ibikedc

Hi,

I've been reading the site for a while, never posted before.
Anyway, a neighbor recently threw away an old Motobecane Supermirage. The frame's fine. Tires are flat but the rims seem okay, no broken spokes. It obviously needs some parts adjusted/replaced (brakes are virtually unused but totally out of whack, etc.).
I can't find much info on these on the web.

Does anyone have a general idea about how much I could reasonably expect to spend to get this in road-ready shape? It seems to be a good classic road bike.

I don't plan on reselling it, but I'd also appreciate any ideas on what a bike like this might be worth.

Thanks for your time!

PM7771

I think thats my bike - too dark in the shed right now. about '80 paid about $219 - got back into cycling last year and riding this again. No surprise to those of you in the know, compared to my Trek 820 mtb with slicks the Motobecane wants to go fast! It rides rather well, but I'm spoiled by the rapidfire shifters on the Trek.

My road cycling friends applaud me riding the Motobecane

Eatadonut

how old, and how rusty? If there's little to no rust, you could probably get it back on the road for the cost of some lube, 2 tubes, and half an hour on the stand doing adjustments. If you don't do your own maintenance work (You should, especially if you're going to make it a habit to dumpster dive for bikes), expect an LBS to charge about $30 to get shifters and brakes adjusted and some new tubes.

If it's not in that miraculous condition, you might need new cables. Luckily, you said the wheels seem fine, so they probably are. Most likely, they're steel, so you'd know right away if there was something wrong (they'd be covered in rust).

geo8rge

Go to an LBS and price a total overhaul (guess $200 +-). Ask if they mechanic can, for extra $, show you how to overhaul the bike.

See if there is a bike maintenance course given in your area. Learn new things and make friends.

Parktools.com sheldonbrown.com.

You can also learn with a book, if you follow written instructions well.

ibikedc

Thanks for your thoughts, guys,

There's not a spot of rust on the bike. It really looks like it was ridden very little, and then tossed in the basement or shed for years.

I'll take it to the bike shop and see what they'd want to get it in running condition. If it's inexpensive, I'll have me a quick little road bike!
I've been cycling to work daily for only about 5 months. I know next to nothing about maintenance- perhaps I could use this as an opportunity to learn!

Thanks again guys.

Blue Order

It's easier to maintain than modern bikes-- no indexed shifting to "tune up."

Based on your description, I'd say: Inspect the tires; if the rubber is brittle/cracked, replace the tires. Make sure the rims are true. Adjust the brakes. Grease the bottom bracket, headset, and hub bearings. Replace the chain, and make sure the driveline is lubed. That should do it. Ride and enjoy!

Congratulations on your find, by the way!

Blue Order

Oops, I missed this part.

There's a good chance your bike shop will tell you that the bike can't be repaired, that it's not worth repairing, that they don't make parts for it anymore, that you can/should buy a modern bike instead of spending money on this bike.

If you hear any of those lines, don't listen to them, they're full of, uh, stuff. It's a sales line, nothing more. Personally, when a shop starts giving me that line of BS, I take my business to their competitor. The bike is easily maintained, and any bike shop that can't maintain it isn't worth spending money at.

ibikedc

I'm fortunate to have a couple of stores in my area that seem to be staffed with fairly attitude-free cyclists.

I think I might just see what I can do with it myself, though. It would be good practice.

thanks again!

PM7771

My local shop ( owners brother sold me the original ) did tires & tubes & tune-up for under $75

the shop I got my Trak 820 mtb said to use & enjoy both - best of both worlds. And I gotta say that old Motobecane does ride nicely! I guess I was lucky that it got stored pretty well and is in fine shape.

Peter