Taiwan-Made Motobecane Nomade II Mixte ID?
 

Recently acquired this low-end mixte which will probably be built up into a commuter. The frame is rather large (~55cm), which makes it a great find imo. Judging by the components, it appears to be a 79-81. Notice the stamped two-piece fused together brake-bridge. No tubing stickers, so I'm guessing its hi-ten. Standard period Suntour/SR components with Motobecane branded cranks and brakes.

Serial reads: M104 12477

Anyone have better ideas on the year? Or, when did Motobecane start outsourcing to Taiwan? Thanks!

http://i42.tinypic.com/dztdhh.jpg
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[IMG]http://i39.tinypic.com/rh7sjd.jpg[IMG]
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Check the wheel hubs for date codes. Date will definitely be before 1981.

I tried checking the hubs (sunshine), but all they had were the ubiquitous "5345" stamped on them with what appears to be a Z or a 2.

The Seven came out in 1976 and will definitely have a date code. I can confirm it's not 1978 or 1979, unless the derailleurs are not original. Frankly, they seem a bit upscale for a Nomade but generally both are not replaced, so I'm assuming they are original.

Heaven Forbid! Don't tell me they were building them there before Bikes Direct started!!!!!

Heresey, I tell you, pure heresey.....

I will take a better look at the deraillers tonight. I do have a 1981 (confirmed) Sekai 1500 mixte with Suntour 7 derailers and figured this Motobecane might be in the same year-range. Although the Sekai has a Suntour 7 GT rear derailler, the front one is identical to the Nomade II.

I have yet to tear the bike down (other bikes currently on the stand :)), but if It has all these Japanese parts and was made in Taiwan, am I assuming incorrectly that it would have a standard headset vs. a french one? At first glance it appears to resemble a low-end French headset, judging by the lock-ring teeth.