Team frame from 1981, serial number 3266854, ridden by the Belgian Marc Dierickx.

The team most likely associated with this frame is the Gazelle sponsored DAF-Cote d'Or, which at various times had some of the better Benelux riders in their fold, most notably Hennie Kuiper and the great Roger de Vlaeminck.

Adrie van der Poel also started his long and successful pro career in DAF-Cote d'Or.

For more on Gazelle's influence on the racing scene, go here

If you have more info about this frame, please contact the owner, Rich either via The Gazelle Pages or directly at:

rpinder@usc.edu

More pics can be seen here

Interesting details on this frame. On the picture to the right one get a good view of the beautiful long point lugs. The cut-out with its distinct arrow shape is notably different from the standard Bocama lugs favored by Gazelle for years and years. Are these Bocama too? Please email me if you know.

Also note the internal routing of the rear brake cable, a very new thing in 1981. Our 1982 catalog scan shows such antics only on the 753 frame. Later Gazelle versions of this feature solve the issue with less of a plumbing look, if I dare say!

Also at this time the sleek, internally lugged fork crown is getting common, and chrome is absent or being reduced to maybe a little on the right chainstay.

Above: The endearing aspect, in my mind, that sets the esthetics of the Dutch bike apart from the revered Italian frames is the fact that even on top-the-line offering there's always some sloppy work. In this case the less than accurate painting of the lug cut-out could in fact be rust, but look closely on any Gazelle, especially the older ones, and there's a certain refreshing sense of utility and function about the workmanship.