Hello fellow list members,
Thank you to all who responded to my request for information about my Lejeune. Especially to Norris and Lynn, your knowledge and your willingness to share it is very much appreciated.
Equal thanks go to Jim and Greg at CyclArt, with whose help (and good memory) I have found out the explanation for the Lejeune!
The bike was acquired by it's second owner in the early 1980's. It had apparently been ridden quite a bit, and had the marks to show for it.
The owner asked CyclArt to do the modifications, i.e. the top tube cable guides and cleaning up and thinning the lugs, plus paint and decals, resulting in the finish that it still wears.
In the early 1980's, well before this bike was considered "vintage", it was a very normal and acceptable practice.
As a testament to their work, the paint still looks great. And the lugs have definitely felt the benefit of a skilled hand, post-factory.
So, it's a very nice frame. A bit too small for me, so it will soon be decision time in my small shop space. I've been trying to adhere to my resolution this year, which is to only keep those bikes that I actually ride.
It's been a bit difficult...
Best regards,
Chris Wimpey
San Diego, California
USA