Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1974 Motobecane Le Champion
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Kingfish
09-27-09, 09:53 AM
My bike, bought new back in the day. Reynolds 531 frame. All Campy NR except for the brakes which are Universal 61 center pulls. Super Champion tubular rims w/sew ups, high flange Campy hubs. Brooks Professional saddle in very good condition. Silver/lilac(?) original paint. I have the original owners manual around here somewhere.
All original except for the fork, which was lost in a pothole accident. There is a very minor crease at the top tube lug that is hardly noticeable from the same accident.
Can anyone tell me the value of this bike?
Need closeup pics of the crease. That can compromise frame integrity and greatly affect value. Downtube will likely have a slight crease as well.
mkeller234
09-28-09, 04:37 AM
+1, the head tube angle looks suspicious in this picture. The down tube looks like it might have a bend in it too.
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=119999&d=1254092403
Unfortunately, your frame is compromised. The head tube has a significant crease, and as Matt points out, the down tube is likely bent as well. I could not sell a damaged bike complete. I would be parting it out. The good news is that the bike does have some desirable parts!
Kingfish
09-28-09, 01:31 PM
So the best bet would be to break it down and sell it off on E-Bay?
I wasn't even the one who wrecked it.:mad:
stausty
09-28-09, 01:52 PM
Nope. Total loss. Sadly, this model used a particular brand of asbestos/lead/chromium paint dissolved in dioxin which is illegal to dispose of in several states. Thankfully I, and several other members of this board, are licensed handlers of such hazardous materials and can take the bicycle off of your hands.
Seriously, shoot me a PM. I have another Motobecane that's for all intents and purposes a bare frame that I want to build up.
So the best bet would be to break it down and sell it off on E-Bay?
I wasn't even the one who wrecked it.:mad:
Or find a frame builder who can fix it for you. Would likely cost more than it is worth.
But your bike has mid grade or better French parts, which are in relatively short supply. So they should have some pretty good value to them.