1981'ish Gazelle CM Cyclocross
 

One of these is on the way here; fingers crossed for a safe transit. The seller lived in Amsterdam for 4 years and got it NOS from high up on a wall in a bike shop, then took it home to Atlanta and rode it a bit.

Amstel red, decals/build pretty much like pic.

From this era Gazelle had two levels of cross bikes: the entry level Cross Trophy with straight gauge 531 and plain lugs; and the Champion Mondial with the butted 531 and other fixings from the CM line.

If you can't get a Belgian Cyclocross frame a Dutch one should do. I will post follow ups when I get it.

https://i.imgur.com/weRiw1a.jpg]https://i.imgur.com/weRiw1a.jpg

:popcorn

That’s gonna be a bike! Nice score! Welcome back, you brought a great one with you.

That will be a pretty nice bike! Those are rare and expensive, even around here, but look like very fun bikes.

Thanks! It’s been maybe 6 years since I posted in CV.

Thanks! Enjoyed your thread about the Batavus Randonneur.

Yes and you had very interesting posts.

I have noticed your posts on the gravel section and I believe you also have a Stigmata.

So do I.

This one should keep your's very good company.

Your Gazelle should provide loads of fun. I had a blue 1981 Gazelle cyclocross and enjoyed it.

A good friend purchased it many years ago and he still rides it.

Welcome back Jan.

Yeah, I share the Stig with my son, which means I haven’t ridden it in a year. Getting this one is a lot less expensive than another current gravel bike of the same ilk.

Okay, you all are not going to like what I did here.. so let's ease into it:

The Gazelle arrived as a complete. I do not collect vintage, but rather look to older steel as an asset of the ride. On the other hand, few vintage parts do much to heighten my joy on the road.

https://i.imgur.com/TfbmS3p.jpg?1
The Cinelli bar and stem is an exception. I like the shape of the model 66 and the stem is hard to get rid of without clunky adapters.

https://i.imgur.com/DsP3bFS.jpg?1
While bar-ends are nowhere to be seen on modern bikes, and mostly regarded as a touring gadget in the vintage world - I like them. The bike came with one for the 1x6 drivetrain, but I'll add another.

So here's is a run down of the stuff going away, which is pretty much all the rest!


https://i.imgur.com/ri5D5g2.jpg?1
The bike came with this Suntour crank. It's heavy, poorly casted and stamped together. The BB was bottom shelf. Quickly relocated to temporary service on my townie.

https://i.imgur.com/0vSee4s.jpg?1
This may be an appropriate cyclocross spread, but less useful if you do climbs longer than 10 seconds. Especially on a 1x system.

https://i.imgur.com/dSaBoA6.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/FZzsWqq.jpg?1
The included wheels are solid vintage stuff. But 36 spokes? Freewheel? > Parts bin

https://i.imgur.com/eWQvYri.jpg?1
NOS Kenda 32mm cross tires with gumwall. I had my hopes but, alas, wire bead and 28mm true is not what I'm after. My road bike run 28's - this one deserves more rubber.

https://i.imgur.com/WFzdfvY.jpg?1
The included derailleur is decent. Might still use it if it can wrap a 37t range (50-34/11-32)

https://i.imgur.com/bS9hcEf.jpg?1
Sure, the gilded Rolls is a venerable saddle but heavy, as is the low end post. This combo is a super easy place to drop a pound, and since I never had an uncomfortable modern road bike saddle, we might toss these aside too.

https://i.imgur.com/HqbhQpd.jpg?1
I can't use clips anymore. They spin great, but no dice.

https://i.imgur.com/EYYDKzP.jpg?1
Brake levers on a road bike occupy a very visible spot. They better look smashing, and to me these are about the ugliest ever made.

https://i.imgur.com/e5MVlje.jpg?1
Cantilevers... If a period build is out anyway, the important aspect of stopping might as well get upgraded.

Go man, go! Looking forward to your upgraded version.

one nit pick.... no pics of the frame yet?

Subscribed!

Looking forward to more.

All in due time!

Here's a screenshot from the CL ad:
https://i.imgur.com/IxYEN0c.jpg?1

Just curious about something...what is the difference between cyclo cross and touring sport frames with cantis?

I always thought it was the rake and head tube angles...since I am receiving a MBK unknown, I am wondering if it is basically that?

Yes, steeper for sure (73° HA on this one), and twitchy, fast accelerating, sprint oriented geo. Also a higher BB to clear the obstacles they throw on the course, and allowing pedaling thru corners. Mud clearance through out, which is probably the primary reason for the cantis. No braze on's for racks, bottles, fenders, etc. The lack of bottles and a specific cable routing allow an uncluttered frame so one can shoulder the bike quickly. Some custom cross frames I saw in northern EU in the late seventies had a braced-on curved shoulder support inside the main triangle.