Gazelle Query

[chainguard]

I'd like to find a 'late' Gazelle Champion Mondial with a view to doing a reasonably contemporary build with a early-2000s Campag group and wheelset that I have in storage.

Most of the frames that come up are, I guess, 126mm OLD, but can anyone advise at what point Gazelle started building these frames with a 130mm rear dropout spacing? I know that by 1995 they were doing so and that in theory one could coldset the stays of an older frame, but I'd be reluctant to risk it.

Thanks.

 

[Roger_P]

I have two Champion Mondials, a 1976 A Frame which I had cold set by Woodrups in Leeds to 130mm from 120mm.
I also have a 1993 AA Special which has a 130mm rear dropout spacing.
I think an 8 speed transmission means 130mm, although I could be very wrong!

 

[chainguard]

Thanks. Having had frame repairs done by them in the past, Woodrups would be who I'd go to were I to need to get such a job done.

It hadn't occurred to me that an 8 speed cassette requires 130mm. But I think you are right - I know that I've had to run 7 speed cassettes with a spacer on '8 speed' hubs.