Number_6

I saw this Motobecane on fleabay. I know the price is way out of line, but it's quite a curiosity. It looks to be a porteur type, but a couple of things that throw me are the Shimano 333 hub and the 64 1/2 cm frame size. I've gone though online catalogs and the 3 speeds that resemble this have derailleurs not hubs. The largest frame size I saw for porteurs was 61. Is it based on a Nomade frame? I'm thinking it's '70's or 80's, but could it be older? Everything looks to be authentic on it- not a conversion (unless it was total).

Vintage Men's 3 Speed 64 1 2 cm Motobecane Bicycle | eBay

Velocivixen

I think everything's authentic, each by themselves, but I think someone made the bike aftermarket. I'm not a Moto expert but I've done some research. They used French components then in the '70's they tapped into the Asian market - SunTour. Superior performance for less let them be competitive with Peugeot. I don't know much about Motos in the '80's and beyond.

Have you you looked at date codes on components?

wahoonc

Smells like a very late 1970's into the 1980's Euro spec city bike.

Aaron

michael k

Motophile?

Is that someone who mates a Murray bicycle with Motobecanes?

cavalier

That is an interesting bike....the last kickstand I saw like that was on a 70s Bridgestone. I have a 60s Motobecane Pantin Mixte that was pretty rough but all French. It is a updated leftover component rat/rain bike now (it really works great) that had similar bars (drops now). If you go onto Velospace you can download the 1974 catalog that might show the US 3 speed.















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Bledfor Days

The rear dropouts have an extra mounting lug than my 75 Nomade. Front fork and lugs look identical.

Number_6

I thought a non-French market variant was most likely, Euro or Asian- markets who would expect an IGH. I can see that the French- being the French- would find anything British or German reprehensible- ergo Japan.

I did check out Velospace and all the US catalogs had road bikes listed exclusively. I came across a French one that had the whole line, but no IGH models on a frame like this.

All I have done is write the seller, who couldn't tell me much but asked about an offer- which I made way short of the asking price/initial bid. They are about an entire day's round trip form me. but it they take my price later, I think it'd be worth the trip.

Bledfor Days

Looks like it needs a new chain, seatpost, tires. That's $75-100 bike here in Vancouver area.

Number_6

I noticed a couple more things. The front fender stays are gone, maybe the rears as well- and who knows what shape that Shimano 333 is in?

The two Raleighs I bought several weeks ago near St. Louis- the Sports and the 3-speed Sprite- I got for $50 each and are in somewhat better shape (but are inop). So I offered accordingly.

Bledfor Days

I got a better look at it on my PC and not my phone. It's rougher than I thought. I upgraded the wheels on my Nomade and changed cables, tires and bar tape. I probably won't get my money back when I sell it.

Bianchigirll 

I wouldn't pay more than $25 for that. It needs a lot of elbow grease too.

Number_6

I decided I'd give $50 on it, as it has some virtues I like. First I'll assume it's original. I'm 6'5" and it's tough to find a tall-framed 3-speed (I have a 25" Sprite I'm doing for myself right now).- so that's' a bit remarkable. It has a certain weirdness/French factor that's attractive. It's quite unique, I'd be the only guy on the block to have one. I like it when people gaze- and break down and ask, "What is that?".

Number_6

Yeah, it does sound perverted.

Number_6

It is a Moto Metropolis, apparently a 1982-only model. Looks to be a 3-speed version of a Nobly. Thanks, and a hat tip to one of our forum members who sent me a PM. I'd thank him privately, but I'm short a couple of posts.

Now, in the specs I'd like to know what "SR" and "CS" mean in the components. I'd guess they are not exotic

https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/catalog..._Interclub.jpg
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/catalog..._specs_pg1.jpg
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/catalog..._specs_pg2.jpg

cavalier

I did find the 3 speed Nobly in the 1975 catalog. similar but different rack and no chain guard so off and on they made similar models for awhile.

wahoonc

SR is a parts company, things like stems and seat posts. IIRC it stands for Sakae Ringyo. Not sure about the CS. SR has been around over 25 years.

Aaron

Lascauxcaveman 

That's some fairly serious rust going on there, in several places. Did you check out the shot of the head tube, drive side? There could be one or more main tubes rotting and ready to give way, and you won't really know it until you take it apart and look. At the very least, use that as a negotiating point. Although, with the ambitious starting price, I think the seller is looking for a fish, not a knowledgeable bike guy.

And good luck getting that seatpost to move. I wouldn't even think about driving out to get it until the owner showed me pics that prove those pieces aren't stuck.

Number_6

Yes I have a pile of questions and this post brings a few more good ones. After finding out what it is, it's really nothing special. I haven't heard anything from the sellers after my offer, so it's likely they'll keep running it. I think I'l pass, anyway. I bought a new Felt Verza Regency yesterday and the desire to acquire has dried up. Trust me, I've got enough to do, anyway...

Thanks for the posts!