marksorens

Hi All,

I have a 3-speed Motobecane bicycle whose paint and decals are badly worn. I want to know the model of the bike and the year, if possible. Here is what I know:

• 3-speed
• 27" rims
• Weinmann brakes
• Pryma leather seat

Attached are some pictures. Can anyone tell me the model/year of my bike?

Thanks in advance!

MS

randyjawa 

Many people want to know How Old Is My Bike? and that is why I published that article. If your bike has a Strumey Archer rear hub, look for a two digit code stamped into the surface. That will indicate the year of the hub which will, probably, indicate the year the bicycle was manufactured.

T-Mar

Motobecane did not catalog a 3 speed model, outside of the small wheeled, Riveria folding bicycle. Given that the subject bicycle has a chainring mounted guard as opposed to a full chain guard typically found on 3 speeds, I suspect this is a converted Motobecane Nobly. As further evidence, it has a chainstay mounted cable stop designed for a short length a cable, as used on derailleur equipped models. Though you can't see them in the pictures, I suspect it also has a set cable stops on the left hand side of the down tube for a front derailleur. This and paint markings on the seat tube from a front derailleur would clinch that it is a converted Nobly.

Of course, if it is a conversion, the hub cannot be used for dating purposes. Based on the headbadge design, this frame is very early 1970s or possibly even 1960s. What is the serial number?

marksorens

You are right. It is a Nobly. I couldn't understand the faded screenprinted decal, but now that you suggest that, I can definitely tell that it reads Nobly. Thanks for the tip. Re, the serial number, I'm not sure where to locate it, but there is a stamp above the bottom bracket: V4 3609. Underneath the bottom bracket is stamped: 609, 3, A1, respectively. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any thoughts on the year.

MS

T-Mar

Currently, we don't have a handle on decoding the Motobecane serial numbers. I am just starting to collect them in the hope that I can make some sense out of them.