I came upon a le champ that's full campy nr, 531ds tubes,sew-ups and a brooks professional saddle.It is in good shape, it was raced back in the day.It 's a little big for me but my main question is where does 531 tubing rank in pecking order of other tubes(like champion#1 or so)?this bike is probably 74' or so, I will post pics when I can (soon I hope)

The advantages/disadvantages of the various tube materials has been discussed regularly. You might want to do a search and get various opinions from those threads.

Nice thing about Reynolds 531 is that it is well recognized in the marketplace (if you ever want to sell the bike).

I have had several Reynolds 531 frame bikes pass through this year. Buyers were drooling over them. Meanwhile, my Champion #1 Lotus barely gets noticed (its a keeper, so it doesn't matter to me).

I just lost mine ('72) and miss it. What size is it and how about pics? It is likely 531 double butted. Nice bike. Too big? what size is it?

+1 to what wrk101 said. Reynolds 531 is high end stuff. It seems that most of us agree that factors like geometry and size play a bigger role in which tube set feels "better". Not only that, we all have our own idea of what "better" really is.

I get the feeling that: 531 = Tange1 = Columbus SL. I cannot claim that as my opinion because I only own one of those 3 brands.

I understand that there are a lot of other things that affect how the bike rides,overall I was wondering if it is a real high quality steel or rather how high of quality.My intention is to get a good quality old steel ride and get a modern drive sytem and components on it.This is not something I would consider doing without riding it to see if it's worthy of spending the time and $ on? btw-Ebay has a 81' Lotus Classique w/#1 tubing and full shimano 600 right now, buy it now $350-it does'nt seem like the seller has any idea of what it really is

There is no doubt it is a high quality steel frame. In fact, Reynolds 531 is so recognized that one of the forum members is making 531 shirts and everyone went nuts over them, including myself.

'74 Le Champion was my first racing bike. 531 double butted thru-out. $425 in 1974.

Dad's got a Le Champion. Really sweet ride. I wouldn't change a thing.

Man,$425 in 74'-geez ,that's something.

I had one of those, long ago. Very, very good. And so was Reynolds 531.

This is my '73. It was "modernized" in '87 (I have the receipt from Andy Gilmour), but I returned it to how it was intended to be (it has the proper Ideale 92 saddle on it since this photo). For what it's worth, the Le Champion was among lightest bike of its day, behind the Gitane TdF and the Peugeot PX-10; all French, all 531, and all within a few grams of one another (I don't have exact figures in front of me at the moment, but it was in the 10 kg range). I have a few 531s as well as Columbus SL/SLX, Tange, Ishiwata and others. It's all excellent stuff. I don't think you'd be disappointed building it up however you choose, but as stated by others, your ride quality will largely depend on the components, wheelset, tires, etc.

Are these Swiss thread bottom brackets? That's kind of important.

Bought mine in '73 used for $200. Le Champion was the top of the line in that year and sold for $350 new. Stock with sew ups.
Mine last summer:
https://i985.photobucket.com/albums/a...C_SideD_03.jpg

At some point they switched over from Stronglight/Campy combo to dominantly Campy. I believe the Stronglight BB was Swiss threading. Not confirmed. Don't know about the Campy BB threading. My headset is also Stronglight.

Can't be 100% but pretty sure Campy didn't make a Swiss BB. SJX426, Stronglight did made some Swiss BB, but I am sure your Le Champion is French threaded.

Moi Campy '73 is a 35 x 1 so French.

Would a true bike geek be asking this?

In 1974, Reynolds 531 tubing was widely used at the highest levels of professional competition and the Motobecane Le Champion was Motobecane's high-end production racing bike. It's a great bike and well worth keeping.

QUOTE]Would a true bike geek be asking this? [QUOTE][/

being a geek has more to do with loving nearly every aspect of cycling than knowing everything about them
I started as a cyclist about 81'and really went in deep when mountain bikes came on the scene, I got one in 86'- I was 7 in 74'
since then it's become alot more than a hobby- more like an obsession
not that i really feel the need to explain myself

Anyone with Jim Clark taking air for an Avatar should never have to explain themselves. Ever. On a related note, the comment was probably intended to have some levity. I don't think there is such a thing as a stupid question around here (and the search function has a lot to be desired so you are absolved by all but the grouchiest of retro-grouches if you don't find your answer right away).

The only difference between Swiss and French is the direction of the threads on the drive side. They are both 35mm x1mm (1.378" x 25.4 TPI) with the Swiss having left hand threads on the drive side.

Iso is 1.370/1.375 x 24 TPI right hand both sides.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cribshee...mbrackets.html

I did a quick measurement and it is one or the other. It is not Italian!

WOW, that's the same bike, color and all .I was efforting pics,instead imagine this bike put away dirty and hanging in a basement for 20+ years w/some paint scratches-that's easier than cleaning it before it's fate is determined.-is that a 56?

It wasn't the one from chicago was it? Someone grabbed that up before i could

for those of you without a good imagination.
the wheels are only to roll it around
I will never do anything w/sew-ups though
it's a shame the bracket for the pump ruined the 531 sticker but ,oh well
I actually aquired this bike as a trade for a mtb I'm going to build up for the origonal owner .
winter kind of sucks