Dear list members,
Thanks to the keen eye of John Redman, I was informed that this bike is not a 1974 (as indicated by the headbadge, wheelbase and drop-out/fork-e nd eyelets).
After reviewing the Oct. 1973 article from Bicycling on the Le Champ, pos ted by Robert Broderick on the Wooljersey gallery (http://tinyurl.com/d4z dza), the bike is likely a 1973, as at that point the Stronglight 93s had r eplaced the 49s featured on the 1971 model. The wheelbase measurement state d in the Bicycling article checks out (39.5") and, just like the bike in th e article, mine has eyelets, Stronglight 93s and the plastic shield-sha ped headbadge (that looks curiously similar to the one from my 1980 Camaro that is floating around in one of my tool chests).
I suppose it could be as early as a 1971, as it is quite similar to this
example on the Flikr "Stronglight" gallery: http://tinyurl.com/
And then there are the photos of the seat tube decal on this 1972 Le Champ (http://tinyurl.com/c32mpc), which is the same as the one on my bike and different than the one of the 1971 model, however the headbadge is the round medallion style on this 1972.
And so, I'm going to go with 1973. Pictures of the Le Champion I have
for sale can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/
Thanks also to Rich Pinder for showing me the "tinyurl" ropes and to everyo ne else who has written with your comments and insights.
Sorry for the misrepresentation of age.
Best regards,
Paul Grens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
From: paul grens <pgrens@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: 1974 Motobecane Le Champion for sale To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 12:02 PM
Dear list members,
I am selling my 1974 Motobecane Le Champion. It received a beautiful Bic or ange respray from CyclArt a few years back and has had very few miles p ut on it since. Reynolds 531 throughout. Frame size is 57cm c-to-c on the s eat tube and around 55.5 c-to-c on the top tube. Components include:
Silky smooth Campagnolo low-flange 36h record hubs (with oil port) with sta inless spokes laced to Rigida 700c clincher rims, Conti Ultra Sport tires, QR skewers are Campagnolo.
Universal Mod. 61 center-pull brakes with quick release and Universal lever s
Stronglight Competition headset, 3T Record 105mm stem and bars (38cm c-to-c ). Stem has the correct 7mm allen head bolt. Tressostar black cloth bar tap e wrapped from the bar ends up.
Stronglight 93 crankset w/Stronglight bottom bracket (French threading for BB and pedals). Chainrings are 52/42 and have a lot of life left. Dust caps are T/A. BB spins like butter. Chain is Dura Ace HG CN 7700.
Pedals are Lyotard w/Christophe clips, straps and also leather buckle guard s. Pedals are French threaded. Toe clip spacers (for extending clip length) are included.
Derailleurs are Campagnolo NR front and rear, with "Pat. 72" on the rear. S hifters are Campagnolo clamp-on down tube shifters.
Seatpost is Simplex with twin lateral clamps.
Pictures can be seen here:
http://s378.photobucket.com/
The bike rides, shifts and brakes beautifully and is in phenomenal cond ition, only one minor paint flaw and a few tiny nicks (tip of ball point pe n sized). The original plastic headbadge is cracked, but I think it gives i t a little character and decided not to replace it. The only thing this bik e needs is a set of brake lever hoods (can be purchased on eBay for $20). A ll bearings are dressed with Campy grease and spin beautifully, the Ideale saddle is broken-in but still very comfortable for me (at 160lbs).
Asking $775 or best offer from list members (will be priced higher on local Craigslist) and I'd prefer that it find a home with a CR list member. I'd prefer to sell locally, but will ship if necessary, though I'm unsure of th e cost as I've never shipped a bike and, as we well know, packing properly is not cheap. I will knock $75 off the asking price if the saddle is not re quired by the new owner. The bike is available for inspection and test ride s in the Logan Square neighborhood in the northwest side of Chicago.
Please respond off-list with inquiries and additional photo requests.
Thanks and happy riding to everyone,
Paul Grens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.