Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1973 Le Champion Motobecane - Keep and ride or sell and buy carbon frame

I have a 1973 Motobecane Le Champion. I have owned it since the mid-80's and just pulled it out of storage, reconditioned it, and am riding it (about 800 miles so far in past few months). It is a comfortable bike, shifts incredibly smoothly, and is fun to ride. When I asked the mechanic at the bike shop, he recommended I get a newer bike (carbon frame, etc). I want to go on long rides (50 - 100 miles), and my question is should I sell my Motobecane and get a bike with newer technology? If I do sell the bike I am not sure what its value is. The paint is a bit faded, but everything on the bike is original (e.g., Brooks saddle, Universal Model 61 brakes, Campagnolo components throughout, including Nuovo Record rear derailleur, Stronglight cranks, Iberia Cursa pedals). The only thing I replaced are the rims (came with original sew up tires).

You'd be a fool to get rid of that old-school steel frame road bike. I'd keep riding it and save your money for a new bike, because you'll eventually want a new one. Your LBS dude is just trying to sell some of his bikes. Don't fault him for that, its part of his business.

I would day the Le Champion sounds fine for the kind of riding you want to do. Especially if you're already comfortable on it.

Your LBS dude is just trying to sell some of his bikes. Don't fault him for that, its part of his business.

+1

This happens all the time. The basic message is that your old bike is inferior to a new one and that to be happy riding you need the latest and greatest. While this might be true in some specific situations (MTB racing comes to mind) road bikes really haven't changed that much in at least the past 50 years. Your bike was very nice when it was made, it's not some old clunker. If you like it, keep it.

If you get into racing eventually you'll want indexed shifters on the bars, and at that point a new bike might make sense.

If anything, I'd argue your bike is better than a new bike on the following points:

Steel > carbon fiber (durability)
36x3 > low spoke wheels (durability, repair-ability)
5 speed rear > 10 speed rear (chain life)
Brooks > plastic saddle

Whew! I must be a retro grouch... In contrast, the new bike will be lighter, stiffer, and "faster" than your current bike. It will also have closer steps between gears, which is nice when cruising on the flats.

I agree keep it and ride it. if your going to Solo 50+ mile rides it only matters to you what you ride. if you want to get into fast paced group rides maybe a new bike is in order but there are still lots of great NEW steel rides out there.

No one asked for pics? really?

See if the shop will loan you a bike to take on a long ride, then you can make a informed decision.

Wrong forum if you want to dump a vintage bike to get a modern plastic bike.

+1 One LBS told me with a straight face that anything over four years old is obsolete......I haven't been back to that shop.

Asking a bike shop if you need a new bike is like asking a dog if it is hungry.

Wrong forum if you want to dump a vintage bike to get a modern plastic bike.

+1 One LBS told me with a straight face that anything over four years old is obsolete......I haven't been back to that shop.

Asking a bike shop if you need a new bike is like asking a dog if it is hungry.


Truer words never spoken. :thumb:

Regarding the worth, those usually go between $400 & $600 depending on condition.

I regularly smoke past "modern, superior" bikes on my 1979 Raleigh and it's not even a high end '79 Raleigh.

One more vote for the classic.

Thanks to everyone for their input. After trying out a carbon frame bike I came to the conclusion that the newer bikes are more comfortable, and I love the way they are set up for shifting. Consequently, yesterday I bought a Cervelo RS with Shimano Ultegra 6700 components.

I will probably end up selling my Motobecane to someone who would appreciate it more than I.

Happy riding!

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NOOOOOOO!!!

We lost him!

Agree that shifting systems have improved greatly, although I still prefer the wider chain of an 8S system to the narrow 9+ systems....

Disagree about modern bikes being more comfortable. ANY bike that fits you can be made comfortable with the correct bar position, saddle, etc. Also, any bike that does NOT fit is bound to be uncomfortable.

I still say you should keep this great old gal around. it would ne like having a '68 MG or Triumph in the garage (OK OK more like a Corvair or Belevadere) in the garage for occasional weekend joy riding and a '11 Corvett or STS that you drive to work everyday.

I am not certain of the value but I am not really sure of that $400+ figure. only a serious Moto collector would pay alot for that, infact I think Mike Wolfe set a new low for them of about $75 but he dug it out from under a bush. to get top dollar it needs a good detailing, and tune up. that rusty bottle cage has to go too. depending where you live clean and shiny it will certainly bring about $200+ (if anyone ask if it will make a good "fisie" tell them NO!)

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Why does this have to be an either/or decision? Keep your Motobecane. Save up for a new bike and buy it. Enjoy both.

Why does this have to be an either/or decision? Keep your Motobecane. Save up for a new bike and buy it. Enjoy both.

This dog already ate and is probably over at the roadie forum now. Hope the Moto finds a nice home.

Dear NapaRider,

I am a newbie to this forum and came across your postings. I would love to buy your Motobecane from you. I have a friend that has cancer and is a huge fan of French bikes: I know he would love it. He is also a master bicycle mechanic and is extremely meticulous when it comes to caring for his bikes. He has recently finished his last round of chemotherapy and is looking forward to getting some of his strenth back and resume his normal life.

He is a dear friend, and if your bike is still available, please let me know. I would love to buy the bike for him to help him in his recovery.

The only questions are the size and the price. He needs a bike with a 54 or 55 cm top tube (measured center to center). It can be slightly longer than 55, but not longer than 55.5.

Of course, I am willing to pay a fair price for the bike.

Sincerely,
Bikewriter01

I'm not sure he wants to ship it to Nigeria.

I'm not sure he wants to ship it to Nigeria.

To the owner of the Motobecane:

I am located well within the U.S. borders. I live in Los Angeles, CA (no 753proguy, it is not a city in Nigeria).

The friend that I want to give the bike to also lives in the unknown, foriegn city of Los Angeles.

I have a Pay Pal account and am more than happy to pay through Pay Pal for the bike and shipping to Los Angeles.

I hope I have not missed out on this opportunity.

Bikewriter01

Dear Bikerider01,

I measured my bike at 23 inches from center of crank to top of seat post mount which works out to about 58cm, unfortunately too big for what you are looking for.

I wish we could have worked out a deal (whether in Nigeria or LA).

NapaRider

Dear NapaRider,

Thank you so much for measuring the frame. Would you be able to measure the top tube from center to center. My friend uses a sizing method that is based on top tube length.
If it is close to a 54, 55, or even 55.5 cm top tube measured center to center it would be perfect.

Thanks again for responding and for taking the time to measure the bike.

Sincerely,
Bikewriter01

Hi Bikewirter01,

The top tube center to center is 22 3/4 inches or 55.25 cm. Please contact me at markalexmccoy@yahoo.com to discuss price, delivery, etc.

I hope it works out for you and your friend.

Naparider

Sorry to butt in but 22.75 inches is 57.8cm. Well over the interested parties desired range. Which would be the expected value given that the Le Champion is pretty square and the seat tube was 58cm.

.... Which would be the expected value given that the Le Champion is pretty square and the seat tube was 58cm.

$1000+

Several years ago, Sheldon pegged the value of a Le Champ at $700, (and given that his estimates were low then), today $1000 would be a real bargain, assuming all the original bits.

OP: Your LBS will be more than willing to sell you a CF bike for $5000 today. It will be worth nothing tomorrow.

Ride the crap out of the MOTO it will build character for on and off the bike.

BlueDevil63 - thanks for the butt. It's actually 21 3/4 inches (22 3/4 was typo error) which would calculate out to 55.25 cm - right?

Well for what its worth I had a pretty pristine 72 Le Champion, all original, that I couldn't get more than $900 for last summer. Ebay etc, plenty of very good pictures, perfect feedback scores, and I was plenty patient. So I might say $1000 but I think that is pushing it.

I, too, have a late 70s (possibly 1980-81) Motobecane Le Champion that I'm interested in selling, although not to get a replacement road bike...well, sort of, in a way, I am. I'm actually looking to get a new (ie. used) motorcycle, and while I have enough to consider a good number of bikes, any additional money I can add to my funds would allow me to get a newer and/or better motorcycle (mostly looking at Sport-Touring, as opposed to rice rockets, choppers, dual-sports, etc). The problem is, I really don't know much about the bike I have, as it was donated to me a few years ago by Catholic Charities, after my previous bike (GT GTR-Series 3) was stolen.

Other than some light wear on the saddle, the bike is in near-perfect condition. There's virtually no rust on the bike, and only a few very, very minor chips and scratches in the paint (a metallic titanium color, if I'm correct). Other than the afore-mentioned paint, the frame, and fork, are in perfect shape. Even the original bike-mounted pump (also in excellent condition) is still on the bike. The original Campy/SunTour components are all in excellent condition, with only the front brake (not sure if it's the calipers, or the brake lever) needing adjustment. The handlebar "tape" is still the original hand-sewn leather one, which, as with everything else, is in near-perfect shape. I measured from the top of the top tube, to the middle of the BB (at least to the best of my ability), and I got 57.5cm (so I'm guessing it's a 58cm), which would explain why it's too big for me, as I normally ride a 52cm frame.

If anyone is interested in the bike and/or could tell me more about it, it would be greatly appreciated. I've included one photo (below), but I have taken many more photos which can be emailed to anyone interested in the bike and/or interested in helping me find out more about it. I am located in San Jose. As for the bike, when purchased new, it was purchased locally, at Velo Club Bicycle Shop in San Carlos. Unfortunately, as I discovered in my first attempts to gain information about this bike, they went out of business a few years ago. Again, anyone who might be able to help me find out more about this bike and/or anyone interested in purchasing the bike, feel free to contact me. As I mentioned, I have plenty of additional photos (35 in all) that I can attach to emails (due to the number of photos, and the size limit of Microsoft's email servers (ie. 10MB/email), it takes two emails to attach all 35 photos.

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244674It appears we have a Le Champion following mine is a 1977 62 cm, I am 5'11" with a 33 inseam. Or you could say the bike is too big for me.
As I have not been able to let this go I finally have to say the bar touches the sits bones. Did change out the stem for a shorter version but still too big.
A version in great shape a few nicks is all. Mostly it was hanging in the garage. & yes I bought it new, have the brochure also.
Campognolo front & rear derailleur's, Strong Light Crank, Weinmann side pull brakes, Campagnolo brake lines, seat post, Motobecane headset & mallard hubs with mallard releases.
I will post in market place when I have time to be home. Probably look for a Cannondale smaller frame road bike.