Originally Posted by
roshgosh
I recently purchased a Motobecane Team Champion from a gentleman in Paris who had raced it throughout the '70s. I believe it may date from 1971 as it resembles the bike in this photo being ridden by Luis Ocana in the TDF of that year
http://cyclingart.blogspot.com/2009/...-toreador.html
However, unlike the bike of Ocana, it is not fitted with Campagnolo NR but with a Huret mech, Weinmann center-pulls and a TA crank.
As this bike is a winter project and being too small for me, it will eventually be sold.
My question is: do I restore it to it's original state or should I fit it with all Campy NR of which I have a set, however dating from 1975.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Here is a link to more photos :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4890923...n/photostream/
I worked in a bike shop in 1974 that was a sizable dealer for Motobecane and later with the original importer of Motobecane, Ben Lawee.
This is a very interesting bike. I do not think it is a Team Champion. Obviously, the shop decal on the seat tube pins it down as a non-export bike sold in France.
What really interests me are the lugs. They appear to be well-finished and outlined in gold like the Team Champion and of the same pedigree (prugnat professional). The overall quality of this frame is very,very good.
I believe it is a 1974 or earlier French version of a Grand Jubilee. In the link I've posted below, look at the specs in the 1974 catalog for the U.S. The only real difference on the specs are the lugs, but if it was earlier than 1974, It could be possible that prugnat lugs were used. On a side-note that has absolutely nothing to with this post, I lived in the French village (Moret-sur-Loing) from 1958-1960 where prugnat lugs were made.
The Grand Jubilee also traditionally had the tube sticker right above the d/t shifters.
In later years, Vitus tubing was used, but the decal location was the same. As I recall,
the other high-end Motobecanes had the tube decal on the seat tube.
I think you have a great find. Have you located the serial number? That would help pin down the year. My guess is very early 70's.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strongl...7602015920740/