Originally Posted by
Narhay
Looks like a parts bin build but if the threads are French then I would also second the motobecane thought. Of course I'm guessing but the threads at least would lend some idea to provenance.
Originally Posted by
noobinsf
A lot of details make me think Motobecane Le Champion. Color, seat stay ends, lug pattern, Stronglight headset, French bars and stem, fork crown...
EDIT: I missed the detail that it’s been repainted, so color is not an indicator. I still think Motobecane, though. Also because of the location of the serial num.
Originally Posted by
SurferRosa
Both my '75 Grand Record and the '79 Le Champion that passed thru my hands have 26.6 seatposts.
Originally Posted by
unworthy1
+3 for Motobecane (it's those headlugs!) and nearly certain to be metric DB tubing (531 most likely but COULD be Vitus or Columbus) so re-measure the seatpost. Almost certain to take a 26.4 or 26.6
Thanks so much! I only suspected a French make due to the cockpit, but not sure what were OE parts. Only Pivo set up I have is on a French '66 Cazenave, but not as nice a frame. Never had a Motobecane, and seems the ones I've seen did not have that early style lug work. Does this seem like an earlier frame than the '70s parts it has? I have never seen those lugs on anything except in photos and those were all '50s era bikes. I guess the serial number might help depending on when Motobecane started serializing their frames (if that make). I hope it has a French BB, I need one for another build. Will know next week when it's removed. The whole bike is functionally in great condition, all bearings smooth, chain well maintained.