Originally Posted by
non-fixie
As they were built to a budget they are mostly made of high-ten tubing and often came with cheap and relatively heavy parts, like steel rims and cranks. Because they were affordable they sold well, especially during the seventies, and many still languish in sheds all over Europe. Collectors aren't interested so you can usually pick them up for little money.
Find one from a large manufacturer (preferably French) in your size, build it up with your favorite parts and you may well end up with a very nice Sunday tourer. I have done so a few times and wasn't disappointed.
Very true. Those frames may have used high tension steel but they rode very nicely. I built up quite a few during the pandemic, as my sanity safety valve. The Peugeots tended to have the mostly comfortable yet sprightly ride quality. The Motobécanes were smooth and steady but for me a bit too sedate. And the Mercier seemed to want to be sporting. All fun in their own way. In the end, I kept the Pug.
Motobecane Grand Touring, too big for me