Motobecane?
 

Does Bikesdirect make tandems anymore? I found a used Motebecane. My brother in law has a road bike from them that he loves. Any experience with the brand?

Hi;

The original Motebecane bicycle company went bankrupt; Bikesdirect acquired the rights to the name in the USA. The bicycles themselves have no relation. Motobécane - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Motebecane tandems - not for the faint of heart; strictly not recommended unless you are an accomplished bicycle mechanic with an unusually effective ability to find no longer manufactured old parts. I do my own wrenching, including building wheels, and would not attempt a Motebecane or Gitanes tandem.

No Motobecane, Check.

If it comes with headset, stem and seatposts that work for the person, why not?

Because you still have bottom brackets; and none of these things have infinite life. In addition, the frame is a bit floppy; may work for a very light team.... Too much trouble unless you are a French bicycle fan; there are too many other choices available that will cost less in the long run.

SHHHH! Don't let the secret out. I thank the French Fear Factor for the reasonable price on some of my favorite bikes.

In all seriousness the French-threaded and French-sized parts are available: You just have to look harder to find them.
Brent

Wouldn't the velo orange bottom brackets work? I'm just not sure what the big deal is unless someone wants to drive down the prices so they can hoard all the remaining ones. I get that it's not as easy as an english or japanese (or even italian) frame, but it doesn't seem like it'd be the end of the world that a lot of people make it out to be.