Classic & Vintage - Help to ID Motobécane mixte with cursive logo?

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sararu
07-12-09, 06:12 PM
I just fixed up an old Motobécane (my first "road-ready" restoration, with a little help) and would love to know the year and model.

Three pics are posted here at my Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sararu/sets/72157621357545820/

Cursive downtube logo. Badge has an elongated pentagonal shape. Serial # 40117 on dropouts.

I saw a question about the cursive logo in another thread from April that was never answered, so hopefully this might help out that member as well.

Thanks in advance!

jacksbike
07-12-09, 07:08 PM
My best guess , based on the cottered crankset and Simplex derailleurs, would be around 1969 to 1971.
love2pedal.com
07-12-09, 09:07 PM
I worked in a bike shop in the early 70s and we sold Motobecanes. That looks like something we sold in about 1974 called a Mirage. I think the entry level was called a Nomad and the Mirage was next up in the line, then Grand Touring (with a cotterless crank and suntour rr derailleur), then Grand Record (three tube reynolds 531), then a Campy equipped bike. Fairly simple line of bikes

The bikes were imported by Lawee (later made Univega).

Hope this helps

sararu
07-13-09, 07:36 AM
I worked in a bike shop in the early 70s and we sold Motobecanes. That looks like something we sold in about 1974 called a Mirage. I think the entry level was called a Nomad and the Mirage was next up in the line, then Grand Touring (with a cotterless crank and suntour rr derailleur), then Grand Record (three tube reynolds 531), then a Campy equipped bike. Fairly simple line of bikes

The bikes were imported by Lawee (later made Univega).

Hope this helps

Thanks! And what a great memory :)
unworthy1
07-13-09, 09:41 AM
^true, except that in '75 the Grand Record was "ALL tubing 531", not just 3 tubes (at least the decal says that).
Blue Order
07-13-09, 11:27 AM
^true, except that in '75 the Grand Record was "ALL tubing 531", not just 3 tubes (at least the decal says that).That's correct. By mid-decade, the Grand Record was 531 all tubes, the Grand Jubile was 531 three tubes, the Grand Touring was Vitus 181 three tubes. From what I've seen of earlier Motobecane models, it appears that the mid-range models were upgraded throughout the 70s (e.g., the Grand Touring was upgraded from 1020 to Vitus, and apparently, the Grand Record was upgraded from 531 three tubes to 531 all tubes, etc.).