skou

Well seller says it needs new tires, so I'll probably have to get some if I get to buy it. Do you have any recommendations?

skou

How to know if it's "full 172"? :-)

Aubergine 

Well, the catalogue I linked above says “Cadre brasé à 3 tubes Vitus 172.” Or en anglais, frame brazed with three tubes Vitus 172. So it is not full 172, but it will still be a nice ride. It was common for the French (and many other) manufacturers to make the main triangle of the frame from a “better” tubing but use a lesser and less-expensive steel for the stays and the fork. My Motobécane (which is also a Grand Jubilé, by the way, but an earlier model than SurferRosa’s bike and with different tubes) above is built that way, as are a couple of my other French bikes. They don’t lose much.

bikemig 

I was guessing that this was main tubes 172 only as well. Nothing wrong with that. A lot of really good bikes used a higher end tubing for the main frame and something cheaper (including hi tensile steel) for the fork and stays. The bike will weigh a bit more but you'll never notice that riding in a relatively flat country like Denmark and frankly you really wouldn't notice it much even when climbing. It's a fine way to build a bike.

skou

And there's the answer, I guess "partly vitus 172" is fine enough for me ha :-). My french isn't that good, so I didn't even bother to try and read the catalogue to be honest.

Yup I saw that in one of your posts! Glad to hear that!

Aubergine 

Compass, now known as René Herse, and Grand Bois make the nicest tires IMO. Pricy but well worth it. My Motobécane has Compass/Herse tires. Less expensive options include Panaracer Paselas. If you do go for a light, flexible tire like these, get the widest ones you can fit under the fenders you will be putting on.

skou

I will look those brands up! I have a question regarding size of the frame. Seller says it might be too small for me (I'm 178 cm) and the frame is 55 cm. From what I have found out it should be okay. A 56 cm frame would maybe be the most ideal size, but wouldn't 55 cm be just as fine? Seller just makes me doubt as the internet guides vary a little.

edit: If anyone else has something to add in terms of frame size, enlighten me please! :-)

bikemig 

If it's a 55 cm measured center to center (which is the same as a 56 measured center to top), you should be fine given your height. This motobecane is on the smaller end of what I would ride (assuming it's a 55 measured center to center) and I'm just a little taller than you.

There are lots of great tires for commuting but the big European tire companies all make fine commuting tires--Michelin, Schwalbe, and Continental. I'd look for a tire with a reflective stripe which is reasonably flat proof.

skou

I don't know how it's measured tbh, but I'll try and measure it my self if I get the opportunity. Figured out I was closer to 180 cm though. Hope it doesn't matter much.

I didn't knew Michelin and Continental also made tires for bikes, but I've heard good about Schwalbe tires!

ryansu

The best thing is to test ride it if you can and see how it fits and if its in the general area of fitting you. I am about 180 cm (5' 10") and ride a 23 inch/58 cm frame 1978 Motobecane grand touring made for the US market. Its a bit snug when I stand over the frame but I have relatively short legs and a long torso for my height so having a longer top tube works for me. That is were being able to test ride the bike is helpful. Good luck

skou

I'll definitely go for a test ride! Right now seller isn't giving me much though.. Thank you very much for the input! I've been searching for bikes with a frame within a size of 55-56 cm, but I've now include 57 cm as well as I guess at least they are worth a try.

ryansu

Sellers who go silent is an issue everywhere Its definitely worth waiting for a bike that fits and the good thing about vintage bikes especially 10 and 12 speed road bike is that there are lots of them. One thing I learned is that when you do find a bike that fits measure it carefully (TT, ST, stand over, saddle height, stem reach etc) and record that info so you can recreate that fit.

skou

Glad to hear it just isn't here haha! A bummer though, since I really want to see the bike. Note taken regarding measurements!