Show your French bikes!
#2726
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bronx, NYC
Posts: 1,940
Bikes: '19 Fuji Gran Fondo 1.5, '72 Peugeot PX10, '71ish Gitane Super Corsa, '78 Fuji Newest, '89 Fuji Ace, '94 Cannondale R600, early '70s LeJeune Pro project
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#2727
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#2729
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 203
Bikes: Stromer ST-1; Gary Fisher SAAB edition; Dahon Speed D7; Motobecane Grand Touring 1972
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I'm told this puppy had two previous owners. The first for the bulk of it's life (1972 onward), the second "flipped" it. Clearly the fenders and the extra brake levers aren't authentic. But everything else seems at least period appropriate (I'm not clear on what seat was standard). I had a Mirage (green) from that era when I was a teenager.
1972 Motobecane Grand Touring (Huret)

1972 Motobecane Grand Touring (Huret)
#2730
Senior Member
not sure if I should post this in this thread or the wacky craigslist thread. I can't post a pic, because I am too new, so to get the count up, I will do both!
I answered an add for "french bike" and bought a Ciocc! (Italian beauty!)
I answered an add for "french bike" and bought a Ciocc! (Italian beauty!)
#2731
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,419
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
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Yeah those mid-level Peugeot models rode about as well (to my assessment) as high end ones. They had the best ride-to-price ratio of anything.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#2732
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Now it is a "vintage"...this light (9,3 kgs) 1996 PEUGEOT "CHRONO 1000" all alloy frame and fork is probably one of the last glorious winner racing bike made by PEUGEOT (in fact CYCLEUROP) Yellow and blue are the original racing colours of PEUGEOT , some parts are not originals (wheels and crankset)


I really can't find anything on the internet about that bike appart from your post! I even found the peugeot magasines of that time, they sell like the professionnal 1000 or alu chrono 3000 but I can't find the chrono 1000, would have been nice to read what they had to say about it 22 years ago.
#2733
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Lewisville, TX
Posts: 660
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Touring, 2013 Fuji Absolute 2.1 hybrid, 2000 Mongoose S2000 MTB, 2009 Schwinn Jaguar beach cruiser
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I've put about 400 miles on this '74 Motobecane Grand Touring since I resurrected it in late February. It's a great ride.



#2734
Senior Member
Finally disassembled the proper 49D crank set, cleaned, sanded and polished it over a couple of days and installed it along with a proper Stronglight 118.5mm axle ( replacing a shorter Campagnolo one ) so it now sits further out as it should. I went for a 20 odd mile ride on the weekend and did see one group of 6 cyclists heading the opposite direction on their vintage bikes - spotted a red Colnago as well as white Falcon among them but was unable to make out the others, funny they did not readily notice me ( seemingly ). i did shout out that my bike was older than theirs in a friendly manner - probably was. Anyway, here is another image, might purchase some handlebars with a flatter ramp at some point. Is it worth updating to all french components one day? I like the older Campagnolo parts from back then, and no doubt they were becoming more sought after by those influenced by the racing bikes of the time. I think a nice mix is always more interesting.

Last edited by VintageRide; 05-23-18 at 03:46 PM.
#2735
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Thanks very much for this update @VintageRide!
Looking most fine.
Did you ever make any images of your Belt saddle pillar?
Thought of it last week as they are having a lively discussion of Belt products over at thecabe.
Perhaps you would wish to post if a member you be...
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/belt-saddle.130945/
The only online catalogue of Belt (Fujita) products have been able to find is from 1963 and does show the pillar not.
-----
Thanks very much for this update @VintageRide!
Looking most fine.

Did you ever make any images of your Belt saddle pillar?
Thought of it last week as they are having a lively discussion of Belt products over at thecabe.
Perhaps you would wish to post if a member you be...
https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/belt-saddle.130945/
The only online catalogue of Belt (Fujita) products have been able to find is from 1963 and does show the pillar not.

-----
#2736
Senior Member
I have been on that site but not a member yet - there are a few closeup images I have that I could post on there, I was rather surprised when doing a search on the seat post that nothing came up, wondering if they were produced for only a short time perhaps or possibly more of a Japanese market component, difficult to say with little information. Of course, it would be great to eventually get hold of a Simplex seat post but given the prices it could be awhile! I will venture over to thecabe and have a gander at the conversation. The fact that I can at least ride the Peschi for a few hours and not feel like I HAVE to get off the bike is a good sign, it sure is fun to whip around and do quick maneuvers when people and other slower cyclists have to be deftly avoided etc., it is a very well balanced bike that is definitely on the lively side, yet comfortable for what it is, but then the French usually knew what they were doing.
Last edited by VintageRide; 05-23-18 at 07:56 PM.
#2737
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: 1984 Schwinn Supersport, 1988 Trek 400T, 1977 Trek TX900, 1982 Bianchi Champione del Mondo, 1978 Raleigh Supercourse, 1986 Trek 400 Elance, 1991 Waterford PDG OS Paramount, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1985 Trek 670
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1986 Gitane Defi that I rebuilt for a friend.

#2739
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I believe the Defi had Reynolds 453 tubing......
__________________
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
72 Line Seeker
83 Davidson Signature
84 Peugeot PSV
84 Peugeot PY10FC
84 Gitane Tour de France.
85 Vitus Plus Carbone 7
86 ALAN Record Carbonio
86 Medici Aerodynamic (Project)
88 Pinarello Montello
89 Bottecchia Professional Chorus SL
95 Trek 5500 OCLV (Project)
#2740
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Posts: 1,831
Bikes: 1984 Schwinn Supersport, 1988 Trek 400T, 1977 Trek TX900, 1982 Bianchi Champione del Mondo, 1978 Raleigh Supercourse, 1986 Trek 400 Elance, 1991 Waterford PDG OS Paramount, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1985 Trek 670
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Hi Mountaindave,
No, it’s Reynolds 453 tubing, titanium. Sourced or restored most of the original components, except replaced the Modolo brake calipers with SRAM dual pivot units. Also the the original Helicomatic hub lock ring thread was stripped, so installed a Sachs Aries 6 28t freewheel on a nos Sachs Malliard hub. Added nos Sachs Huret Rival long cage derailleur to replace the short cage original. Would have liked to keep the Helicomatic, and was able to source one and a 28t freewheel to go with it, but ridiculously pricey, so went conventional route. Bike does shift beautifully now though. Cleaned up the the original Mavic Mod E rims, and had the wheels built up by Tim at Yellow Jersey. Decals from Velocals, with the exception of the Reynolds 453 sticker, sourced from the UK.
Tim




No, it’s Reynolds 453 tubing, titanium. Sourced or restored most of the original components, except replaced the Modolo brake calipers with SRAM dual pivot units. Also the the original Helicomatic hub lock ring thread was stripped, so installed a Sachs Aries 6 28t freewheel on a nos Sachs Malliard hub. Added nos Sachs Huret Rival long cage derailleur to replace the short cage original. Would have liked to keep the Helicomatic, and was able to source one and a 28t freewheel to go with it, but ridiculously pricey, so went conventional route. Bike does shift beautifully now though. Cleaned up the the original Mavic Mod E rims, and had the wheels built up by Tim at Yellow Jersey. Decals from Velocals, with the exception of the Reynolds 453 sticker, sourced from the UK.
Tim





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#2741
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 243
Bikes: 1985 Roberts SLX, Mercian 531, 1984 Torpado SLX,1981/82 Peugeot PSV-10, 1978 Charlie Roberts full touring, 1970 Charlie Roberts 531 road.
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Beautiful bike, 453, wow, you never quit learning something new, and all French too boot, very nice!
#2743
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St Etienne Cycles - late 1970s
Hello everyone,
I'm back, this time with a little treat that I bought for myself: I found this by a local, who never even rode it once!
It was like new, even the tyres! I only changed the bardtape (the old one brown-ish cotton was a little bit sticky and dirty).
This morning I took it for a commute to work (about 22km) and it rides like a charm! Just some minor adjustments to be done to the front derailleur, otherwise it's perfect.
Let me know what do you think of it!
There's the flickr album link for better quality photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmkJtc49

I'm back, this time with a little treat that I bought for myself: I found this by a local, who never even rode it once!
It was like new, even the tyres! I only changed the bardtape (the old one brown-ish cotton was a little bit sticky and dirty).
This morning I took it for a commute to work (about 22km) and it rides like a charm! Just some minor adjustments to be done to the front derailleur, otherwise it's perfect.
Let me know what do you think of it!
There's the flickr album link for better quality photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmkJtc49






Last edited by capitancardoza; 06-01-18 at 06:15 AM.
#2744
...addicted...
So many nice looking bikes here. I've decided to keep my '85 PGN-10, and have some recent pictures all fixed up, that I've been spreading around various threads. Seems like it'd be good to park them here too!
It's a nice riding bike, Reynolds 501, Sachs Huret Rival, new tape, hoods, cables, saddle, chain, tubes & tires (28mm Hutchinson Nitros)... all of the "consumables" except bearings touched or replaced.









It's a nice riding bike, Reynolds 501, Sachs Huret Rival, new tape, hoods, cables, saddle, chain, tubes & tires (28mm Hutchinson Nitros)... all of the "consumables" except bearings touched or replaced.










#2745
Ellensburg, WA
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ellensburg, WA
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Bikes: See my signature
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Hello everyone,
I'm back, this time with a little treat that I bought for myself: I found this by a local, who never even rode it once!
It was like new, even the tyres! I only changed the bardtape (the old one brown-ish cotton was a little bit sticky and dirty).
This morning I took it for a commute to work (about 22km) and it rides like a charm! Just some minor adjustments to be done to the front derailleur, otherwise it's perfect.
Let me know what do you think of it!
There's the flickr album link for better quality photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmkJtc49


I'm back, this time with a little treat that I bought for myself: I found this by a local, who never even rode it once!
It was like new, even the tyres! I only changed the bardtape (the old one brown-ish cotton was a little bit sticky and dirty).
This morning I took it for a commute to work (about 22km) and it rides like a charm! Just some minor adjustments to be done to the front derailleur, otherwise it's perfect.
Let me know what do you think of it!
There's the flickr album link for better quality photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmkJtc49






__________________
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
#2746
Senior Member
Capitancardoza's "little treat" has a frame that looks nicer than most other St. Etienne bikes I have seen. Any guesses who built the frame? Regardless, nice to see such a time capsule.
#2748
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Eroica Montalcino 2018 - 1973 Mercier
Hi everyone,
I'm sharing with you my recent Eroica Montalcino 2018 experience
I tried the 171km route, I was feeling confident, until at 138km my legs developed repeated muscle cramps, and I had to stop.
Not enough salts in my beverages
Also 3.800m total elevation with 22cog on the rear, wasn't ideal
Still, I loved the experience, and I'm already signed up for october Eroica Gaiole 2018, this time on the 200+ km route
There's the full Eroica Album, but I added a few shots here.
There you go!



I'm sharing with you my recent Eroica Montalcino 2018 experience

I tried the 171km route, I was feeling confident, until at 138km my legs developed repeated muscle cramps, and I had to stop.
Not enough salts in my beverages

Also 3.800m total elevation with 22cog on the rear, wasn't ideal

Still, I loved the experience, and I'm already signed up for october Eroica Gaiole 2018, this time on the 200+ km route

There's the full Eroica Album, but I added a few shots here.
There you go!






#2749
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Port Dover Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,516
Bikes: 1965 Dilecta Le Blanc, 1956 Royal Nord, 1972 Raleigh Sports, 1972 CCM Turismo,1976 SuperCycle Excalibur, 2014 Salsa Vaya, 2017 Felt DD70, 2019 Giant Lafree and others
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Been riding and enjoying this '65 Dilecta Le Blanc. It has earned a permanent spot in the fleet.

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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
#2750
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 46
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, 1977 Motobecane Super Mirage
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I have a late 70s (I think) Motobecane Super Mirage, serial no 3777398. Currently working on it, but I'll post pics at some point when it's finished (and I'm allowed to post pictures.) Question though, it seems like there's some play in the bottom bracket. I tried to pull the crank once, but the threads are really jacked up and I couldn't get it off. I've heard horror stories about French bottom brackets and seatposts being irregular and impossible to find. What should I expect? Does anyone know any specifics about this model / year?