presto, pronto, prego!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Hua Hin Thailand
Posts: 547
Bikes: Dave Lloyd custom, Brands SLX, Visser Vainqueur, XACD ti custom, Hewitt Scandium, Presto 1972, and more ...
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As a guideline to define 'good', in the case of Gazelle: the factory had a 'special race department'. In this workshop the race frames were handbuilt by skilled craftsmen. At the height of their commercial success (around 1980-85) about 35 people were working here.
So i would argue that the frames built there were 'good'. All the others (like Tour de 'Avenir) were mass-produced in the factory.
The models that were made in the race workshop, in 1980: Champion Mondial (road, cyclo cross, track, stayer and youth), Champion Mondial Semi Race (a touring version, with a.o., brazed on dynamo bracket!).
In 1984 the line-up was expanded with a Champion Mondial tandem, a randonneurbike and an off-the-road bike; all full 531 DB. The Trophy series was introduced: Trim Trophy and Cross Trophy (main triangle in 531 plain gauge).