Classic & Vintage - Motobecane Super Mirage as THE long distance bike

I recently had a chance to buy a 54cm Motobecane Super Mirage that really looked under acceptable conditions, and I am strongly considering the investment to make it my century + bike (since all I have is a Rush Hour single speed and a 16" folding bike that anything after 60 miles become slightly unconfortable).

I would like to hear the good and the bad about this frame, suggested upgrades (already got new handlebars, brake levers, brake pads, seatpost, new saddle and clipless pedals).

If you guys can point me in the right direction to have this frame dated, that would be awesome as well.

Lastly, if it is not asking too much, the bike came with 27" wheels that feature a nice looking campagnolo set of hubs. I might go to 700c (new) whees, so is there any place where I can have an ideal of the value of these hubs?

Thank you in advance for any contribution.

14R

Almost any bike properly set up is a good choice. The SM may not be the lightest of frames, but all the Motos I have ridden have been good riders. Be aware you may need to get new calipers going from 27 to 700c. Nothing wrong with 27 other than the dearth of top of the line tires, but for a century, Conti Gatorskins might be a good choice for puncture resistance. Photos would help us date the frame. Value of the hubs would depend on the model. There is an appraisal forum, but remember that eBay completed auctions are a good source.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4866294526_a2d6811934_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4865676285_28b587fdc8_b.jpg

Better pictures soon.

Assuming the frame fits you, it looks like a fine choice. As long as the rims are OK, I'd skip the wheel swap and either go with the Conti's like CV6 suggested, or a pair of Panaracer Paselas, my personal favorite. The folding tourguard ones are especially nice and available in several widths.

I'd also switch the shifters to barcons. If you have some leftover cash, put it toward fenders, light(s), or bags/racks.

Based on the paint and the type of markings, I would put it ca 75-76. Appears it already has a Conti tire on the rear. LOL. Looks like you have a good start for what you are wanting. Concur on losing the stem shifters.

EDIT: Just looked at some catalogs. Yours appears to be a 79 model. I thought they stopped using that type of markings before then.

Thank you so much for the prompt replies. I am excited about this. I am strongly considering going with bullhorns instead of dropbars (I really never used the bottom portion of dropbars, even on long distance rides). From the "functionality" perspective, I am not used to change gears often (i'm in flat Florida), so is the stem shifter really THAT bad?

I can't imagine doing "century plus" riding with bullhorns. I am sure others do it. Myself, I prefer the hand position options of a drop bar. I move my hand position all the time.

Stem shifters are fine, they just have that low end bike image. Functionally, they work well.

I can't imagine doing "century plus" riding with bullhorns. I am sure others do it. Myself, I prefer the hand position options of a drop bar. I move my hand position all the time.

Stem shifters are fine, they just have that low end bike image. Functionally, they work well.

I'm with Bill on the handlebars. Plus, I've ridden in central FL before and although it's flat, the winds can be pretty brutal. I'd look for bars with a shallow drop, and/or go with a slightly longer stem so the drop position isn't radically low.

if you dont ever ride in the drops, bullhorns are more comfortable than riding on the tops of dropbars.

if you move your hands all the time, then maybe your bars aren't so comfortable.

Thank you for the feedback. I never looked at stem shifters as something that broadcasts a low end image. Then again, I ride a folding bike as my "main" bike, so go figure lol.

On the handlebars: I really never used the drops, and the idea of adding an aerobar to this bike is not completely ruled out...we will see. Once again, thank you for all the feedback.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4841087864_dbf8fc92bb_o.jpg

My husband has a Super Mirage c.1976 that I think is a 60cm frame. It is his all-purpose road and touring bike. He got it used, switched out the stem and drop bars to Nitto, replaced the original brake levers with aero, added MKS touring pedals and Honjo fenders, and that is about it. Has cycled the heck out of that bike for the past year and a half, the rides being up to 50 miles at a time. He likes the bike for what it is - reliable, fast, versatile - but it is not a super comfortable or a high end bike by any means. The geometry is rather aggressive, which makes it not the best for touring. There is also too much pressure on the hands no matter how he adjusts his position. Eventually, he will probably look for a nicer bike or get one custom built - but in the meantime, this one has been a good friend.

Thank you Veloria. That's exactly what I needed: even though each case is a case, each person is a person, it is nice to hear what is going on with others that decided to give it a shot.

This is how it looks after some work:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4996789172_c69c26695b_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4996187409_962282a939_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4996789172_c69c26695b_b.jpg

You went to all that work and then put a rusty chain on it!? ;)

Is that seat angle comfortable? I feel like I'd be sliding onto the top tube all the time.

I like the bullhorns though.

I will be shopping around for some upgrades: chain, brake cantis and a seatpost. The saddle was angled wrong, fixed now. I just really wanted to take the pictures!

Sorry, I wasn't actually harassing you ... I thought it was one of those fancy gold chains. Good work, and keep us posted. I'd like to hear if the bullhorns are comfy enough for long rides.

When your seat is tipped down like that, it's a hint that it might be raised too high. Try setting it level or even tipped back a smidge. Then you may want to lower the seat.

Nice work.

I had one as a commuter bike. I had straight-ish handlebars on it. I liked it a lot. I notice handling would actually improve when I put cargo on the front, which is common for many French bikes.