~1984 Gazelle Champion Mondial Randonneur (ST) By Klaassen edition
RestoModding at its best for this almost 40 years old Gazelle Champion Mondial 'Supertoerder' (531 ST).
In this Restomodding By Klaassen concept we work from our vision:
Respect for the past(!) but with improved looks from the eye of a stylist/designer. As most of the bikes from the past had some flaws due to commercial interests, lack of creativity/guts/phantasy or lack of (total) vision and designer skills. Discover and uncover, Harmony and 'Less is more' do the By Klaassen magic. But restomodding is not only visual, also the technical area is improved.
Context:
After almost 40 years of adventures all over the world, even to Africa and Asia, the owner asked us to give it the By Klaassen Magic. He fell in love with cycling again and wants to use this bike to it's full potential (again).
What we did:
-After inspecting the bike and it's parts we first make a new design from a 'total design' point of view, more holistic.
RESULTING IN
-a new characterful Klaassen
frame color (here: mysterious metallic greenblue in gloss finish)
-bring more harmony in all the parts, with now the focus on silver/chrome
-We redesigned the decal set > bring the original logo's back to 1 color (beige/cream), in line with the overall secondary color of the bike > we simplified the decal set (less is more).
-We liked the rims, they were theme ok, and a nice little wider, in line with modern standards, so we re-used them
⚡We improved the ride
- a new modern high end Campagnolo groupset (compact/ 11 speed), that fits the new design theme well > silver accents
- better cockpit, modern compact handlebar in silver
- new bearings in head tube
- wheel servicing with a rebuild to the 11 speed Campa hub, in silver (!)
- better performing modern Dia Compe Cantilever brakes in chrome, with Koolstop pads for modern performance
- Tektro cantilever frame mount cable hanger for better performance
- modern 25mm folding tires with special blocked profile made by the famous Panaracer
⚡The finishing touch:
- we were able to re-use the original Gazelle head badge
- re-used some existing (chrome) parts, like the cool original Campagnolo seatpost (after refurbishing)
- fitted a lovely finished new stem
- removed the decals from the rims
- The secondary color of the new design theme (cream/beige) is used for the new saddle, handlebar tape and tire sidewall (and decals)
- SPD SL pedals in silver
- Klaassen signature bottle carrier in chrome
- lovely custom cable stops/ boss covers
Improving the original, with respect.