bark_eater 

This Motobecane Le Champion popped up on the "Are you looking for one of these!?" thread and I beat feet over to pick it up. I realized it had issues, but at $95 I wasn't going to haggle.

I got a chance to clean it up today and its going to need some work. It looks like the previous and maybe original owner used the bike to commute and while it may have spent the night in the garage, I suspect its been on the original chain for many many miles, so the small chain ring is pretty worn and probably should be replaced, and I'm assuming the free wheel is toast.

While the bike came at least hosed off I found a slug of road grime that had fully plugged the stearer tube at the crown. There was duck tape here and there to pad the frame pump and such and still a rack tang attached behind the rear brakes.

The rims are mismatched and I think the rear was rebuilt. The hubs spin but the rear makes a zing sound like there's no grease on the bearings. The Ofmega pedals are loose on their spindles, so I assume the worse.

The head set has a hard index, which is a bummer.

It also looks like an undersized at 26.6 seat post was cranked down on, deforming the binder bolt set up. I'll need to find out the correct size and un pinch the seat tube.

I'm hoping Y'all can help me out with what year this bike is and what kind of French bike and Campagnolo Neuvo Record quirks I need to be aware of.

Here's a bunch of picture's:

Motobecane Le Champion

I'm not sure what happened to the crank and front derailleur pictures went, but I can get some tomorrow. Thanks, Woody

bikemig 

Heck of a deal at $95. Enjoy it.

jdawginsc 

The brake set is worth that alone. Looked at the pictures. I have definitely seen a lot worse! Looks like a fun project especially if it is your size!

bark_eater 

I didn't even check its teeth. I'm a little intimidated by the potential cost of replacing the worn out Campagnolo parts, if I can find them.

SurferRosa

Just start overhauling stuff and see where the problems lie. I really doubt you'll have to replace much. Though it would be nice to secure matching rims for such a nice bike. Here are the catalogs:

https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Motobecane/

SJX426 

I am not sure you have the right post. The seat lug looks like it was bent to accommodate a smaller post.
Congrats on a great find!

jeirvine 

Glad somebody grabbed it whom it would fit. I was very close to getting it myself, but already have two Moto's in the queue that aren't my size.

I have plenty of used but serviceable Campy bits, so if you're ever in the Baltimore area, bring a list. I find the parts choices interesting on that one. Grand Sport brakes, but Record cranks/mechs. And I'm surprised to see their rubber fake-leather bar wrap on a top of the line bike. I've had success just leaving it in place and wrapping cotton tape over it.

bark_eater 

Thanks for the catolog links. It looks like my bike is a 1981 model. I'd like to figure out if it had french threads on the bottom bracket and headset before I start takeing it appart.

3Roch

My Le Champion is the same color/lugs etc. as yours. I figured it was a 79 but who knows. In any case both it and my 73 Le Champ frameset both have French bb threads

bark_eater 

Thanks for the offer. I'll be tucking this away for while, till I get a bunch of other projects done. Just about every bike I have has 80's Japanese running gear. Campagnolo stuff, I dont even know what I dont know...

bark_eater 

I'm going with '81 because thats the only year with the same paint and the rubber handlebar covers.

SurferRosa

Unless you plan on replacing something, the only difference it will make is the fixed cup, which most do-it-yourselfers probably just leave in place anyway.