Sean,
Lightrace headsets were standard on many French bikes throughout the 1970s, probably earlier and later too. Bertin used them even on their mid range models.
I'm not aware of a Lightrace Grand Luxe model. I've only seen 2 types and I always considered them manufacturing variances. Some had bright shinny chrome while others had what looked like flat cadmium plating.
They were better quality and were a little more resistant to brinelling than the cheap headsets that came on a lot of entry level French bikes.
Quality wise, they were a step below Stronglight P3 headsets.
I've never been a fan of the toothed style lock rings on these headsets (P3 too). They're hard to adjust and tend to frequently come loose.
I always wondered if there was some connection between Lightrace and Stronglight.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
-----Original Message----- From: sean flores Sent: Mon, Aug 3, 2009 4:54 pm Subject: [CR] Lightrace Headsets? Pecking order?
Recently picked up a NOS Lightrace Grand Luxe headset. Was checking out the archives and there is very little info on this company. Chromed steel, finish isn't too horrible, races are typically french. Not bad, not good, but could be better. Looks almost identical to a stronglight competition with a TDC locknut.
Any info on these. Where they fell in the pecking order? Who made them (i.e. were they OEM by some other manufacturer)?
Thanks all.
Sean Flores
SF, CA
USA