Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - What model Motobecane did I just buy? What's it worth?

http://i.imgur.com/zPSHD.jpg

I haven't ridden in a while and I know pretty much nothing about bikes. I need exercise and I knew I wanted a vintage road bike so I jumped on this when I saw it because, welp, it's beautiful. The seller didn't know what model it is but thinks it's a 1975 from the stamp on the stem I guess? What do I have here?

components:

The Frame is 531 Reynolds with a 61cm Seat Tube,

60cm Top Tube and has a 34-Inch Standover.

Philippe Atax Professionnel Bars

3ttt Stem that has a “75” Stamped on it.

Gran Compe Brakes.

Lightrace Headset.

Stronglight Crank

Stronglight Chainrings

Huret Derailleurs

Mallard Hubs

Semperit Super Sport 32-622 Tires (Old but Work)

Gipiemme Dropouts.

[ATTACH]23939]Looks like a 75,how do you know its 531? I did'nt see a sticker regardless looks really nice I have a 1980 super mirage and love it.hope you enjoy yours too :)

[ATTACH]23939]Looks like a 75,how do you know its 531? I did'nt see a sticker regardless looks really nice I have a 1980 super mirage and love it.hope you enjoy yours too :)

There's a plainly visible 531 decal on the fork blade and it looks like there is another one just above the shifters, on the down tube.

You might have some success finding information about the bicycle if you Google "1975 Motobecane Bicycle Catalog". As for value, not a clue at this point in time. I am offering my 1978 Motobecane Grand Jubilee (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Feature_Bicycles_France/Motobecane_Gran_Jubilee/MOTOBECANE_GRAND_JUBILEE_1_Start.htm) for $650.00, and turned down $550.00 but I am patient. That said, my bike is a more common size and looks the vintage part with its sought after black with red head tube cosmetics.

You can try to understand the dynamics of Vintage Bicycle Value (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_VALUE/VALUE_1_Start.htm) and that might help you with pricing as well as marketing methods. You can also figure out the vintage of your bicycles by applying some of the information contained in How Old Is My Bicycle? (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_VINTAGE/VINTAGE_1_Start.htm)

I am offering my 1978 Motobecane Grand Jubilee[/URL][/B] for $650.00, and turned down $550.00 but I am patient. That said, my bike is a more common size and looks the vintage part with its sought after black with red head tube cosmetics.



I am not as patient as Randy, and would be very pleased to accept $550 for my 1979 Grand Jubile mixte. Its all about condition, marketing skill, and patience. I have the first two, Randy has all three.

It is later than 75 as that style of markings did not appear until ca 77. The 75 stamped in the stem is probably stem length. Look closely at the top tube and see if there is a shadow of a decal on it. Frame may be a Euro model, and I would think Le Champion if it weren't for the Gippiemme ends. The frame is definitely top dollar but the components are a bit puzzling. Stronglight 105bis crankset is top of the line, however the Huret derailleurs don't look to be in the same class. From what little I can see of the hubs, they are not upper echelon Maillards. It's a nice bike with potential.

+1, I was thinking very late 1970s, foreign market model too. I don't think I'd come down too hard on the derailleurs. The rear looks like a Sucess and may even be a Success Ti. A close-up picture of the rear derailleur would be appreciated.

Edit: Found it!

Motobecane C4, French market, circa 1978. Derailleur is Huret Success.

You have one from 1979-1982. I have a 1980 Mirage I purchased new. Has the same exact graphics and head badge. Your is a higher end model than the Mirage or Super Mirage if it has 531 tubing however. In 1979 and earlier they used a stem mounted shifter and Suntour derailleurs. In 1980 downtube shifters and Huret derailleurs. There were some upper end models with downtube shifters in 1979 and those graphics though they used either Campy or Shimano derailleurs.

Here is a link to the 1979 catalog.
http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/1979/

According to the 1979 info, the Le Champion used Reynolds. It also would have had some Campy stuff on it as well however. Maybe you can puzzle through the specs and figure it out on the above link.

I think T-mar has it. C4 Titane. Here some pics showing most components. See if they match yours.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59879001@N08/sets/72157626246711535/


Don't know the value, but looks to be a good bike. I like my Mirage, though not more than entry level, has a good geometry that fits. So a few pounds heavier, but a nice riding bike.

WOW that is a pretty bike.

thanks, guys. it is definitely a C4. everything looks identical to the C4 in that flickr set, except for the hubs.

Randyjawa,
I like the ride report in your link about the Motobecane, pretty wells sums up vintage comfort bike to me.