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04-23-10, 05:36 PM
On Craigs, a gentleman is offering a Vintage Motobecane Grand Jubile frameset for $100.
Circa 1974 Motobecane Grand Jubile frameset. Reynolds 531, Nervex lugs. Top of the line touring bike for Motobecane, equally adept at fast rides or covering long-distances in comfort. 56 cm. Silver paint with red trim. Stem and seat post included.
No dents, no rust, paint mostly good but some flaws in the silver paint and the red trim needs retouching.
I sent him a message for more detailed pictures and asked him about the paint, assuming it had been re-painted at some point. I got this response (along with pictures):
Pics attached. Regarding repaint, it's a bit complex. The silver is definitely original, as are the screenprinted make and model names. What *might* have been touched up are the red bands on the seat tube. Also, the head tube and fork crown were at one point black, then painted red. The red is peeling. I have a feeling that this occurred at the factory-- that the head tube was painted black at the factory, and then repainted red at the factory. I know this model was on the market as silver and red, so that is the only explanation that makes sense to me.
My question: The bike is too large for me. I'd only be purchasing it to build it up and resell it as a clean restoration for some fun. So, is it worth the $100? That head tube paint looks a little wonky, but...
Circa 1974 Motobecane Grand Jubile frameset. Reynolds 531, Nervex lugs. Top of the line touring bike for Motobecane, equally adept at fast rides or covering long-distances in comfort. 56 cm. Silver paint with red trim. Stem and seat post included.
No dents, no rust, paint mostly good but some flaws in the silver paint and the red trim needs retouching.
I sent him a message for more detailed pictures and asked him about the paint, assuming it had been re-painted at some point. I got this response (along with pictures):
Pics attached. Regarding repaint, it's a bit complex. The silver is definitely original, as are the screenprinted make and model names. What *might* have been touched up are the red bands on the seat tube. Also, the head tube and fork crown were at one point black, then painted red. The red is peeling. I have a feeling that this occurred at the factory-- that the head tube was painted black at the factory, and then repainted red at the factory. I know this model was on the market as silver and red, so that is the only explanation that makes sense to me.
My question: The bike is too large for me. I'd only be purchasing it to build it up and resell it as a clean restoration for some fun. So, is it worth the $100? That head tube paint looks a little wonky, but...