Originally Posted by
3alarmer
...I see bicycles all the time on the local CL that I could assume as projects, full dismantle, repaint, decal, and reassemble with new wheels to result in a classic frame that is a fun ride. But they are often too expensive in their asking price, because someone has the idea it's a nice bike, in spite of the current condition. I now presume they are doing me a favor, because I can only do three or four complete repaint projects a year. Otherwise it's not fun any more.
...someone just listed a far from pristine, but promising, 1976 Motobecane Le Champion about 15 minutes away from me, for $280. It is missing the original brakes, and when dismantled today had installed in it an undersized bar (shimmed, but just barely) and a seatpost that was .2 mm too small. It did come with a salvageable Brooks Pro, and most of the other original components, except the brakes, for some strange reason. But I have all that stuff in the garage somewhere.
I will probably strip and paint it, because the paint is a little rough, and I always like the lilac ones. This one is silver. there is no chance in the world I'll eventually be able to sell it for what I will have into it, but I always wanted one, and this one seemed to be there with me in mind.
I realize not everyone is in the demographic of people who spend $280 for a project bike. But if you want the nicer ones, they're still showing up out of the dark corners of attics and garages.