1974 Motobecane LeChampion
07-30-21, 06:46 PM
#1
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1974 Motobecane LeChampion
I picked up a 1974 Moto LeChampion this morning. A quick wipe down and a couple of pics. Aside from the modern wheels it is sporting, it looks quite intact and original
I’m imagining it might have come with Universal center pulls (per the catalog) rather than the “68” side pulls currently there, but who knows?
The original high flange Campy wheels and sew ups came with it. I will swap in another set of Campagnolo wheels with clinchers in the short run. It needs the normal going through of regreasing and adjusting all of the bearings, etc. but it’s a good one, I think!
I’m imagining it might have come with Universal center pulls (per the catalog) rather than the “68” side pulls currently there, but who knows?
The original high flange Campy wheels and sew ups came with it. I will swap in another set of Campagnolo wheels with clinchers in the short run. It needs the normal going through of regreasing and adjusting all of the bearings, etc. but it’s a good one, I think!
Last edited by orcas island; 07-31-21 at 11:54 AM.
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07-30-21, 06:58 PM
#2
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Sharp bike!
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07-30-21, 07:42 PM
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I’m liking the understated good looks of this; quite different from my Gitanes of the same era with their flamboyant paint jobs and shiny decals!
07-30-21, 07:44 PM
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Yup, that’s a good one! The only thing out of place are the wheels , as you say. Maybe shorten up the cable housing on the rear brake but even that isn’t too bad.. it will be a nice ride and it is in good shape from what I can see.
Last edited by Kabuki12; 07-30-21 at 07:48 PM.
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07-30-21, 07:57 PM
#5
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Bikes: 1975 Motobecane LeChampion (silver lilac), 1974 Motobecane Grand Jubile (red/black); 1975 Motobecane Team Champion (orange); 1982 Pinarello Professional (Exorcist Green); 1974 Raleigh Professional MkIV mink blue, 1974 Motobecane Grand Record blk/red
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Wow, that is a nice '74! You're right; the '74 had the model 61 center pulls, and the '75 went to the super 68s. In fact, I am in the process of retro fitting my '75 back to super 68s. Yours is a fine example - they are terrific riding bikes....
Andy
Arvada, CO USA
Recently swapped out the Brooks Pro for an Ideale 2001, and soon to swap out the Campys for Universal Super 68s
Andy
Arvada, CO USA
Recently swapped out the Brooks Pro for an Ideale 2001, and soon to swap out the Campys for Universal Super 68s
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07-30-21, 08:07 PM
#7
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07-30-21, 08:14 PM
#8
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Wow, that is a nice '74! You're right; the '74 had the model 61 center pulls, and the '75 went to the super 68s. In fact, I am in the process of retro fitting my '75 back to super 68s. Yours is a fine example - they are terrific riding bikes....
Andy
Arvada, CO USA
Recently swapped out the Brooks Pro for an Ideale 2001, and soon to swap out the Campys for Universal Super 68s
Andy
Arvada, CO USA
Recently swapped out the Brooks Pro for an Ideale 2001, and soon to swap out the Campys for Universal Super 68s
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07-31-21, 08:31 AM
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I picked up a 1974 Moto LeChampion this morning. A quick wipe down and a couple of pics. Aside from the modern wheels it is sporting, it looks quite intact and original
I’m imagining it might have come with Universal center pulls (per the catalog) rather than the “68” side pulls currently there, but who knows?
The original high flange Campy wheels and sew ups came with it. I will swap in another set of Campagnolo wheels with clinchers in the short run. It needs the normal going through of regressing and adjusting all of the bearings, etc. but it’s a good one, I think!
I’m imagining it might have come with Universal center pulls (per the catalog) rather than the “68” side pulls currently there, but who knows?
The original high flange Campy wheels and sew ups came with it. I will swap in another set of Campagnolo wheels with clinchers in the short run. It needs the normal going through of regressing and adjusting all of the bearings, etc. but it’s a good one, I think!
07-31-21, 10:12 AM
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...I am a little jealous. I just bought a similar Moto Le Champion here a couple of months age, but I had to strip and repaint mine. OTOH all that work kept me from buying something else.
...I am a little jealous. I just bought a similar Moto Le Champion here a couple of months age, but I had to strip and repaint mine. OTOH all that work kept me from buying something else.
07-31-21, 10:48 AM
#11
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Luckily, the paint on this one is still in very good condition for a bike that’s nearly fifty years old. Just a little rub along the length of the top tube from leaning against things, and a couple of spots on the drive side chain stay that looks like the work of a dropped chain. A little touch up paint and all should be well! 
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07-31-21, 01:15 PM
#12
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I bought one new in 1974. Universal center pulls standard. Price was right around $400. The bike shop set mine up with 49/52 chainrings and a 15-24 freewheel... Junior gearing. Two weeks later I raced it in the inaugural Boul Mich Bike Rally. Some hotshot racer named Dale Stetina took home top honors and some nice prize winnings, a Rolex watch I believe.
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07-31-21, 06:16 PM
#13
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I am curious how Super 68s compare to mod 61s, performance wise. Anyone care to share an opinion?
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