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Buying a LeChamp SL for the parts...should I ditch the frame?

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Buying a LeChamp SL for the parts...should I ditch the frame?

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Old 05-08-07, 09:05 PM
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euphoria
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Buying a LeChamp SL for the parts...should I ditch the frame?

I have a Santa Cruz Roadster frame that's been staring me in the face since January and I had initially planned to build it up piecemeal, but my lazier half got the better of me and I have the chance to get a near-new Le Champion for a grand even. So...which frame do I use?

Would I notice a difference between harsh aluminum and....harsh aluminum? I guess in order of importance it goes 1)lightness (does anyone know the weight of the LeChamp offhand?) 2)ride quality (not expecting much...if any difference) 3)individuality (call me vain or whatever but I think it'd be cooler to have an out-of-production frame over another Moto).

How much could I expect to net for the Moto frame off ebay? Or the Santa Cruz for that matter (besides a couple paint chips it's in very good condition)?

Lastly, TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!
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Old 05-08-07, 09:09 PM
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I'd keep it for future purposes. It's made from Columbus Zonal aluminum, right?
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Old 05-08-07, 09:11 PM
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Might as well keep it. If you look at completed auctions on Ebay, those frames are bringing less than $50.
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Old 05-08-07, 09:12 PM
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$50? Wow, I'd expect at least triple that. As for the tubing, I have no idea for either.
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Old 05-08-07, 10:18 PM
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https://cgi.ebay.com/2006-used-motobe...QQcmdZViewItem
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Old 05-08-07, 10:24 PM
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One auction result for one used frame hardly sets a precedent on price. I have a feeling a new frame would do much better.
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Old 05-08-07, 10:32 PM
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These is someone posting a Moto LE on Craigs for $100. for the past 4-5 months...obviously no buyers or little interest.
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Old 05-08-07, 10:35 PM
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Mmm yeah, no one wants crashed leftovers.

Would the decals be easier to remove on the silver frame? I know they're under the clearcoat but they'd strip away with the silver coating, right? How easily is this accomplished with little (read: none) experience?
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Old 05-08-07, 10:52 PM
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Ok, here's a brand new frame for $150. But if you buy a built bike, you don't have a new frame to sell -- it's used. I can see one that's never been ridden, but built-up, bringing closer to $150 -- but I'd bet $100 or less.
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-07-Motobecan...QQcmdZViewItem
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Old 05-08-07, 11:44 PM
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I sold my used grand sprint frame and got 130$ for it including shipping. I would think you can get at least 100$. Either way, they are good frames for the price. At least they are stiff. My moto frame was no less stiff than my current specialized s-works e5. I should have another motobecane here in a few days.
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Old 05-09-07, 12:09 AM
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This one is only $385

https://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=1179244&cat=&lpid=2

Hmm, No takers.
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Old 05-09-07, 01:48 AM
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mine went for $250 plus shipping.
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Old 05-09-07, 04:54 AM
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Ok the "new" ones people have stripped seem to go for $150-$250 plus shipping depending on how many are for sale at any given moment. I paid $200 plus shipping for a Bottecchia (the BD one) frame, fork and HS recently and am happy with the purchase...they really are decent frames and if you don't need the $200 or so you will get out of it I suggest you keep it and build it up as a beater...or have it around in case you bend a frame.
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Old 05-09-07, 04:55 AM
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Sprtysis sells new frames from time to time on ebay for $200. FYI, these frames are junk. I'd offload yours for $50 to the first person who expressed interest.
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Old 05-09-07, 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Grasschopper
Ok the "new" ones people have stripped seem to go for $150-$250 plus shipping depending on how many are for sale at any given moment. I paid $200 plus shipping for a Bottecchia (the BD one) frame, fork and HS recently and am happy with the purchase...they really are decent frames and if you don't need the $200 or so you will get out of it I suggest you keep it and build it up as a beater...or have it around in case you bend a frame.
yeah, I have read reports of earlier santa cruz models giving away at the BB shell, but I think mine's an 02 or 03. Hey, it's not like I have rent to pay!
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Old 05-09-07, 09:42 AM
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Aren't the LeChampion SL frames the same as or very similar to the Fuji SL frame? Made by Kenesis out out of Kenisium (their Scandium-like material)?
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Old 05-09-07, 09:53 AM
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Tubing is 7005.
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Old 05-09-07, 10:43 AM
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Unless you're strapped for cash, I wouldn't dump the frame+fork for $50. The carbon fork is probably worth that much by itself. I'd just keep it around in case you need it.

Buying BD bikes for parts is not at all a bad idea. BD is selling the Le Champion SL with Sram Force group for $1495. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=291769 I've been monitoring Sram Force group pricing on Ebay, which goes for $900-$1200. So $1495 is not bad for a complete build kit plus a nice set of wheels. Only wish the seat post is carbon too. If BD decides not to offer an Immortal Force, I might just buy the Le Champ SL Force for the build kit.
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Old 05-09-07, 11:18 AM
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I sold my Moto LeChamp SL frameset for about $200 on eBay a few months back. I did, however, put about 1,200 miles on it.
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Old 05-09-07, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Volfy
BD is selling the Le Champion SL with Sram Force group for $1495. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=291769 I've been monitoring Sram Force group pricing on Ebay, which goes for $900-$1200. So $1495 is not bad for a complete build kit plus a nice set of wheels.
I was just looking at one of these in the local BD shop this weekend. Nice parts group! This one had some Ritchey wheels on it instead of the American Classic 420s though. I'd prefer the AC 420s and my local guy would probably swap for me.
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Old 05-09-07, 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Volfy
Unless you're strapped for cash, I wouldn't dump the frame+fork for $50. The carbon fork is probably worth that much by itself. I'd just keep it around in case you need it.

Buying BD bikes for parts is not at all a bad idea. BD is selling the Le Champion SL with Sram Force group for $1495. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=291769 I've been monitoring Sram Force group pricing on Ebay, which goes for $900-$1200. So $1495 is not bad for a complete build kit plus a nice set of wheels. Only wish the seat post is carbon too. If BD decides not to offer an Immortal Force, I might just buy the Le Champ SL Force for the build kit.
I'm seeing one for $1695, but not $1495...
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Old 05-09-07, 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by waterrockets
I'm seeing one for $1695, but not $1495...
See post #20 in https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=291769 which is same link as I posted above.
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