Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - NOS 1976 Motobecane Grand Record

Hello all, I recently purchased a new in box, never sold, never built 1976 Motobecane Grand Record. It is a 21 inch frame and probably would be to small for me but I hate to part with this bike. It is a time capsule like I've never seen before, it is absolutely new in the box! The dilemma is; would you unpack it and wreck the unique nature of what could possibly be a one of a kind bike? I just put it up for sale as I don't have the heart to assemble it, thinking it should go to someone that would appreciate it for what it is. Am I nuts?

NIB has its appeal, but even if you take it out and assemble, it is still NOS. I would recommend doing so as any hidden damage will be revealed. I know this from personal experience. I bought a NOS, NIB bike and upon receipt, found damage to the seat tube and stays. Not significant, but if it had been any other bike, I would have returned it. As it is, I still have it.

I concur with Lynn -- a bike that has been in storage that long may well have hidden damage.

It should at least be taken out of the box and inspected thoroughly for rust, dents, etc.

It should at least be taken out of the box and inspected thoroughly for rust, dents, etc.

I agree. And ,if I might add, photograph the frame and components so that the seller has a record of the bike's condition prior to shipping.

Pictures would be great!

As far as i'm concerned this is a sales posting.

The OP asks, "Should I do this? Should I do that?".

The bike has already been pulled out of the box, photographed and is listed on Ebay. It's a bit late for questions about assembling it before he attempts to sell it, he started this thread hoping to generate some interest in his item.

As far as i'm concerned this is a sales posting.

The OP asks, "Should I do this? Should I do that?".

The bike has already been pulled out of the box, photographed and is listed on Ebay. It's a bit late for questions about assembling it before he attempts to sell it, he started this thread hoping to generate some interest in his item.

Perhaps so. But the photos still show it wrapped, so there is still the chance of hidden damage. I would have found it anyway as I search Motobecane Record and Champion daily.

Perhaps so. But the photos still show it wrapped, so there is still the chance of hidden damage. I would have found it anyway as I search Motobecane Record and Champion daily.

Case in point: There is a Bridgestone 700 that's listed as NOS currently out there (I can't remember where). Seller disclosed that it has a few blems, even though it's been stored in box. Disclosure goes a long way. As long as the bike retains its integrity, it's still a special find. Incidentally, I think I know the bike OP acquired and it looked good from the photos I saw. My advice: put your other Moto on eBay (as you're currently doing) and hang on to this one. You paid a lot of money for it and it's a bit too soon between sales to flip.

I'm not posting this to promote the bike, I would retract my sale in a second if I got input telling me that this is such an unusual item that theres no way I should sell it. What I was looking for is advise from experienced bicycle enthusiasts about the odds of finding such a nice bicycle new in the box after all these years. I can peek under the wrapping, the bike looks undamaged and exactly as new. I have lusted after a great condition Grand Record for several years, but being someone that appreciates all sorts of antiques and collectibles, something tells me that unwrapping and building it is a mistake.

I tend to agree with the others, if it is unpacked and unridden it is still NOS. If we were talking original NIB star wars merchandise, then no, leave it in it's clear package. I think bikes are different, I bet it is worth more with the condition documented.

If it were me and it was my size, I don't know that I would sell it... but that all depends on how broke I am at the moment.

-Matt

I would unwrap it and build it if it fits you? As long as it is kept out of the rain, and cleaned/maintained it would stay new looking for years. I think it should be documented ASAP too. Many of us
have this model, and I for one am flying blind as to what components it is supposed to have originally.
If I knew what I was looking for to make it original, it would really help:D.,,,,BD

I'm not posting this to promote the bike, I would pull it off Ebay in a second if I got input telling me that this is such an unusual item that theres no way I should sell it. What I was looking for is advise from experienced bicycle enthusiasts about the odds of finding such a nice bicycle new in the box after all these years. I can peek under the wrapping, the bike looks undamaged and exactly as new. I have lusted after a great condition Grand Record for several years, but being someone that appreciates all sorts of antiques and collectibles, something tells me that unwrapping and building it is a mistake.

The only mistake would be depriving someone of the pleasure of unwrapping. If you want to persist with not unwrapping it, then do so. But I recommend you offer a return policy for hidden damage. The most important feature of that bike is NOS. As we all have pointed out, even built, it is still NOS.

You have wanted one for years and now you have one.If it is your size assemble it and ride it,if its not your size sell it to someone who will get use out of it.I had a similiar situation a few years ago and ended up selling the item because everytime i looked at it i wanted to use.Its not a bike if its a bunch of parts in a box until you bring it to "life".Its just a box you will be moving out of your way until you use it or sell it.Good luck.

I would unwrap it and build it if it fits you? As long as it is kept out of the rain, and cleaned/maintained it would stay new looking for years. I think it should be documented ASAP too. Many of us
have this model, and I for one am flying blind as to what components it is supposed to have originally.
If I knew what I was looking for to make it original, it would really help:D.,,,,BD


Check here for 1974,75,76 Motobecane catalogs for original equipment specs: http://www.velobase.com/
scroll down and check Catalog Scans and they are there. Rich

Thanks for all your input, the real issue is that I think it is probably to small, although everyone seems to have a different opinion on fit, some say it would be fine, others not. I certainly wouldn't be asking all these dumb questions if the frame was a bit bigger as I would be geting it ready to ride! (Plus I'm to indecisive!) Rich

it will fit me, you should just ship it to me and forget the whole incident, PM for address. :p

Thanks for all your input, the real issue is that I think it is probably to small, although everyone seems to have a different opinion on fit, some say it would be fine, others not. I certainly wouldn't be asking all these dumb questions if the frame was a bit bigger as I would be geting it ready to ride! (Plus I'm to indecisive!) RichStandover height on that bike is about 30.5". If your leg inseam is about 30" to 32", the bike is a perfect fit.

Standover height on that bike is about 30.5". If your leg inseam is about 30" to 32", the bike is a perfect fit.

Both of my Motos feel larger than their specs (which is a good thing). No way to tell until you build it and mount it (you don't have to ride it and it's still NOS).

If this was a sales bid it is really good thinking! It's a lovely bike! Anyone here would be nuts not to want it! JESUS!

And away we go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400034416863

Neal

And away we go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400034416863

NealThat newbie is determined to have the highest bid... :lol:

where did you find this?

I bought the bike from a dealer. He said he bought a bike shop some years ago and there was a number of unbuilt bikes in the store, this was one of them. Frankly I wish I never put it out for sale at this point, seems like a mistake.

And away we go!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=400034416863

Neal

It'll be interesting to see how it fares against its original posting from a few weeks ago:



salem craigslist > bicycles


Motobecane Grand Record, 21-1/2" , 531, Campagnolo, circa 1976, NOS !

Reply to: sale-1020600603@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2009-02-04, 9:58AM PST


Still in original box ! found in inventory in an old bike shop . Classic French Road bike
Silver/ black Motobecane Grand Record, Renolds 531 DB frame / forks. Campagnolo NR der's, TA Chainwheel, Super Champion rims. Never sold or assembled, 3+ decades old and still Brand New.
$1,500 delivered, insured.


it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1020600603

It'll be interesting to see how it fares against its original posting from a few weeks ago:



salem craigslist > bicycles


Motobecane Grand Record, 21-1/2" , 531, Campagnolo, circa 1976, NOS !

Reply to: sale-1020600603@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2009-02-04, 9:58AM PST


Still in original box ! found in inventory in an old bike shop . Classic French Road bike
Silver/ black Motobecane Grand Record, Renolds 531 DB frame / forks. Campagnolo NR der's, TA Chainwheel, Super Champion rims. Never sold or assembled, 3+ decades old and still Brand New.
$1,500 delivered, insured.


it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1020600603



You guys don't miss anything it seems....how did you find this, it was deleted a while ago?

Ve haf our vays......

As I said earlier this thread was started for the purpose of finding a buyer for a bicycle. Now that the O.P. has been outed there's a coy display of, "What? Me?!!".

Tens of hundreds of transactions on Ebay and CL and Mr. Innocent is just asking for advice about his bike.

Uh, right.

Buy a membership and post your ads in the proper forum.

I don't know if you've made the best move, economically speaking. I won't say you overpaid on CL but you paid top dollar. Only time will tell but I doubt you're going to recoup your investment.

Sorry to rain on your parade and I'm not being snarky but that is how I see it.

I lust after old Motos as well and a NOS Grand record would be sweet. I eventually settled on a Gran Jubile for 80$ + shipping. Admittedly this wasn't a 531 and Campy GJ but rather Vitus and Suntour but very clean. I don't kow if a GR, even NIB is going to draw that much play on eBay these days.

eBay frowns on canceling auctions but you might end up taking a bath.

If the post above me is accurate then I don't regret giving you advice but it is not real cool to use a free forum to drum up interest in your paid auction.

As I said earlier this thread was started for the purpose of finding a buyer for a bicycle. Now that the O.P. has been outed there's a coy display of, "What? Me?!!".

Tens of hundreds of transactions on Ebay and CL and Mr. Innocent is just asking for advice about his bike.

Uh, right.

Buy a membership and post your ads in the proper forum.


Mr. Innocent also seems to be a very active Forum member....... three posts in twenty months prior to this thread. :innocent:

Sorry to get you few people angry, I never posted any links, look at the names of those who did, nor did I ever write anything like "who, me"? I was genuinely looking for input from knowledgeable people about what was an impulse purchase on my part and thought this was the place to get it. P.S. Lots of transactions on the auction site, yes true, but if you look at them they are mostly model trains as that is my true love.

Case in point: There is a Bridgestone 700 that's listed as NOS currently out there (I can't remember where). Seller disclosed that it has a few blems, even though it's been stored in box. Disclosure goes a long way. As long as the bike retains its integrity, it's still a special find. Incidentally, I think I know the bike OP acquired and it looked good from the photos I saw. My advice: put your other Moto on eBay (as you're currently doing) and hang on to this one. You paid a lot of money for it and it's a bit too soon between sales to flip.

That one was about $500-$600 or so. Paint chip on the frame somewhere near the seat post.

I'm not mad and I'm more than willing to believe you. My pessimism on the profit potential of your auction is based solely on my opinion that you won't recoup your investment.

Nothing personal and if I'm wrong and you make money, great. Best of luck to you.


:beer:

Looks like it made it to ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-1976-Motobecane-Grand-Record-Reynolds-531-Nervex_W0QQitemZ400034416863QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item400034416863&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308

Not many NOS top end 1976 Motobecanes around, so I'm not offended by a thread that let's us know about a unique, probably once-in-a-lifetime bike.

I'll be surprised if the OP recoups his money on this one, though.

I'm not mad and I'm more than willing to believe you. My pessimism on the profit potential of your auction is based solely on my opinion that you won't recoup your investment.

Nothing personal and if I'm wrong and you make money, great. Best of luck to you.

I think that was a CL post made by the OP before he put up for sale on ebay. He might get close to what he is asked for on CL.

The guy is asking for some simple advice. And he might get close to the $1500. I'd bid on it if I didn't have a black one in the same size and year sitting right next to me... Weird... a lot of passive aggressiveness here!:love:

Some of the aggression isn't all that passive but my neutrality is sincere, though my doubts are too. If the CL ad is not his initial investment then prospects are better.

"Fortunately," I ride a 56-58 so I won't be anything but a spectator of this auction.

I think I've seen a few high-line Motos pop up NOS over the last few years but definitely a rare bike.

I'm curious as to how the auction ends.

:beer:

The guy comes here with a contrived tale of indecision, "Oh, if only it was my size. Please tell me if this bike is really special 'cause then I won't sell it."

Some here seem to think that this guy bought the bike from CL a month ago for close to fifteen hundred dollars. Read carefully. The archived CL listing was his. He purchased the bike with no other purpose in mind but to flip it. He didn't get his price there so he comes here with some handwringing dilemma. He wanted those here to be aware of his auction.

There is supposed to be fairly strict guidelines against this sort of business, and it is business. Is this rule overlooked if the bike is desirable?

Enough already!

Mr. Zane, you are full of needless hostility, thinking you figured out the whole scam. The bike came from Salem Oregon, you can verify that in the CL post that someone else put up. I am in Northern New Jersey, you can verify that by looking at links in this thread that other people posted to where the bike is for sale. Maybe you shouldn't be so smug. I want to know something about you....in your lifetime you've never made an impulse purchase and regretted it, or made a mistake in any way? You never let your enthusiasm lead you to a decision that wasn't very smart? I occasionally get charged up about things, especially cars, bicycles, and model trains. After the fact I realized I shouldn't have done it. No one here knows what I really paid for the bike, this was not done to make any money.

I really don't see the point of any hostility. If business was better in my industry, I'd probably buy it based on its size.

I'd just add the following: Anyone who buys this to ride has a treasure and a legacy, and something that has a minimal supply of replacement parts available. I'm not talking about compatible wheels and handlebars, but wear items such as headset, hub, and BB races and cones. Old grease can become hardened over time, and lose its lubricating properties. Hubs with this problem can feel rough (chunks of hardened grease that the balls are chewing through) or smooth (effectively metal/metal contact). If 30+ year old bearing surfaces are damaged, and they were replacable, you're faced with finding internal parts (races, not balls) for French components. I'll let us all think about what that might entail unless you're in the know.

I'd suggest overhauling the bike before riding to make sure the old but pristine bearing begin their useful life protected with fresh, clean grease. This will help to keep this original bike original and usable.

Road Fan

Regardless of the motivation, your here now so.... Got any other C&V bikes to show us?

Regardless of the motivation, your here now so.... Got any other C&V bikes to show us?

I bought another NOS bike last year that I really love, a 1994 Trek 930 mountain bike. It has a USA made frame with the nice seamless welds and full Shimano STX. I use it gently so it will stay new looking, it is a great riding bike. I do have some project bikes hanging around but I'm starting to realize that at my age it would be better to ride then restore!

looks like this bike will sell for a good sum----35 bids---now at $710--- with 2 days left---I bet it will sell close to $1500--jim:)

I'd suggest overhauling the bike before riding to make sure the old but pristine bearing begin their useful life protected with fresh, clean grease. This will help to keep this original bike original and usable.

Road Fan

+1 - essential advice

Never underestimate the value of an old Motorbacon, hehe. I guess they do have a following after all. I love my Grand Touring, and the Grand Record should be equally as lovable once completed:D.,,,,BD

Never underestimate the value of an old Motorbacon, hehe. I guess they do have a following after all. I love my Grand Touring, and the Grand Record should be equally as lovable once completed:D.,,,,BD


Is there a doubt that Motobecane has a following? Everywhere I rode my Motos they attracted lots of attention. The paint combos, and especially the Nervex lugged versions are really works of art. Even in the local park on a Sunday afternoon theres a good chance a casual biker will stop and ask me what I'm riding, and how unique it is.

Unique? Period kitschy, but not unique.

-Kurt

Unique? Period kitschy, but not unique.

-Kurt

Guess it depends on the context (and how grouchy you are this morning :notamused:). Yes, Raleigh and other bikes used Nervex lugs and had interesting color combinations so they aren't one-of-a-kind. Kitchy? Bean bags and tail fins are kitsch. Nervex lugs are maybe not art, but I wouldn't say they're kitsch. Let's call it "high craft." In any case, I can easily see how in a park setting with mostly mass-produced, modern CF and tig-welded aluminum bikes, a classic Motobecane (or Raleigh, or Paramount, etc.) would be regarded as "unique."

http://whatsonyourshelf.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/oscar.jpg

Seriously though, I should have clarified better - kitsch in a good way, say, "period popular."

That said though, I do not like to think of such bikes as unique. Just because the ratio of vintage to newfangled CF/aluminum increases in favor of the latter group every time a new bicycle is produced does not equal a corresponding decrease in the number of vintage machines in existence (unless someone trashes one). It simply means that you are more likely to see one of those CF thingamabobs per VLW roadbike. If you were to gather every lugged Motobecane in your city in one place, the Motos would look normal, while the CF would become "unique."

Case in point, the last vintage bicycle show that I was at would have suggested that the Schwinn Paramount is the most common thing on earth - out of 46 bikes, nine were Paramounts (not including the fact that one of the exhibitors left four of his at home, while I did not bring my '61).

-Kurt