Originally Posted by
unworthy1
very interesting frame: I do think you have something from the European market but there are some similarities to the approx. 1979 US model Grand Record. For example the long-point BCM lugs, the Huret ends and the cable choices which have above BB for the drive cables but clamp-on shifters plus cable barrels for the rear brake cable.
Also the fork crown appears similar.
If yours is built from the same spec'd tubing it may be 3-mains Vitus 172 and fork blades, the remainder unknown steel.
Never seen a BB shell with what seems like the FD guide snapped off or...?
otherwise good chance the components were different as the USA model came with mostly Shimano 600EX.
the seatpost is a bit suspect I suggest you check the OD of the seat tube to determine if this frame has Metric or Imperial tubing and then re-check what seat post should fit a Vitus 172 tube (assuming this is what you got).
Take a look at this catalog scan from Velobase and see yourself what I have been referencing:
Motobecane Catalog 1979
Personally I'm not fussy about the tubing too much. If it's 172, I'm happy, if it's Reynolds, that's ok too. One easy way to tell would be stripping the paint, but I'm not quite sure whether I want to repaint it in original colour or just touch up.
As for the BB cable guide on the non-drive side, perhaps it sustained damage somehow (not sure how that could happen though) or one of the previous owners didn't want it for some reason. Whatever happened, the base of it is still there, so the top must have been removed and filed smooth. Which is also why I think the grey paint on the BB is not original (also, there is blue one underneath visible through the scratches to the top grey / silver coat).
Seatpost diameter-wise, the seat tube is 28mm and the current seat post is 26.8mm. Fits alright, doesn't seem to be too loose. Perhaps it could be a bit wider, looking at the back of the seat tube. I have 27 and 27.2mm seatposts somewhere and I will try them next week.
As for the diameters in that catalog, I've been informed previously by Verktyg in another thread that some of those are incorrect.