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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

fix up or buy new

Old 05-29-07, 02:05 AM
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fix up or buy new

On a low budget,
I have a early 70's motobecane road bike.....stripped down to single big ring crank on front and thinking of converting to single speed....need new wheel set/brakes/handlebars trying to keep about 200.00

or should I buy a new Motobecane single speed messenger for 375.00?

trying to find reviews on the messenger....how much does it weigh?
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Old 05-29-07, 02:54 AM
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I'd fix up the old bike. A new bike at $375 isn't going to have the best materials or components. The older one might have a better frame (can't be much worse) and you don't see old Motobecanes everywhere. One downside is that the old bike probably uses French threading, so if you ever have to replace the headset or BB you might have problems finding parts.

Why new brakes? Going from 27" to 700c wheels? Consider getting a 27" rear wheel instead. You'll have to look harder for one, but they're out there and it'll be cheaper than a 700c wheel + brakes.
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Old 05-29-07, 07:21 AM
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Fix up probably. What quality is the old bike?
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Old 05-29-07, 09:21 AM
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Find out if it's a nice frame and take that $375 and put it into it. You'll have yourself a drool-jerker

compatible parts are not THAT hard to find.
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Old 05-29-07, 10:33 AM
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i was very impatient and bought the motobecane last december, i wish i would have put the money in to a motobecane conversion. the bike's fun to ride but the components are garbage. i'm just going to ride until next week when i build my new bike.

do the conversion if the bike is in good shape.
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