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02-29-08, 11:58 PM
What better day than February 29 to leap into BikeForums--
My ride: a slowly evolving silver and black 70s Motobecane Grand Record.
I started with the frame in '78 and built it up over a year. What hasn't changed: Phil hubs, Weinmann concave rims (indestructible), Weinmann center pull caliper brakes/ Scott Mathauser shoes (they look cheap, but they perform sublimely on long, steep, winding descents in the Santa Cruz Mountains), Sugino Mighty Compe crankset, Phil bottom bracket. Suntour Cyclone front derailleur, Cyclone shifters. Suntour freewheel. All '78-79. The original Cyclone rear derailleur wore out fast. It was replaced with a Campy Rally. Bars and stem have changed a few times, as has the saddle. My first real break with old school technology was the result of knee problems about five years ago. I found a solution in Speedplay pedals. I am very satisfied with them. I use this bike for 15 to 50 mile rides, usually on weekends. I made a trip down the Oregon and California coasts on it too, camping mostly. Before the Motobecane I rode a Peugeot U08 for 12 years. Maybe I was a Frenchman in my former life. Latest new component is an Ideale 90 saddle with an aluminum cage that I bought in '79 for around $45, but found it too hard. It remained in storage until I decided I would sell it on eBay, only to find that that particular model was going for $250 and more in the "like new" condition I have it . So I decided to give it another try, but this time I applied Proofide! 100 miles later, I think I'll keep it. I also occasionally ride a late 70s Schwinn Suburban five speed to school, gym, and supermarket. I am very pleased to see cycling once again become so avidly pursued by so many.
My ride: a slowly evolving silver and black 70s Motobecane Grand Record.
I started with the frame in '78 and built it up over a year. What hasn't changed: Phil hubs, Weinmann concave rims (indestructible), Weinmann center pull caliper brakes/ Scott Mathauser shoes (they look cheap, but they perform sublimely on long, steep, winding descents in the Santa Cruz Mountains), Sugino Mighty Compe crankset, Phil bottom bracket. Suntour Cyclone front derailleur, Cyclone shifters. Suntour freewheel. All '78-79. The original Cyclone rear derailleur wore out fast. It was replaced with a Campy Rally. Bars and stem have changed a few times, as has the saddle. My first real break with old school technology was the result of knee problems about five years ago. I found a solution in Speedplay pedals. I am very satisfied with them. I use this bike for 15 to 50 mile rides, usually on weekends. I made a trip down the Oregon and California coasts on it too, camping mostly. Before the Motobecane I rode a Peugeot U08 for 12 years. Maybe I was a Frenchman in my former life. Latest new component is an Ideale 90 saddle with an aluminum cage that I bought in '79 for around $45, but found it too hard. It remained in storage until I decided I would sell it on eBay, only to find that that particular model was going for $250 and more in the "like new" condition I have it . So I decided to give it another try, but this time I applied Proofide! 100 miles later, I think I'll keep it. I also occasionally ride a late 70s Schwinn Suburban five speed to school, gym, and supermarket. I am very pleased to see cycling once again become so avidly pursued by so many.