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- Thursday, March 28, 2024

Road Message Board

 Motobecane
I've been riding a Motobecane Grand Touring since 1977. It's brought me great pleasure and companionship for 25 years. It's with mixed emotion that I just bought an Airborne Zepp. Love the Ti, but retiring the Moto is like giving up an old friend. It is remarkable how well this 25 year old French metal bike has stood up. If my Zepp can only do as well.
Any one else have a similiar experience with their Moto?

Posted by Blade a Die-hard Enthusiast on 04/14/02

Responses: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34) (35) (36) (37) (38) (39) (40) (41) (42) (43) Post Reply

  •  Re: Motobecane
    Sorry Blade but Motobecanes are BRRRUUUUTTTTAALLL

    Maybe back in the seventies you should of thought of bying a more stylish bike like the Apollo

    Posted by Baron Davis a 21 year old Racer riding a Bianci 1990 from Canada on 04/14/02


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    •  Re: Motobecane
      Are you brain-dead? You are 21. The bikes they are talking about are older than you. You are riding a 1990 Bianchi (by the way, it is spelled Bianchi) and you want to talk? Even a fool seems wise if he keeps his mouth closed.
      Posted by Quentyn a 25 year old Racer riding a 2002 Calfee Design Dragonfly from Tucson AZ on 01/13/03

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      Rofl! What are you thinking?

      I just purchased a nice vintage Motobecane Mirage. Best purchase I ever made. Rides so smoothly, and with the sex-appeal of that bike, I don't even have to try to look good ;)

      Seriously, Motobecane produced (and still produces) some excellent, long lasting bikes.
      Posted by Blue_jackal a 21 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Motobecane Mirage and Jeep Comanche from Auburn on 07/13/03


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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I bought a Motobecane Super Mirage in 1977 and have
    used it for commuting and touring and even raced on it
    back in the old days before I could afford to build up an
    Italian race bike.

    The (pre-1980) Motobecanes are both beautiful and
    indestructible.

    With newer bikes to distract me, the Moto hung in the
    garage collecting dust for 10 years. I recently decided
    that it deserved better, and did a full cosmetic
    restoration on it and repacked all the bearings, put on
    new chain, cables, tires, etc.

    Riding it again brought back lots of happy memories.


    Posted by Herb Langston a Die-hard Enthusiast on 04/25/02


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    •  Re: Motobecane and Airborne
      I knew I couldn't be the only one who loved that bike. It really is a classic of sorts. Having paid my tribute, however, I can, with just a little guilt, relate that the Airborne Zep Ti, after 200 miles, is one incredible ride. It begs to fly. The road feel is beyond description. The details are comparable to Litespeed and Merlin. Makes me feel like I did 25 years ago with the Moto - life takes up time between rides. This really is a great sport.
      Posted by Blade444 a Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Airborne Zeppelin on 04/29/02

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      I have a 1976 Super Mirage in nice condition and I'm trying to find out what it might be worth.
      I would appeciate any help.
      Thank you.

      Posted by Mark Ready riding a 1976 Motobecane Super Mirage from Florida on 01/27/03

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      •  Re: Motobecane
        is it black and red? which components does it have
        Posted by Jon Becane on 03/22/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I bought my motobecane in 1977 and used it to commute to work off and on for a few years. Also did some day trips around southern California. But gave up cycling for several years. I gave the bike to my brother-in-law who is still riding it around Long Beach, 24 years later. When I got back in to cycling two years ago I thought about getting the Moto back but I picked it up and it weighed a ton and only had 10 speeds. So I bought a Lemond and have been doing lots of cycling, including the California AIDs ride. Nostalgia is nice but it doesn't get you up a hill.
    Posted by Nancy a 49 year old Weekend Rider riding a Lemond from Palm Springs California on 05/09/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I own a Motobecane Grand Jubilee purchased in 1977 when I worked at a bike shop as a teenager.

    Haven't ridden it in 18 years but it's still in good shape - couldn't part with it through marriage, 6 moves, divorce etc...

    Was one of the best bikes for the $ when I got it - fixing it up now and intend to ride again.
    Posted by Roger a 42 year old Weekend Rider riding a Motobecane Grand Jubilee from Denver, CO on 06/02/02


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  •  Re: Motobecane
    my grand touring will be 29 come christmas! my ex- got it for me in 1973. i've put an ungodly number of miles on it commuting, pleasure riding and a bunch of centuries... where all the hotshots always ask, "how old IS that thing???" but i love it. not much of the original equipment on it anymore except the frame, headset and handlebars. it's still beautiful, unbelievably comfortable on long rides and marginal roads. i have newer, "better" bikes, but the grand touring is still may main and favorite ride. //kevin
    Posted by Kevin mcgown a 52 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a motobecane grand touring (1973) from oakland, ca on 07/15/02

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      Hi Kevin, any possibility of getting a hold of TA cranks and/or nuevo record rear deraillier (sp?). I'm restoring my Grand Record back to original. I'd appreciate any help.
      Robert
      Posted by Robert a 54 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Motobecane Grand Record 1973 from Cultus Lake, B.C., Canada on 07/20/02

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      •  Re: Motobecane
        WOW! Sorry I can't help, but I had to laugh when I read about the TA cranks. The memories.......... I have a 1972 Le Champion that I rode many miles. 1st long ride, Palo Alto to the 1974 worlds fair in Spokane, WA. I've recently dug it out of storage, cleaned it up and am riding once again after 18 years. The depressing part was the cost of new silk tires. So I went with kevlar, cheaper and less trouble!! Good luck, you have my best wishes and thoughts
        Posted by Bruce a 48 year old Weekend Rider riding a 1972 Moto Becane, Le Champion (all nuevo record) from Diamond Springs, CA on 08/19/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I bought my Motobecane Grand Touring in 1973. I'd still be riding it today if it wasn't for that car. I replaced it with a Schwinn Peloton Pro. The fit is similar and I have to admit that the additional gears are nice.
    Posted by Ron on 10/05/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I bought a grand jubilee in '73 and rode it till it was stolen and I moved to bush Alaska whre bicycles are unusable. Loved that bike..now back in civilization, I see bikes have changed a lot!!! Never heard of these makers kor types of bikes. If someone has a '70's grand jubilee, preferably red and black, 31 in frame, I'd sure like to buy it.
    Posted by Evam a 56 year old from Nebraska on 10/11/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I too have a Motobecane Grand Jubilee. I bought it new in 1974. It is metallic red and all I can say is that it really flew when I used to ride it. I haven't ridden it in almost 10 years. I'm thinking about selling it, but haven't got a clue what it would be worth. I remember paying more than $350 for it back in 1974. If anyone has any interest in purchasing it, or ideas as to what it may be worth, I would like to hear from you. Thanks.


    Posted by Intrepid a 50 year old Weekend Rider riding a Motobecane Grand Jubilee from Alpharetta, GA on 10/12/02


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    •  Re: Motobecane
      I'm interested in your bike...what size is it?
      Posted by Sumaato a 51 year old Road Warrior riding a na from Colorado on 11/11/02

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      If you still have this bike i would be very much interested in buying it. The one I had, i got in '73 for I believe about $350 also. i dont know what it is worth now either, but if you do wish to sell we can work something out.
      Posted by Neb a 56 year old Weekend Rider from nebraska on 11/30/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    My father just gave me his Motobecane Grand Record from the early 70's. Heirloom value aside, the bike is just beautiful to ride, smooth and comfortable and handles like a dream. I would use it for commuting and work, but I am afraid of anything happening to it. Parts are apparently difficult to find, and as this bike is pretty much 100% original I really don't want to have to monkey with it too much. Any advice on parts and service? My local bikeshop guy tells me not to spend a cent on it (keeps trying to sell me a hybrid...yuk) but I see potential.
    Posted by Gdflash a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a homebrewed city beater from philly on 11/14/02

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    When I was in junior high back in 1977, I bought my first new bike with only a little help from mom and dad. For about $330.00 I bought a loaded gun-metal grey Motobecane Grand Touring which covered many, many Northern California miles. In 8th grade, my two buddies and I covered about 120 miles per week riding to and from school. My sophomore year in high school, I was cut-off the road by a cheerleader who sent me flying over the hood of her car and left my frame damaged Moto unrideable... I never could part with it though.

    Two weeks ago, I was driving past a thrift store and what did I see? A virtually unused same vintage, same color, large frame Grand Touring with 25 years of garage dust all over it. 10 bucks and 10 hours later, it was shining like new flying down the road with many of my old swapped out parts put on for nostalgia's sake. My carbon fiber Trek 2100 does not elicit as many smiles from me, though to be honest, is a much faster and better ride.
    Posted by ECS a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Too many to list from San Jose on 12/18/02


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  •  Re: Motobecane
    Hey, I bought my white Motobecane Grand Touring in 1972 at Bucky Monroe's 'The Pedaler' in Huntsville Alabama. It just turned 31 and still has the original paint,components, mostly Suntour and Stronglight, even the original French thread rat traps. The smoothest geometry and supple ride there is for the money. Probably has 50,000 miles on it. The happiest times of my biking life are with this GT, and I've got four other bikes. The steel is strong and light, and even the French thread bottom bracket is still going strong. Love it, glad others feel the same way!

    Posted by Jerry Green a 48 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 1972 Motobecane Grand Touring from Miami, Florida on 02/23/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I'm with you dude, just posted on the message board about my 1972 Grand Touring, still going strong. Check it out.

    Posted by Jerry Green a 48 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a see above from Miami Fl on 02/23/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I'm eyeballing a 63.5 cm Motobecane Sprintour at a local shop. I'd be using it for commuting around town. It's got Suntour components and origional goldish paint w/black lettering. Can any of you out there tell me more about this bicycle? Approx. age/value/model history/weight etc?
    Also, what is meant by French threads? May I assume older Italian components are not compatible?
    Thanks
    Posted by Sean Doherty a 28 year old Weekend Rider riding a 1989 Ed Litton Custom Road from Tahoe City, CA on 03/23/03

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  •  Motobecane
    I have three Motobecane's in my garage, purchased in 1977. How do I identify their model name and number? I am interested in selling two, possibly all three. They haven't been riden in many years, switched from road to mountain bikes. I one man's and two women's bikes. I have looked all over the bikes but I must be missing their markings. Any help would be appreciated.
    Posted by Suz a 41 year old Weekend Rider riding a Motobecanes/ Specialized from Kansas City, MO on 03/26/03

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      The tubing stickers and componentry would be a good place to start if all the model name stickers have been lost. Reynolds or Vitus tubing would indicate a higher-grade Motobecane model. I think Motobecane started putting Japanese components on some of its bikes in the late '70s/early '80s. Japanese componentry doesn't necessarily mean a lower-end model, though. My bike (which I think dates from '79-'81) has Vitus 172 tubing and originally came with a complete Shimano 600 group. I have yet to find information on decoding the serial numbers in order to determine model/year. Good luck with your investigations!
      Posted by DJ a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Motobecane Grand Record from Baltimore on 04/02/03

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      •  Re: Motobecane
        I recently got out my Motobecane after doing some tandeming with my husband. I, too, am wondering if the model I have is worth putting any money into. We bought it in 1979. It's a Mirage with "2040 High Resilency Tubing" and with Weiman brakes (???). It's never been exposed to the elements and has all original parts. Not knowing too much about biking (other than I know I like to do it), what do I have here?
        Posted by Bubink a 43 year old Weekend Rider riding a Raleigh tandem from Omaha on 05/28/03

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        •  Re: Motobecane
          Just testing.
          Posted by Nortontriumphmec a 56 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Motobecane Mirage from Missoula on 01/25/11

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          •  Re: Motobecane
            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Re: Motobecane
            Purchased a Super Mirage new in 1977, rode it for almost 30yrs before a hurricane decided it wanted the bike more than I did. Replaced it with a Giant Cpress ST and hate the bike. Never ride it so I just recently purchased a 1980 Motobecane Grand Jubilee on ebay and love the bike. Brings back a lot of memories and smiles from ear to ear. Vintage Motos have to be the greatest riding bikes ever, and the paint jobs are top notch. The only bike I've ever ridden with a comparable ride would have to be a Bianchi.
            Posted by Kingshead a 54 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 1980 Motobecane Grand Jubilee from Dinuba on 11/13/11

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        •  Re: Motobecane
          Ok...seems to be working, now...

          I have a identical Motobecane Mirage, as well.
          From what I have read in the postings, it sounds like a great bicycle!
          I realize your posting is eight years old and you have probably moved on to other interests. Never too late?
          Anyhow, looking for a Weinmann 27 X 1 1/4" Rear Wheel Assembly for my Mirage.
          Anyone that has one of these and would like to part with it can contact me @ nortontriumphmec@aim.com
          Thanks!

          Posted by Nortontriumphmec a 56 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Motobecane Mirage from Missoula on 01/25/11


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    •  Re: Motobecane
      We are looking for parts for a mens motobecane grand jubilee - late 70's vintage(red and black)- specifically the front fork (my 16 year old was run off the road by a cement truck and bent the fork). We would be willing to purchase an entire bike. Your bikes wouldn't be one of those by any chance - would it?
      Posted by Marker123 on 06/11/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    Hi. I just was given to me a 1997Motobecane and I'm dyeing to ride it but i really don't know anything about it or know of who does. I would like to find some help. Maybe where to get parts. It doesn't want to turn over. I was told it needs a coil. Maybe i can here from someone who knows.
    Posted by Sandy T from St. Joseph, MO on 04/03/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    does anybody know anything about a Motobecane Jubile Sport. The fork says Forreux Vitus 888. Japanese cranks, Suntour BL deralliures and motobecane brakes. I paid $10 and have invested another $100 in upgrades. Any help is appreciated. E-Mail infesticonus@yahoo.com
    Posted by Anderson a 19 year old Road Warrior riding a Motobecane Jubile Sport from Portland Oregon on 06/02/03

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  •  Motobecane
    I have a Motobecane Super Mirage, white, i bought around 1986-1987, iŽd like to know the price of this bike. Please help me, i need to know because i need to sell it.
    Posted by Jorgee19 on 07/26/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane Super Mirage Black/Red help!
    I am so proud I have just closed a deal to buy a Super Mirage in Black Red circa late 70's in fair shape.

    The compnonets have apparently been replaced and the current ones are worthless so I need to rebuild the bike from the ground up.

    Any info on original specs and serial number/year conversion source would be grately appreciated!

    Where can see photos of similar bikes and read about the original compnentry these bikes were available with?

    TIA!!
    MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!


    Posted by Bikepro a 38 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a several dozens, variety of styles and makes from Chicago IL on 07/28/03


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    •  Re: Motobecane Super Mirage Black/Red help!
      I have one with all original parts.
      Posted by Btru66 on 08/23/03

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    Yessiree! I originally bought a silver Motobecane "Super Mirage" in 1977, which got stolen in 1982...grrr. Never found it, so bought a "Grand Touring" model (black w/red trim) same year, and still have it. In fact, I've been riding it just about every day this summer. I get a lot of comments on the great condition of my "retro bike", running errands around town. Have also taken some long trips on it thru my 26 years of ownership. Am now considering the purchase of a '77 "Super Mirage", advertised locally. I really can't say enough for the Motobecane bicycle line. Never had such solid wheels under me, and wouldn't give mine up for anything. I trust you kept your "Grand Touring", if only for the ocassional ride down memory lane(?). -MRU
    Posted by Motobecane R Us on 08/14/08

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    •  Re: Motobecane
      I'm sure you realize you're responding to a post that's 6 years old...........

      thumbsup


      Posted by Dirtshark99 a Cross-Country Rider on 08/14/08


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      •  Re: Motobecane
        R us sure that "Motobecane R us" is just not one of your many aliases....and you felt the need to draw attention...from yourself?
        Posted by GhostRider a 31 year old Downhiller on 08/15/08

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        •  Re: Motobecane
          Ghostie, you're the only reason I drag my sorry a$$ over to this site. Your clever wit and endless play on words leaves me chuckling and coming back for more....

          Please, more cracks about Ohpeepee or El hefffee rolleyes
          Posted by Dirtshark99 a Cross-Country Rider on 08/16/08


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          •  Re: Motobecane
            Looks like we're the only two 'old-timers' left holding down the fort...I'm the Bud Abbot to your Lou Costello.
            Posted by GhostRider a 31 year old Downhiller on 08/18/08

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            •  Re: Motobecane
              Who's on first.....................?
              Posted by Dirtshark99 a Cross-Country Rider on 08/19/08

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              •  Re: Motobecane
                Don't ask, don't tell!
                Posted by GhostRider a 31 year old Downhiller on 08/20/08

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  •  Re: Motobecane
    Hello, I am Marco from The Netherlands.
    Today I bought a Motobecane Super Sprint (White/Bue painted) and an label 2040 on the fork???.

    It Really looks like NEW, No Rust, Just 1 spot where the pain tipped off (about 2 mm round spot).
    I have been told this bike is about 30 years old.
    I really want as much Information about this beauty as Possible.

    Greetings, M.

    Posted by Myfather a 44 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Motobecane Super Sprint from Purmerend The Netherlands on 06/30/09


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  •  Re: Motobecane
    I just rebuilt a 1973 Motobecane Grand Touring, which I bought in 1973 when I was in college. Fantastic bike and memories.
    Posted by AJZ1952 a 61 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 1973 Motobecane Grand Touring from Denver on 10/09/13

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