southpier

i understand value is in the eye of the beholder . . . but is this in the range for such a steed? i'm two hours away, so i don't want to make the drive just for the experience!

thanks

Motobecane (Antique/Classic)10 Speed Bicycle - bicycles - by owner -... (craigslist.org)

cb400bill

Quote:

Antique/Classic Motobecane 10 Speed Grand Touring Model Bicycle

Pic Assist

TugaDude

Well it does look to be preserved nicely and suffers from no obvious defects, so that is going to add to the value. Value is a tough one for me. $300.00 is more than I'd want to pay, but having said that, nice quality mixte-style bikes seem to hold their value, especially in some parts of the country. So it is not unusual for them to be on the higher end of the price range versus ladies frames for instance. Locally I don't seem to ever see what I'd call a quality mixte in anywhere near that bike's condition.

I guess some of the answer depends on how badly you want a mixte. If it is something you really desire, this one has a lot going for it. I own two "Motos" and am biased, but I really like them, a lot. The mechanicals on that one should last for many, many years so any concern over compatibility of replacements isn't a big concern in my opinion. All it needs is a tear down, clean and re-lube. Maybe replace cables if they appear to need it. Otherwise, she's good to go.

If you really want a mixte and this one "speaks to you", it isn't the worst deal out there. And maybe the seller will discount the price a bit since you are coming from so far away? Notice it has been listed for 23 days, and who knows if it might have been listed previously. Point being it isn't flying off the shelf.

Lastly, is it an appropriate size? That also matters of course.

I lied, this is now lastly. What a shame that bikes such as this sit for 40 years and people brag about it. It deserved better.

Mr. 66

Pass at $300, I would be trying to sell at $175, sell at $125 offered.

TugaDude

For what it is worth, the bike features Vitus 172, the rough equivalent of Reynolds 531 and it is double-butted (three tubes). There are multiple threads here on the forums about Motobecane Mixtes and most of the comments are very favorable.

Sedgemop 

Paint does look good on this one. In Chicago, around $200 if it's rideable. More like $150 if I've got to replace the tires and cables.

southpier

i'm such a friggin' sap. i'm going to check it out next weekend . . . sigh.

let's see . . . . Brooks B17 = 120. honjo fenders = 350, mk pedals = 50, nitto everything = infinity . . . yeah; this bike is going to be a bargain at only 300$


oh lordy lord what have i done . . . . .

seriously - thanks for the inputs, guys.

juvela

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appears to correspond closely to the Grand Touring model of ca. 1976 -




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robobike316 

I will second the general consensus that is a very high price. I do not think he will get it. Cool bike though. There is almost the same mixte moto for sale on CR here in WI that has been sitting for many months at $175. Our local shop that sells used stuff would try and move that out the door for $150 tops. But if you need it now and can't wait...

southpier

thank you. if i do get past its $$$ and bring it home, the specs chart will be incredibly helpful. appreciate it.

HelpSingularity 

That seems like it is a largish mixte frame.
IME that is somewhat rare.
Paint looks nice.
I've been looking for a largish mixte on the left coast.
Not much luck.
I would jump on it for 3 large if the paint and what not were in good shape.
Although French sized parts are kinda a pain.

bikemig 

This is not crazy money for this bike. Yes it is quite high if there were the men's model of this bike. But high end, larger mixtes are rare. If you want it, this price is acceptable.

juvela

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back in the "bike boom" era Gitane offered the mixte edition of the Gran Sport Deluxe model in a size of ~60cm C-T-T. had one pass through me workshop.


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Kabuki12

I bought the same color mixte for my daughter when she first got into vintage ten speeds. It was a Grand Jubile' and featured 1st Generation Cyclone derailleurs and Mavic wheels with Campagnolo Record hubs. I paid $120 for it. I don't think the paint was as nice as that one but close.

southpier

Q: anyone know the detail of the top tube-intermediate stays joint?

i would hate to think the top tube is open to the atmosphere.

thanks

Kabuki12

It is not as far as I know. My daughters bike has very nice workmanship. The frame is finished off nicely

dweenk 

I may be wrong, but it looks like a "Sports" style frame where a single sloping top tube divides into two smaller tubes. Generally that happens at the seat tube with lugged construction. This appears to have a crimped sloping top tube with the two smaller tubes brazed in before the top tube meets the seat tube. There may be another definition for that frame style other than Sports.

TugaDude

I have seen it referred to as a "half-mixte" design.

TugaDude

I wouldn't be concerned with the integrity of the join(s) at that location. For one thing the two tubes are brazed and any potential gaps there would be filled with brass solder. Secondly, the way it is configured there is a sort of "shingle-lapped" condition there where the top tube laps over the other tubes, adding to the resistance of potential weather issues.

himespau 

Interesting design. Is the top tube (when it's single) not round? Almost looks like it's got flattened sides, but that might just be the way light reflects off it.

cyclophilia 

Larger frame size mixte bicycles are uncommon on the market, in my experience.

The listing has been on Craigslist for 25 days - perhaps the seller would be motivated by a cash offer?

We might all feel happier paying less money (attribute of human nature?) but $300 is not outrageous.
$200-250 would be nicer.

juvela

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​​​​​​Road Test/Bike Review (1977) MOTOBECANE Grand Touring


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sunnyone

I’ve owned a few mixtes, and that does not look like a 23” frame to me. The top of the seat tube is quite a bit lower than the top of the head tube.
The chart that juvela posted shows the Grand Touring mixte in 19 1/2” only.

TugaDude

Yes, mixte sizing is interesting. Here's a hopefully helpful thread that discusses how various sized mixtes actually fit. To me the most important quote comes from the poster who says he rode a 20" frame mixte and it fit him just fine at 6'0" height. he was surprised and frankly so am I.

Mixte sizing?

zukahn1

Larger step though preacher frames were very common in the UK and European market in the 60' and 70's.