Re: [CR] LeJeune, was: Re: Gitane vs Peugeot...

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Ken Wehrenberg" <wnwires@htc.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] LeJeune, was: Re: Gitane vs Peugeot...
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2005 16:51:51 -0500


Well, based on my personal ownership, the far and away best-finished French bike (sort of oxymoronic I suppose) is my '72 or '73 531 LeJeune. The lugs are really some that show a legitimate attempt at feathering the points has been made. No gaps, just about as perfect as any bike boom era bike I have seen. Yeah, one decal is slightly off, I suppose. Better than most any Italians from Italy in the affection shown through its workmanship. That said, I do believe mine is a somewhat exceptional example. It was an unbuilt frameset until 2 years ago when I purchased it. Probably squirreled away by someone who recognized how rare it is/was. Anyway, quite different from the just-plugged-together Gitanes, Merciers, and Jeunets of the era. But in no way does it have the total look that the white Peugeots with checkerboards, etc bring to the table!

And, oh, the ride is nice for all day outings, too.

Ken Wehrenberg, Hermann, MO