Well, there is one I wasn't aware of, a 531 throughout GR, including rear stays. I also have an early 70's Le Champion, which has more rake than my late 70's Team Champion, but less than my early 70's GR. The oddball one of my collection is a late 70's Le Champion in the black/red/gold scheme usually associated with Grand Record. Even stranger, this Le Champion had more like touring than racing geometry, with long rake, eyelets, and a brake reach so long Mafac Competitions were too short. One might suspect this as a redecaled GR, except the finish showed every sign of being original, plus the rear stays are chromed, as on most 70's Le Champions, but which I've never seen on GR. I bought this bike out of Canada, so I'm guessing maybe the LeChampions sold in Canada might have been different than in the States.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
ogreer <ogreer@bellsouth.net> wrote:
Hey Lou and Jerome, I still ride my 3 G.R.s (73-76??) and all ride
differently. One of the earlier ones that had more fork rake had on the
531 stickers in French that frame was 531db and forks and stays were
531. The later one, with less rake, says 531 db tubes and 531 sticker on
forks, and stays are not mentioned. My Le Champion,72-73 with lots of
rake and eyelets,said that tubes were 531db and forks and stays were
531. One silver and two black,and the silver appears to be the oldest,
because of lots of rake. All 3 G.R.s had TA 3 pin cranks. All had the
same fancy lugs and fork crowns that were outlined. I've never wanted
anything else as my main ride, even though I've owned over 20 steel
lugs. What have I got? Who knows, as far as year or tubes? All I know is
they sure suit me.
Dickey Greer
West Monroe,La