Le Fantôme Lilas * Motobecane Le Champion
12-05-12, 09:10 PM
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Le Fantôme Lilas * Motobecane Le Champion
The Lilac Ghost
I’ve been working on this for a while. What with a foray into making head set tools and a few other distractions, it was a long time coming. It’s a 1975 Motobecane Le Champion. Photo or three of the completed bike for those interested, and I’ll add some before and detail shots further down.
As found with a few changes and minus 37 years of aged grime. Bike was in very good overall condition but dirty. It looked like it had been fairly well cared for as I found relatively recent grease in the bottom bracket and hubs. Original Campy grease in the pedals, which spun very smoothly, and the head set, which didn’t.
I mixed custom touch up paint for a few small spots on the frame and replaced the decrepit Reynolds decals which were shot. I departed from period correct on these decals because the replacements I ordered were not good. These are clear coated water slides from the wrong era, but I like them. I painted a Silca frame pump to match, sort of. I made it a shade “pinker” than the frame. It was intentional but I’m not sure I did the right thing. I added a small Moto decal to the pump.
The changes I made are these:
Original Ideale 2000 saddle was poor. I installed a Cinelli #3 buffalo.
Bike came with Universal Super 68 brakes. They’re OK but I figured I’d put on these polished Record brakes since I had them. Wheels were as found. Original Campy ’74 big hubs laced to Super Champion Gentleman clincher rims. Original owner switched from tubulars at some point. Tires are blackwall Pasela 27 X 1 inch with the labels obliterated. Sticking with the black theme I used globe logo black Campy hoods on the Record levers. I found a shorter Philippe stem. This bike is a tad tall for me. Bar wraps are black cherry up top with a slight fade to dark plum at the drops.
I added a NOS Regina Oro freewheel. Chain is a used Sedis gold. The rest is stock, I think.
I’ve been working on this for a while. What with a foray into making head set tools and a few other distractions, it was a long time coming. It’s a 1975 Motobecane Le Champion. Photo or three of the completed bike for those interested, and I’ll add some before and detail shots further down.
As found with a few changes and minus 37 years of aged grime. Bike was in very good overall condition but dirty. It looked like it had been fairly well cared for as I found relatively recent grease in the bottom bracket and hubs. Original Campy grease in the pedals, which spun very smoothly, and the head set, which didn’t.
I mixed custom touch up paint for a few small spots on the frame and replaced the decrepit Reynolds decals which were shot. I departed from period correct on these decals because the replacements I ordered were not good. These are clear coated water slides from the wrong era, but I like them. I painted a Silca frame pump to match, sort of. I made it a shade “pinker” than the frame. It was intentional but I’m not sure I did the right thing. I added a small Moto decal to the pump.
The changes I made are these:
Original Ideale 2000 saddle was poor. I installed a Cinelli #3 buffalo.
Bike came with Universal Super 68 brakes. They’re OK but I figured I’d put on these polished Record brakes since I had them. Wheels were as found. Original Campy ’74 big hubs laced to Super Champion Gentleman clincher rims. Original owner switched from tubulars at some point. Tires are blackwall Pasela 27 X 1 inch with the labels obliterated. Sticking with the black theme I used globe logo black Campy hoods on the Record levers. I found a shorter Philippe stem. This bike is a tad tall for me. Bar wraps are black cherry up top with a slight fade to dark plum at the drops.
I added a NOS Regina Oro freewheel. Chain is a used Sedis gold. The rest is stock, I think.
Last edited by rootboy; 12-06-12 at 08:09 AM.
12-05-12, 09:14 PM
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Wow, that came out looking bee-yoo-tee-ful 
Looks to me the pump color is a perfect match. I can hardly wait to see the details; BTW, how does that 28 cog work in conjunction with the NR rear - any issues?
Salivating over here - I'm really happy this is nowhere near my size.
DD
Looks to me the pump color is a perfect match. I can hardly wait to see the details; BTW, how does that 28 cog work in conjunction with the NR rear - any issues?
Salivating over here - I'm really happy this is nowhere near my size.
DD
12-05-12, 09:16 PM
#6
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Damn, that is a clean build. Great pics.
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12-05-12, 09:21 PM
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Very very nice!
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12-05-12, 09:23 PM
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Gorgeous transformation, rootboy. Well done.
The lilac hue shows its understated elegance when done right.
The wrap job is a classy, subtle touch. Also, how did you 'obliterate' your Pasela logos?
Again, great job. I am sure the following messages will echo my sentiments.
The lilac hue shows its understated elegance when done right.
The wrap job is a classy, subtle touch. Also, how did you 'obliterate' your Pasela logos?
Again, great job. I am sure the following messages will echo my sentiments.
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12-05-12, 09:24 PM
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Holy guacamole that is beautiful. Nice.
61 cm?
61 cm?
12-05-12, 09:25 PM
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Wow, that came out looking bee-yoo-tee-ful
Looks to me the pump color is a perfect match. I can hardly wait to see the details; BTW, how does that 28 cog work in conjunction with the NR rear - any issues?
Salivating over here - I'm really happy this is nowhere near my size.
DD
Looks to me the pump color is a perfect match. I can hardly wait to see the details; BTW, how does that 28 cog work in conjunction with the NR rear - any issues?
Salivating over here - I'm really happy this is nowhere near my size.
DD
I'm still dialing in the rear cluster and derailleur relationship. They're playing fairly well together, but with a few snits now and again.
12-05-12, 09:27 PM
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...must...resist...
..lack...of...funds...prevents...n+1
12-05-12, 09:27 PM
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Better watch out, RB - I think that horse is trying to put the moves on your French filly!
And who would blame him?
An absolutely gorgeous build from one whom we have come to expect nothing less than flawless execution and impeccable taste!
Wowser!
And who would blame him?
An absolutely gorgeous build from one whom we have come to expect nothing less than flawless execution and impeccable taste!
Wowser!
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12-05-12, 09:44 PM
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Thanks fellas. As Auchencrow knows, this acquisition can be partly blamed on him. Fell in love with his Le Champion the moment I saw it. Thanks for the inspiration, my friend.
It's actually a 63, Canyoneagle. Right on my upper limit.
Thanks Thin Man. That wrap fade was an experiment. I like experimenting with different colors. As for the tire labels, I used my secret sauce. Another experiment. It is Windsor & Newton permanent masking fluid, a watercoloring medium. They make a removable liquid latex too but this one is permanent and quite durable. I dyed it with Transtint dye in black.
It's actually a 63, Canyoneagle. Right on my upper limit.
Thanks Thin Man. That wrap fade was an experiment. I like experimenting with different colors. As for the tire labels, I used my secret sauce.
Another experiment. It is Windsor & Newton permanent masking fluid, a watercoloring medium. They make a removable liquid latex too but this one is permanent and quite durable. I dyed it with Transtint dye in black.
12-05-12, 09:47 PM
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Boy you do nice work Rootboy. That is such an elegant bike. Love the color
12-05-12, 09:52 PM
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rootboy, that is a very tasteful set up - incredibly elegant. What bar wrap is that? I really like it.
12-05-12, 09:53 PM
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Real nice! Looks fast sittting still!
12-05-12, 10:05 PM
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*Oh, and, I added some chrome Record clips and the straps are A. Binda buckles that I re-leathered.
12-05-12, 10:12 PM
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my name is Jim
Wow, wow, wow! Super beautiful bike. Really outstanding work.
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12-05-12, 10:12 PM
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Really great job. Very subtle and in keeping with the frame color.
Check your front brake pads.
Have you had a chance to ride it much yet? How does it compare with your CT?
Check your front brake pads.
Have you had a chance to ride it much yet? How does it compare with your CT?
12-05-12, 10:15 PM
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Verry nice. And I get some more desktop pics.
