motobecane questions
 

My Dad plays with fixing bikes and ran across this motobecane. would like to know a little more about it the model and about what it might be worth? Any help would be appreciated. I couldn't get pics to post but here is a couple of links to pictures

Thanks
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/t...psfe96b14c.jpg
http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/t...g?t=1372010439

Motobecane Mirage Mixte, $50-$65 as is, depending on local market.

Oddjob is pretty much the oracle when it comes to valuing bikes. Still I think it may be worth a bit more esp. depending on the market. Mixtes can command a premium esp. if you market it right (think vintage and think a woman's specific bike). The bike is very clean which also helps its value. I'd put on some new tape and take off that expensive turbo brown saddle. I'd try to get at least $25 for the saddle from CL; you can sell it for more to someone who is looking to rebuild a vintage bike. Or you could send it to me cuz I'd love a brown turbo saddle for a new bike I'm building, :). I'd look at some of the ads on CL and think about what makes for good marketing on an old bike; I'd ask $150 and drop the price over time.

Bikemig, I like the ring of that, "oracle."

The bike needs a lot more loving than bar tape. Look at the rust on the handlebars, sagging cable housing, etc. Needs a comprehensive reconditioning. Hence the low price.

Also, a replacement saddle will cost $20 minimum + shipping, so the seller is break even on taking off the Turbo.

Now the white bike in photo #3 is worth more! :)

I'm thinking a "new" old saddle can't cost much from a bike co-op and the OP may have one lying around as his dad likes to tinker with bikes. But yes living north of Canada (is your zip the same as the guy with the reindeer?) as well as selling more old bikes than most anyone around here makes you the oracle when it comes to bike valuation.

+1 I try to value at it's current condition, rather than what it could be after a thorough rehab. It's a project, the Oracle's value sounds about right.

While it could bring a lot more once refurbished, unless you have the time, tools, aptitude, pile of parts, the rehab could cost as much as the value added.

Selling parts including that saddle on my local CL is a lost cause. Parts go to eBay to bring anything close to market value.

Hopefully your market is better!

Depending on the year, Motobecane loved Swiss bottom brackets. Hopefully the one on the bike is fine.

I appreciate all the advice. now I will let Dad make his decision. All he has in it is a couple of new tires so he will come out ahead no matter what. P.S. the white ones not for sale LOL Thanks a lot guys

catalog scans are here FYI:

http://equusbicycle.com/bike/motobec...moto197905.pdf

http://equusbicycle.com/bike/motobec...moto197914.pdf


I am currently working on my old motobecane with plans to sell it. (I'll probably end up loving it again and then keep it, lol.)