Jerry Moos wrote: <My most unusual one is a mid-70's LeChampion with the red-and-black paint scheme usually associated with Grand Record. From the tubing, the half-chromed rear stays, and "Le Champion" on the TT on the original paint, it is certainly a Le Champion, but the geometry is more like a Grand record (I have one of those also). In particular, it has a very long brake reach. The CLB2 CPs I put on it are almost too short. Bought this bike from a guy in Canada, maybe Motobecane made some different versions for the Canadian market.>
I worked for Ben Lawee in the early 70's and I remember these bikes were brought in about 1971-2. Nice riders, but I have always had a fondness for the slightly later ones in the lilac color and the Team Champion in orange.
Cheers, Mark Ritz Arcata, CA where I'm taking my Hetchins Italia on its maiden voyage since its restoration today!
Mark Ritz