My 1981 Motobecane Le Champion arrived today.
06-02-23, 07:55 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
My 1981 Motobecane Le Champion arrived today.
This bike is extraordinary. The acceleration is instant, the handling impeccable. It has almost all Campy components, and there is something about the way those Campagnolo hubs spin that is sublime. Miche 8spd cassette, overhauled bb, NOS Lyotard pedals with new bearings, new KMC chain, new cables. I love this bike.
Likes For JochenRindt:
06-03-23, 04:44 PM
#2
Senior Member
Nice one! Motobecane upped their game in the early 80's. Some really nice handling bikes in that era.
06-03-23, 05:27 PM
#3
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 829 Post(s)
Liked 1,241 Times
in
655 Posts
looks like a very nice bike !
/markp
/markp
06-03-23, 06:19 PM
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Thanks, guys. I agree that the Motos from the early 80s were a step up, particularly in terms of finish.
06-04-23, 06:51 AM
#6
slow on any terrain
Gorgeous bike and great photos!
06-04-23, 07:32 AM
#7
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1954 Post(s)
Liked 3,658 Times
in
1,677 Posts
Motos rule! I have several and the le champion is my fav.
06-04-23, 07:53 AM
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
I talked at length with the guy who rebuilt it. He said the rear derailleur is ca. 2010. It was in very good condition, but he rebuilt it anyway. He is a retired mechanical engineer who rebuilds high end bikes and frames using high end components. The Moto also has Campy 8spd index shifters. Everything on the bike is either rebuilt or nos and rebuilt. It's essentially a new 1981 bike for $700. He told me he had a Team champion frame that lasted two hours on Ebay before it sold.
06-04-23, 07:57 AM
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Likes For JochenRindt:
06-04-23, 09:39 AM
#10
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,602
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3870 Post(s)
Liked 6,461 Times
in
3,194 Posts
Vintage bicycles use such simple, straightforward components, almost anyone that can turn a nut on a threaded bolt can fully rebuild them. And that goes for the wheels as well. No degree required.
Likes For SurferRosa:
06-04-23, 01:50 PM
#11
Newbie
Thread Starter
I don't necessarily agree. A few months ago I took my LeMond to the LBS to have the bottom bracket replaced. The mechanic didn't seat the crank arm onto the axle properly. The splines were not engaged which caused the left crank arm to slip as soon as I exerted the slightest bit of force on it. I took it back to the shop and the owner fixed it on the spot and apologized profusely. So I don't have confidence in just anyone who can turn a bolt to be competent, let alone meticulous.
06-04-23, 03:06 PM
#12
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,602
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3870 Post(s)
Liked 6,461 Times
in
3,194 Posts
And why are you allowing a stranger to work on your bike?
Likes For SurferRosa:
06-24-23, 08:33 PM
#13
Newbie
Thread Starter
These were taken on today's ride on the Pumpkin Vine Trail in Middlebury, Indiana. The more miles I put on this bike, the more I love it.
06-24-23, 09:16 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 934
Bikes: 1968 Raleigh Super Course, 1972 Raleigh Professional, 1975 Raleigh International, 1978 Raleigh Professional, 1985 Raleigh Prestige, 1972 Schwinn Paramount, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1960 Carlton Franco Suisse Peugeot PX10, 1972 Motobecane Le Champ
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Liked 688 Times
in
351 Posts
Very pretty finish on this one! I can tell it’s a great rider just by looking at it.
06-24-23, 10:09 PM
#15
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,801
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 829 Post(s)
Liked 1,241 Times
in
655 Posts
/markp
Likes For mpetry912:
