Gazelle Champion Mondial Semi Race 1974
#51
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
So I've decided to proceed with facing/milling of the head tube and the fork race seat as well. The reason for cutting the fork race seat is that I had tried to press a Campy NR crown race but it wouldn't go down all the way. There was an annoying gap left and I couldn't press it further. The original crown race is beveled at the bottom while Campy NR is not. Visually, the cut of the fork race seat didn't seem to guarantee a perfect fit. Hence my decision.
I've got the right tools because I wanted to do everything myself. I like having the right tools and being able to do such jobs myself when it's needed. I ended up waiting almost two weeks since I ordered the tools from Germany and they needed to stock some parts from Cyclus Tools.
I followed the instructions from the repair help section on the website of Park Tool. These operations are quite strainghtforward, but you do have to be patient when you proceed. It's important to check the progress after 3-4 turns of the cutter and apply a lot of cutting oil. Especially in my case, I had to repeat facing of the head tube around 7 or 8 times on each side. I suppose that the head tube surfaces were quite out of being parallel. In the end, I've got two nice cuts which are quite an improvement. The fork race seat have become quite decent as well.
As I already mentioned, I opted for Campy NR which I had laying around. It didn't take much time to press and adjust the headset and yeah, it feels smooth as never! Happy with the result, I finally can proceed with the build.
Couldn't press this crown race all the way down
The old cut of the race seat
The new cut of the race seat
The crown race finally seated
Head tube before
Head tube before
Head tube after facing
Headset installed and adjusted, top
Headset installed and adjusted, bottom
Titan stem and dropbars
I've got the right tools because I wanted to do everything myself. I like having the right tools and being able to do such jobs myself when it's needed. I ended up waiting almost two weeks since I ordered the tools from Germany and they needed to stock some parts from Cyclus Tools.
I followed the instructions from the repair help section on the website of Park Tool. These operations are quite strainghtforward, but you do have to be patient when you proceed. It's important to check the progress after 3-4 turns of the cutter and apply a lot of cutting oil. Especially in my case, I had to repeat facing of the head tube around 7 or 8 times on each side. I suppose that the head tube surfaces were quite out of being parallel. In the end, I've got two nice cuts which are quite an improvement. The fork race seat have become quite decent as well.
As I already mentioned, I opted for Campy NR which I had laying around. It didn't take much time to press and adjust the headset and yeah, it feels smooth as never! Happy with the result, I finally can proceed with the build.
Couldn't press this crown race all the way down
The old cut of the race seat
The new cut of the race seat
The crown race finally seated
Head tube before
Head tube before
Head tube after facing
Headset installed and adjusted, top
Headset installed and adjusted, bottom
Titan stem and dropbars
#52
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
By the way, out of curiocity I weighted the frameset yesterday before going ahead with the headset. The bare frame with unscrewed Stronglight fixed BB cup weighs 2.2kg. The fork is 0.78kg.
#53
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,036
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2211 Post(s)
Liked 4,668 Times
in
1,787 Posts
Looking good!
#54
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
Okay, it took me a lot of time but it's almost done! Took it for a test ride today and noticed a problem with the freewheel/RD. The RD is a Campangolo NR pat. 80, which I bought used and completely overhauled. I've read a lot about Campagnolo derailleurs shifting flaws but despite evrything decided to go for it. Basically, it shiftes fine but the chain doesn't run smoothly on the 3rd and 4th sprockets, and on the 2nd one under load. The chain is new and it does run smoothly on the smallest and largest sprockets. The freewheel I am using is a used Suntour Perfect 5sp. I suspect that most likely the freewheel is the cause of the problem although it doesn't look worn. Will report, once I have tried a different freewheel.
Sorry for a crap picture. Still have to wrap the bars.
Is this Suntour Perfect not that perfect anymore?
Sorry for a crap picture. Still have to wrap the bars.
Is this Suntour Perfect not that perfect anymore?
#55
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
It's done! I've installed a cheap Sunrace freewheel and everything runs smoothly now. Wrapped the bars with Newbaum's cotton bar tape. Installed no name bottle cage and pump I took from some project/donor bikes. Got a black Brooks Isle of Wight saddle bag. I was planning to use a Brooks Professional, but one of the rivets around the nose got loose/sheared off so I've swapped it for a B15 which seems to be a bit shorter though. I'll try to replace the rivets on Brooks Professional later on.
Here are some photos.
Modified Cane Creek brake hoods on Weinmann brake levers with thick adjusters. The levers were probably not meant to be used with brake hoods
The top tube is the worst paint- and decal-wise. I might think about a respray in the future
Here are some photos.
Modified Cane Creek brake hoods on Weinmann brake levers with thick adjusters. The levers were probably not meant to be used with brake hoods
The top tube is the worst paint- and decal-wise. I might think about a respray in the future
Last edited by alexnagui; 07-13-19 at 09:54 AM. Reason: pictures
#56
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
Here are the specs:
- Campagnolo NR derailleurs and shifters
- Stronglight 49D with chain guard 46/50 rings (original)
- Campagnolo NR quill pedals with Christophe toe clips and straps
- Campagnolo NR headset
- Sunrace 5sp 14-24 freewheel
- Mafac Racer brakes (original) with Weinmann brake levers
- Titan Luxe stem with Kimt/Schotte/Maes/Steenbergen dropbars
- Unknown steel seatpost 27.0 (original)
- Brooks B15
- Pelissier high flange hubs with Weinmann Concave A124 rims
- 28-622 Vredestein tires (original)
- Weinmann Inoxydable fenders (original)
Last edited by alexnagui; 02-08-20 at 10:47 AM.
Likes For alexnagui:
#57
Overdoing projects
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rotterdam, former republic of the Netherlands
Posts: 2,403
Bikes: Batavus Randonneur GL, Gazelle Orange Excellent, Gazelle Super Licht, Gazelle Grand Tourist, Gazelle Lausanne, Gazelle Tandem, Koga-Miyata SilverAce, Koga-Miyata WorldTraveller
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 784 Post(s)
Liked 1,264 Times
in
690 Posts
#59
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,036
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2211 Post(s)
Liked 4,668 Times
in
1,787 Posts
It looks great. I love it. Well done!
WRT the tires: if you're happy with the bike, it's worth investing in a pair of new ones. Weight will go down and - more importantly - the ride will improve. I have Challenge open tubulars (Strada Bianca) on mine, but folding Paselas are a good choice as well.
Nirvana comes at a price, though. Both are around €40 a piece, and they are a b**ch to mount on those Weinmann concave rims when new.
WRT the tires: if you're happy with the bike, it's worth investing in a pair of new ones. Weight will go down and - more importantly - the ride will improve. I have Challenge open tubulars (Strada Bianca) on mine, but folding Paselas are a good choice as well.
Nirvana comes at a price, though. Both are around €40 a piece, and they are a b**ch to mount on those Weinmann concave rims when new.
#60
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
It looks great. I love it. Well done!
WRT the tires: if you're happy with the bike, it's worth investing in a pair of new ones. Weight will go down and - more importantly - the ride will improve. I have Challenge open tubulars (Strada Bianca) on mine, but folding Paselas are a good choice as well.
Nirvana comes at a price, though. Both are around €40 a piece, and they are a b**ch to mount on those Weinmann concave rims when new.
WRT the tires: if you're happy with the bike, it's worth investing in a pair of new ones. Weight will go down and - more importantly - the ride will improve. I have Challenge open tubulars (Strada Bianca) on mine, but folding Paselas are a good choice as well.
Nirvana comes at a price, though. Both are around €40 a piece, and they are a b**ch to mount on those Weinmann concave rims when new.
Yeah, I know about tires. I am just being cheap and trying to use what I have. But sooner or later I will replace them!
#62
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
Took her for one of the last rides this year today. According to Strava, I've put just a little over 1000 km on her this year.
Likes For alexnagui:
#63
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,036
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2211 Post(s)
Liked 4,668 Times
in
1,787 Posts
1,000k? Well done! She looks great.
BTW, I prefer the 49D over the 93 for touring applications. Much more versatile. Just built up a 50/28 crankset for my girl with them.
BTW, I prefer the 49D over the 93 for touring applications. Much more versatile. Just built up a 50/28 crankset for my girl with them.
#64
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
I was thinking about some upgrades and changes I might do next year. Changing the gear ratios a bit is one of them, but I have to think it through.
#65
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,036
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2211 Post(s)
Liked 4,668 Times
in
1,787 Posts
Thanks! Yeah, I've seen that picture of the crankarm with the chainrings on the other thread. Beautifully done! Where did you get those chainrings from? I just saw that they are offered at Veloduo, by the way.
I was thinking about some upgrades and changes I might do next year. Changing the gear ratios a bit is one of them, but I have to think it through.
I was thinking about some upgrades and changes I might do next year. Changing the gear ratios a bit is one of them, but I have to think it through.
BTW, fellow member jonwvara had a batch of 37T chainrings made for the 122 BCD of the 49D (and some other Stronglight and Nervar models) and sells them on his website. Not especially cheap, but well-made and a straight swap for that 46T inner of yours. It enabled me to mount a 93 for this year's L'Eroica:
#66
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
That's a really nice looking bike, non-fixie
I believe that I've seen it already. Good to know about those chain rings, thanks for the tip!
I believe that I've seen it already. Good to know about those chain rings, thanks for the tip!
#67
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,036
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2211 Post(s)
Liked 4,668 Times
in
1,787 Posts
That's a really nice looking bike, non-fixie
I believe that I've seen it already. Good to know about those chain rings, thanks for the tip!
I believe that I've seen it already. Good to know about those chain rings, thanks for the tip!
I may have nicer frames and better parts (on paper anyway), but as a total package, this is my best bike, from a UX point of view. I have been trying to improve on it with newer builds, but so far I've failed.
WRT those chainrings I'll paraphrase Henry Royce (whom in turn was paraphrasing Ben Franklin, I believe): the joy of being able to ride uphill while looking good will remain long after the price is forgotten.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,438
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5891 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
Beautiful bike and nice job. I like Gazelles but they are hard to find in the States.
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,438
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5891 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
I lived for a year in the Netherlands (near the Veluwe) and wish I'd brought back a Gazelle with me!
#72
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 113 Times
in
64 Posts
But I'll be happy to help, in case you realize that you can't live without a Gazelle anymore
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,438
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5891 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
Who knows I may take you up on it. First I need to clean out some inventory,
#74
Overdoing projects
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rotterdam, former republic of the Netherlands
Posts: 2,403
Bikes: Batavus Randonneur GL, Gazelle Orange Excellent, Gazelle Super Licht, Gazelle Grand Tourist, Gazelle Lausanne, Gazelle Tandem, Koga-Miyata SilverAce, Koga-Miyata WorldTraveller
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 784 Post(s)
Liked 1,264 Times
in
690 Posts
I shipped a whole bike for another user here in its dissasembled state for around €100-130 to the US. So it's not bad.