tortoiseshell

Hi! I'm new to this forum and just beginning to learn about vintage bikes. Recently I cam across this Grand Record on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-MOTO...vip=true&rt=nc

The auction is over, it didn't sell for the buy-it-now price of $385, and it just so happens that I will be driving through the seller's location this weekend. I contacted him, and he said I could come by and look at it.

I have gathered from other threads that this is a good model, and has high-quality components... and it's beautiful. It needs some work, though (expensive?), and I'm not sure how to evaluate the state of the wheels. Any advice would be much appreciated!

oddjob2

If you can get it for $300 go for it.

mparker326

It looks like it needs some work. Negatives: It needs new hoods, pads, tires, cables, needs a complete overhaul, Nervar crank (while nice, not as desirable as a TA) Pivo stem which is prone to cracking, flat spots on rim, cheap seatpost, French threading. Positives: Phil Wood hubs, campy drivetrain, brooks professional, 531 frame.

From how it is set up, it looks impossible to ride. Seller has only 2 feedback.

Unless you know what you are doing, this could be a money trap.

I would wait on something in better condition.

zukahn1 

I would say if it is local for you and the seller will come down on some price it might be alright.

tortoiseshell

Thanks for the responses. I think I'm going to be patient and wait for a bike that needs less work — or for my mechanical skills to improve significantly!

jet sanchEz

If that bike is your size, I would say go for it. What better way to learn some wrenching skills than on a nice bike? The Park Tools website has everything explained quite well in video form....

tortoiseshell

Hey, thanks for the encouragement. I didn't end up getting this particular bike, but I'm going to keep looking. In the mean time, I have a rattly old mixte to practice working on, so I will definitely be checking out those Park Tools videos.