1976 Motobecane Grand Touring
08-18-17, 09:18 PM
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1976 Motobecane Grand Touring
I have a 1976 Motobecane Grand Touring that I bought new in 1976. I rode it for quite a while, then moved on to a Cannondale. Anyway, it has been hanging in my garage since and I am looking to dispose of it. It is way too nice a bike to take to the dump, that's why I still have it. It is all original stock parts, even the well worn saddle, except for the rear wheel and derailleur and, of course, tires. The headset is cranky, but the rest of the bearings are smooth and it can be ridden as it is. The frame has original paint with a few nicks, particularly on the drive-side chainstay, but not rusty. Is there a market for the bike in original condition? If so, how much is it worth? Should I invest some time and money to refurbish it mechanically? Would that make it more salable or valuable? I'm capable of fixing the bike, but not a professional. Thanks for any advice.
Last edited by cb400bill; 08-19-17 at 08:58 AM. Reason: Removed marketing comments
08-18-17, 09:39 PM
#2
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Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
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I bought a 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring in Seattle for $150 in good condition 2 years ago, depending your area I would say $150 to $200 depending on condition. Tough to say without pictures.
The MotoGT is a nice mid-level bike not entry level not high end. New consumables are going to run you around $80 and then labor and time, the rehab might push the value to $200 or more depending on condition and market. If you can work on bikes but its not fun for you then you can always donate it to a bike co-op if you have one in your area. The low effort option is to wipe the dust off list it for $75 as is and see what happens. You did say you wanted it gone right?
A shot of mine below
EDIT FYI the 76 model does have the nicer Vitus main tubes, earlier models had the more run of the mill 1020 tubing
[IMG]
IMG_1311 by Ryan Surface, on Flickr[/IMG]
The MotoGT is a nice mid-level bike not entry level not high end. New consumables are going to run you around $80 and then labor and time, the rehab might push the value to $200 or more depending on condition and market. If you can work on bikes but its not fun for you then you can always donate it to a bike co-op if you have one in your area. The low effort option is to wipe the dust off list it for $75 as is and see what happens. You did say you wanted it gone right?
A shot of mine below
EDIT FYI the 76 model does have the nicer Vitus main tubes, earlier models had the more run of the mill 1020 tubing
[IMG]
IMG_1311 by Ryan Surface, on Flickr[/IMG]
Last edited by ryansu; 08-18-17 at 10:00 PM.
08-19-17, 07:01 AM
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There's a forum specific to requests like this. Moderators may move it there:
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bike Forums
But yes, there is definitely a market and fan-base for mid-70's, mid-level Motobecanes. They are well made, stylish, have good componenents, and they ride great. I just bought a ~'76 Motobecane Grand Jubile, which is a similar level bike, in as-found condition, with original components for $80, and I think I got a good deal. Once I replace tires, cables, and bearing grease. I'll sell it for about $175 to a friend, or get about $225 on the open market.
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Bike Forums
But yes, there is definitely a market and fan-base for mid-70's, mid-level Motobecanes. They are well made, stylish, have good componenents, and they ride great. I just bought a ~'76 Motobecane Grand Jubile, which is a similar level bike, in as-found condition, with original components for $80, and I think I got a good deal. Once I replace tires, cables, and bearing grease. I'll sell it for about $175 to a friend, or get about $225 on the open market.
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08-19-17, 09:01 AM
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08-20-17, 09:45 AM
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I second the "motion" put forward by ryansu. His estimate sounds solid. It is a great riding bike that somebody will appreciate. Mine is also a '78 model.
08-20-17, 11:11 AM
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In most markets that bike should disappear quickly for right around $75-$100. More likely than not where I live some flipper will buy it and list it at 2x the price but not put any work into the bike. There it will languish on CL for a few years, probably forever.
Bottom line not fixed up it will move at right around $100. It would have to be a very good market for it to move--as is--at much more.
Bottom line not fixed up it will move at right around $100. It would have to be a very good market for it to move--as is--at much more.
08-21-17, 08:18 AM
#7
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In most markets that bike should disappear quickly for right around $75-$100. More likely than not where I live some flipper will buy it and list it at 2x the price but not put any work into the bike. There it will languish on CL for a few years, probably forever.
Bottom line not fixed up it will move at right around $100. It would have to be a very good market for it to move--as is--at much more.
Bottom line not fixed up it will move at right around $100. It would have to be a very good market for it to move--as is--at much more.
Jeirvine's Jubilee is substantially in greater demand than a GT, due to frame being Reynolds 531.
08-23-17, 11:33 AM
#8
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Thanks for the Useful Informatioin
Thanks to all who responded, never expected such a responsive and supportive community. ryansu's picture is my bike, without the rack, and polished up. They were beautiful bikes. I love the lug work on them. So now I know what to expect, I guess I will give CraigsList a try. Best wishes to everyone on BikeForums!
08-27-17, 09:41 PM
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Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
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Good luck @StillBiking@71
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