Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if I want to share my excitement, or if I'm looking for validation that I made an OK purchase. A little of both I suspect. I've gone from 242 - 210 pounds and decided I liked biking. Time to upgrade a bit from a bike that was too big for me, a Schwinn Traveler III that was given to me years ago by my brother-in-law. He's 6-2, I'm 5-10.
Thanks first to JumboRider for posting his "Recommended Clyde Bicycles FAQ" thread.
After reading the thread, I followed the steps outlined in "How to Buy a Bike" and decided; 1) I wanted a road sport, and 2), I wanted to spend no more than $250.00. (I know, that's not much, but it is what it is).
I found a 1984 Motobecane Jubilee Sport and that met the "Many cyclists want a unique machine that sets them apart from the masses" part of "What kind of person are you?" Not that it's that unique, it's just a bicycle. But, one I've never seen, or even heard of before I found BF.
Anyway, I did some research; looked, rode, liked, and here is what I bought.
1984 Motobecane Jubilee Sport
Columbus CrMo tubing
Weinmann sidepull brakes and levers with internal rear brake cable routing
Suntour ARX derailleur
Maillard Helicomatic cassette
Brand new saddle
Nervar crankset
Maillard Hubs
Wolber rims
Michelin tires
frame pump
How did I do? Your educated opinion DOES count.
OH YEAH.. Bike is super clean and note the raised lettering on the top tube in pic 6. Now thats kewl in my book! Can ya smell what I'm steppin in? :D
Mark
cb400bill
08-17-07, 06:00 PM
Cool looking bike. Congrats.
Stujoe
08-17-07, 06:02 PM
Looks like a nice bike. Has some things I wish my '82 Super Le Tour had...stem shifters, top brake levers, cage mount. Looks like it has had some love from how clean the crankset, etc is.
Congrants and I am sure you will have fun with it!
(51)
08-17-07, 07:38 PM
NICE! Welcome to the club, but at 210 I reckon you won't be around long :)
Wait until the Retro Grouch gets a look at this...
brodie
08-17-07, 08:23 PM
sweet ride.good geometry. or should i just say i like the frame. she looks fast. BRODIE LIKE!
brodie
08-17-07, 08:28 PM
I Dont Know Why But I Just Love High End 70s And 80s Bikes. They Are Just Beautiful To Me. Love Em.
mschack63
08-17-07, 09:05 PM
Me too brodie, but as a newbie it still kinda skeers me. lol
Tom Stormcrowe
08-17-07, 10:46 PM
The Retro Grouch likes very much! It's not top of the line, but still a very nice ride and definitely not the bottom of the line! Personally, I love these old garage queens that people like you and me get to keep alive!
The Retro Grouch likes very much! It's not top of the line, but still a very nice ride and definitely not the bottom of the line! Personally, I love these old garage queens that people like you and me get to keep alive!
I'm jealous. I never find these gems. :-(
mschack63
08-18-07, 10:31 AM
Thanks guys, I read of $10.00 thrift store or garage sale finds in the Classic & Vintage Forum, and wonder if I paid too much. ($240.00)
It does have the dreaded Maillard Helicomatic rear hub, and i understand I'll have to do something about that, but not immediately. I don't know what to do or how to do it, but with the help of fellow BFers, it'll get done. It's in almost mint condition and it's road ready.
I've lowered the seat and raised the bars as high as I could to make for a more upright riding position. I'm thinking of using the seat from the traveler (if I can) though, the boys seem to like that one better. Have to remove that kickstand though, the added weight is just killing me! :lol:
Mark
Tom Stormcrowe
08-18-07, 10:39 AM
My Schwinn has Maillard hubs as well, and have had no issues with them other than they don't have sealed bearings and require a bit more maintenance.. $240.00 isn't a bad price, by the way, that bike new if sold today would likely be in the $700.00 range. Given the shape it's in, you didn't do badly ;)Thanks guys, I read of $10.00 thrift store or garage sale finds in the Classic & Vintage Forum, and wonder if I paid too much. ($240.00)
It does have the dreaded Maillard Helicomatic rear hub, and i understand I'll have to do something about that, but not immediately. I don't know what to do or how to do it, but with the help of fellow BFers, it'll get done. It's in almost mint condition and it's road ready.
I've lowered the seat and raised the bars as high as I could to make for a more upright riding position. I'm thinking of using the seat from the traveler (if I can) though, the boys seem to like that one better. Have to remove that kickstand though, the added weight is just killing me! :lol:
Mark
East Hill
08-18-07, 10:42 AM
Thanks guys, I read of $10.00 thrift store or garage sale finds in the Classic & Vintage Forum, and wonder if I paid too much. ($240.00)
It does have the dreaded Maillard Helicomatic rear hub, and i understand I'll have to do something about that, but not immediately. I don't know what to do or how to do it, but with the help of fellow BFers, it'll get done. It's in almost mint condition and it's road ready.
I've lowered the seat and raised the bars as high as I could to make for a more upright riding position. I'm thinking of using the seat from the traveler (if I can) though, the boys seem to like that one better. Have to remove that kickstand though, the added weight is just killing me! :lol:
Mark
I was going to bring up the DMHRH, but it looks as if you know all about it! You're right, someone here or in the C & V forum will help you with any future issues regarding the Helicomatic hub.
But for now, it's a nice bike, and it's steel :) .
East Hill
mschack63
08-18-07, 11:15 AM
Help me out Tom, PLEASE. What do I have to do? I had better start now, as I don't know whats been done (if anything) or when (if ever)...:o
Mark
Tom Stormcrowe
08-18-07, 11:28 AM
Well, do the hubs roll freely? No noise out of them, other than the ratchet pawls. If so, they are very likely just fine. You can take a look to make sure the grease isn't dried out of you like, and repack them. Keep an eye on your crank initially to make sure it isn't loose or getting loose. If you have any creaks or stiff spots in the pedal stroke, it could indicate BB issues, for example. Keep the pedal spindles lubed as well.Other than that, just ride it til it needs maintenance. ;)
Here's some info from the Bike God, Sheldon Brown on the Motobecanes and the Helicomatic hub!
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html
East Hill
08-18-07, 11:45 AM
Help me out Tom, PLEASE. What do I have to do? I had better start now, as I don't know whats been done (if anything) or when (if ever)...:o
Mark
In addition to Tom helping you out, you need to become a habituée of the C & V forum. We're also very nice over there :D .
East Hill
Tom Stormcrowe
08-18-07, 11:49 AM
In addition to Tom helping you out, you need to become a habituée of the C & V forum. We're also very nice over there :D .
East Hill
Yeppers, agreed! Where do you think I get my C&V knowledge? ;)
East Hill
08-18-07, 11:57 AM
Yeppers, agreed! Where do you think I get my C&V knowledge? ;)
hehehe, I think it's great that C & V and Clydes/Athenas are alphabetically right next to each other. Makes it much easier to bounce between the two :) .
East Hill
mschack63
08-18-07, 12:19 PM
Thanks Tom and East Hill. C&V was actually the first forum i visited when I found BF, I go there often. I visited that site when doing my research Tom, on all the bikes I looked at, thanks. Sheldon Brown has a icon on my desk top right next to BF.
Mark