redscampi
New here, and I love this thread! Mostly because I just acquired this Le Champion, all original less the rims which are Araya clinchers. Not sure about the seat - an Ideale 2001. All components are Campagnolo Nuovo Record less the stem and bars (Phillippe) and the brakes (Universal Super 68's). I bought this bike from the neighbor of the original owner who added new tires and brake hoods. I currently have the bike blown apart in my den. The components are all in great shape, they just need cleaning and the original grease was dried up. Unbelievably I don't yet have any pictures of the derailleurs.
Gary
Welcome to C&V and CONGRATS on your LeChampion snag, redscampi! You're a lucky guy.
I believe the saddle is original, though referencing Rootboy's "butt hatchet" comment, there are not too many extant. The Phillipe bars and Uni-Super68's were spec and thus likely are original too. Campy parts, and particularly calipers were in demand and short supply BITD.
BTW - Here is a link to the '75 Moto Catalog's with all the specs
http://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Cat...Motobecane/75/
Originally Posted by
rootboy
Good for you, OldBike. As for French bikes from the 70's, it just doesn't get much better than one of these.
+1. I have a lot of French, English, Japanese, American and Italian bikes, but IMO the French bikes are the most, how do you say, "veloish?".
I'm also a fan of the French fit - Though I don't think big bikes are any faster, they surely are more comfortable, especially for those aging sacreliliacs, or for those who ride mostly in their drops.
Originally Posted by
Kactus
What a great save for a fine old bike auchencrow. I really enjoyed the story too!
Thank you Kactus. Maybe it's timely that this old thread came up with the Christmas season almost upon us.
Originally Posted by
rootboy
The touch up paint is a tricky beast on these. I ended up custom mixing some Testor's for the few small spots that needed it but it was a challenge.
^ That's an understatement. After hours of mixing drops of red, blue and silver Testor's I ended up wearing most of it - like the Tin-man gone Celtic warrior.
Originally Posted by
rootboy
We ought to start a lilac Le Champion owner's club. Where's my pal Auchencrow!?
It would be a pretty small club rootboy. There aren't a whole lot of them around it seems, and everyone who happens to own one ought to count themselves lucky.
Originally Posted by
oddjob2
I always thought Hamtramck was the Polish capital of the Midwest, but was surprised to see that it appears middle easterners are replacing the Polish merchants.
Nothing remains static. Today as then, there are lots of places where new waves of immigrants bring language and customs - ultimately to be assimilated with all the rest of us.
Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
... to find better jobs in the auto industry after working in places like coal mines.
- If you had seen Dodge Main while it was still up and running you'd have to wonder!
