> what other French bikes
> are out there that we don't see or mention too often ?
>For "oddball" French bikes, I'd love to find a Lejeune. I don't see
Mercier,
>Stella, Urago, Bertin, or Follis very often either.
Greg, when I was in school I worked in the LBS in Port Jefferson, NY. One of the better bikes sold there was LeJeune which won me over. I had a '73 Champion Du Monde untiil this past spring (when I sold it in a moment of weakness) and picked up another CM from another list member, a '72.
I've heard that the LeJeune shop would be closed annually for some period during which the CM's would be built by the more skilled framebuilders. I've also heard that the frame construction was subcontracted. I suspect that, based on the frames I've seen, the main frame structure was built in-house (or at least controlled). The forks are a bit less consistent. The crown types used were not consistent even within a model year . The decals are somewhat catch-as-catch-can as well. The '73 I had showed a new decal layout for that model, straight white block letters on the red frame paint. The '72 had the earlier standard, blue letters on white panels with Olympic stripes, etc. Those layouts aren't odd but the occasional omission of a headtube decal might be. Also missing, the rear-facing seattube decal. Another item, my '73 was S/N 198...the '72 ...#285......backwards?
The frames have the French scalloped stays/dropout treatment and your basic all red imperfect paint.
It's a great frame; I truly enjoy the ride. I find the inconsistencies somewhat attractive and interesting.
If anyone can provide additional insights into the structure, please do. I will be looking for a 54cm. Champion Du Monde (c-t-c) soon to add to my small stable. Anybody have one?
Les Himel
Chappaqua, NY