Hugh Thornton wrote:
> With reference to these Gazelle Champion Mondial frames, does anybody know
> the difference between an "AA - Special Frame" and an "AB - Frame" like the
> one on offer here. They seem to be all the same spec with 531c tubin
> g. Was it a difference in quality or in geometry? The amount of
> chrome doesn't seem to be dependent on which it is and I can't imagine tha
> t Gazelle would offer frames in different qualities - most manufacturers wa
> nt all their products to be considered top quality. I have seen the A
> A frames advertised as "race" frames on ebay, which makes me think it might
> be geometry that is different, but does anybody know for sure?
> Hugh Thornton
> Cheshire, England
It varies a bit from year to year, but typically: A-frame: the standard frame, 531 tubing, long Campa dropouts, BCM lugs and Super Vitus crown. 120mm wide AA: short Campa dropouts, eyelets on toptube, Roto bracket, sloping crown. 126mm wide! Possibly shorter chainstays but geometry was not discussed in those days ;) We all knew a AA was 'better' but no clue as to why ;) AB frame: short campa dropouts BCM sloping crown AA special: AB with brakecable thru toptube, FD braze on, Cinelli bracket AA super: extra short with vertical dropouts and dented seattube
chrome and two tone paint was always extra. There were also track, stayer, cross and touring versions
Some years had Columbus tubing options and there was also a 753
-- mvg
Marten Gerritsen
Kiel Windeweer
Netherlands