[CR]Re: Ultimate Francophile bike

(Example: Component Manufacturers)

From: "Earle Young" <earle.young@tds.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <MONKEYFOODkQ6mBySsx00000581@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
Date: Fri, 6 May 2005 22:18:29 -0500
Subject: [CR]Re: Ultimate Francophile bike

I'm gonna weigh in with some Ben Lawee-designed Motobecanes: 1973 Grand Jubile - Nervex lugs and the full Jubile derailleur set, and it was a cushy ride Orange "Luis Ocana" Team Champion -- perfect race bike, topped only by 1981 Team Champion, in baby blue Columbus tubing and full Super Record/ Cinelli equipment.

I've ridden those, and a bunch of other sought-after CR bikes -- Italvega, Raleigh Pro Mk. III and IV, rapid-taper stay Raleigh International, a lot of Motobecanes like Grand Record, Le Champion and Grand Jubile, and some of the high-end Univegas at the end of the CR timeline.

BUT, what I haven't seen here is any recognition that Ben Lawee was a freekin genius of frame design and bike spec' ing. Even the cheap bikes he designed rode well. My current commuter/"fixie" (yes, that dreaded term) is a Motobecane Super Mirage within CR timeline.

Earle Young,
Madison, Wisc.