This ia an early 80s, probably c. 1984, maybe '83, maybe '85 Gazelle. Their first attempts at concealed brake cable routing. Also, Bocama lugs with what I would like to call 'short points'. These lugs are the same as the traditional ones, but shorter of course. The brake bridge is panto'd with a Gazelle, so its probably an AA-special.
Regarding the geometry, Gazelle's are always measured center-top, and the frame size is stamped on the undersized of said brakebridge. So size is probably 53 or 54, and I seriously doubt that the toptube would be 55 c-c. I have a similar AB-frame in my hands right now (same lugs), size is 58, and toptube measures close to 56 c-c. This frame could have been customer specified of course. I consider Gazelle Champion Mondials as a mix between criterium oriented and stage oriented. They certainly feel fast, almost everyone that I have introduced to a Champion Mondial raved about the feeling the bike gives you, it invites to accelerate, to keep going. Which is what Gazelle advertised with, back in the day ...
IMO though, that has very much to do with the kind of bike you're accustomed to.
Freek Faro Rotterdam Netherlands
2010/3/9 Jon Spangler <jonswriter@att.net>
> Listers,
>
> A Gazelle "Champion Mondial road frame (531, 52 seat x 55 TT, c-c) has
> appeared on ebay and caught my eye:
>
> ebay #230447059108
>
> Seller has not yet provided a serial number, but presuming that this frame
> qualifies within the timeline or as a KOF,
> I have a question that has not been answered in the archives:
>
> How do these bikes feel/ride?
>
> I have ridden PX-10s, Raleigh Pro Mark IVs, TREK 660 and (OT) 2000s as
> well as my Eisentraut.
> Comparisons to the above would be much appreciated. I like the long, limber
> feel of continental "stage race" frames and all-day comfort is my goal,
> but downhill tracking stability at speed is highly desirable and
> quick-drop-into-the corners handling is fun, too. :-)
>
> Would the similar-length TT indicate handling like my yet-unbuilt Allegro?
>
> I certainly appreciate the Gazelle's racing heritage and successes, and am
> aware that they came into the Raleigh/TI family but apparently kept high
> quality standards.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Jon Spangler
> Alameda, CA USA
> (and too far from Cirque... :-(