Just picked up a '78 (?) Motobecane Grand Touring...couple questions
#1
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Just picked up a '78 (?) Motobecane Grand Touring...couple questions
So, i just got this new to me Motobecane Grand Touring, silver, 63cm in pretty much 100% original condition. Even the reflectors and bar tape is original. Tires are original...but rotted. The frame, paint and decals are near perfect (apparently been sitting for at least 15 years....probably a lot more in a shed). There is some rust on the cassette, chain and little things like front reflector holder, etc. But that's obviously no big deal. Rims and spokes are good with no rust.
My questions so far are:
* Cassette is rusty- probably try rust remover and see if it polishes up, otherwise replace. If replace....any tips on getting the right one (I have heard that these old French bikes are tricky)?
* Rear Free-Hub is sticking- anyone have experience overhauling one of these old hubs? I think it's a Maillard.
* Can't read the tire size, but the rim is 27x1.25. What Tire to get? Just look for a 27x1.25? Sheldon Brown has a tiring sizing chart....but it was greek to me. I'm mostly a mountain biker, and not especially versed when it comes to road bikes and components.
* Bottom Bracket- I can find no problems here; but just in case......anyone able to pass along info on dealing with or replacing (if I eve get to that) a bottom bracket? Again, I have heard rumors that these old French parts are not "standard".
I'm pretty stoked about getting this bike. By the way, I got it for $40!
My questions so far are:
* Cassette is rusty- probably try rust remover and see if it polishes up, otherwise replace. If replace....any tips on getting the right one (I have heard that these old French bikes are tricky)?
* Rear Free-Hub is sticking- anyone have experience overhauling one of these old hubs? I think it's a Maillard.
* Can't read the tire size, but the rim is 27x1.25. What Tire to get? Just look for a 27x1.25? Sheldon Brown has a tiring sizing chart....but it was greek to me. I'm mostly a mountain biker, and not especially versed when it comes to road bikes and components.
* Bottom Bracket- I can find no problems here; but just in case......anyone able to pass along info on dealing with or replacing (if I eve get to that) a bottom bracket? Again, I have heard rumors that these old French parts are not "standard".
I'm pretty stoked about getting this bike. By the way, I got it for $40!
#2
Senior Member
Rusty chain? Replace it. And if you replace the chain you'll need to replace the FW 95% of the time or you'll experience skipping under load.
There is nothing tricky about French FWs - There are the uncommon, older, French market threaded hubs, but the ones you'll likely encounter will conform with the standards popular in markets they were intended for. Also by '78, Moto was using a lot of Japanese components anyway.
I would recommend a hyperglide 5-speed Sunrace FW. They're inexpensive and function very well.
I would recommend 27x1-1/8" Panaracer Paselas - They're a nice compromise between smooth rolling and smooth riding characteristics.
You will need to service the bottom bracket with new ball bearings and grease - but in the unlikely event that the cups need to be replaced (and if the ARE french threaded by '78) there are plenty of spare parts available. It's the intermediate Swiss threading that can cause headaches, but even these can be addressed with new Grand Crue cartridge bbs. Again - if it was not being ridden, it is unlikely that you will need to replace anything (unless you start riding it yourself without first servicing the bearings - including the bb, hubs and headset)
There is nothing tricky about French FWs - There are the uncommon, older, French market threaded hubs, but the ones you'll likely encounter will conform with the standards popular in markets they were intended for. Also by '78, Moto was using a lot of Japanese components anyway.
I would recommend a hyperglide 5-speed Sunrace FW. They're inexpensive and function very well.
I would recommend 27x1-1/8" Panaracer Paselas - They're a nice compromise between smooth rolling and smooth riding characteristics.
You will need to service the bottom bracket with new ball bearings and grease - but in the unlikely event that the cups need to be replaced (and if the ARE french threaded by '78) there are plenty of spare parts available. It's the intermediate Swiss threading that can cause headaches, but even these can be addressed with new Grand Crue cartridge bbs. Again - if it was not being ridden, it is unlikely that you will need to replace anything (unless you start riding it yourself without first servicing the bearings - including the bb, hubs and headset)
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Last edited by auchencrow; 04-29-12 at 01:19 PM.
#3
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BTW Morbo - Welcome to C&V ! You have a great start with that bike - the GT is just an excellent ride. You will love it.
PS- You'll want to make sure that seat post is not stuck.
PS- You'll want to make sure that seat post is not stuck.
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Last edited by auchencrow; 04-29-12 at 01:18 PM.
#5
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Rusty chain? Replace it. And if you replace the chain you'll need to replace the FW 95% of the time or you'll experience skipping under load.
There is nothing tricky about French FWs - There are the uncommon, older, French market threaded hubs, but the ones you'll likely encounter will conform with the standards popular in markets they were intended for. Also by '78, Moto was using a lot of Japanese components anyway.
I would recommend a hyperglide 5-speed Sunrace FW. They're inexpensive and function very well.
I would recommend 27x1-1/8" Panaracer Paselas - They're a nice compromise between smooth rolling and smooth riding characteristics.
You will need to service the bottom bracket with new ball bearings and grease - but in the unlikely event that the cups need to be replaced (and if the ARE french threaded by '78) there are plenty of spare parts available. It's the intermediate Swiss threading that can cause headaches, but even these can be addressed with new Grand Crue cartridge bbs. Again - if it was not being ridden, it is unlikely that you will need to replace anything (unless you start riding it yourself without first servicing the bearings - including the bb, hubs and headset)
There is nothing tricky about French FWs - There are the uncommon, older, French market threaded hubs, but the ones you'll likely encounter will conform with the standards popular in markets they were intended for. Also by '78, Moto was using a lot of Japanese components anyway.
I would recommend a hyperglide 5-speed Sunrace FW. They're inexpensive and function very well.
I would recommend 27x1-1/8" Panaracer Paselas - They're a nice compromise between smooth rolling and smooth riding characteristics.
You will need to service the bottom bracket with new ball bearings and grease - but in the unlikely event that the cups need to be replaced (and if the ARE french threaded by '78) there are plenty of spare parts available. It's the intermediate Swiss threading that can cause headaches, but even these can be addressed with new Grand Crue cartridge bbs. Again - if it was not being ridden, it is unlikely that you will need to replace anything (unless you start riding it yourself without first servicing the bearings - including the bb, hubs and headset)
Last edited by Morbo; 05-01-12 at 07:36 AM.
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Where are you in NY? If you're in the city, I'd head to B's Bikes in Williamsburg/Gp. There's other shops as geeky-knowledgable, but few as friendly and willing to help.
Great get for 40 bones.
Great get for 40 bones.
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Killer deal, I'm really hoping to get to ride a GT or Grand Jubilee sooner or later. Luckily, it looks like you'll just need some time (and not much money) to get this riding happily. You'll probably be happier replacing the "suicide levers" if only to have some comfy brake hoods. Aesthetically, I'd also lose the spoke reflector and dork disc. Once again, great find--I'd be very, very happy with that bike.
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Nice find, great price...and my size too
Make sure we get pictures of it cleaned up.
Aaron
Make sure we get pictures of it cleaned up.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#9
#10
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Killer deal, I'm really hoping to get to ride a GT or Grand Jubilee sooner or later. Luckily, it looks like you'll just need some time (and not much money) to get this riding happily. You'll probably be happier replacing the "suicide levers" if only to have some comfy brake hoods. Aesthetically, I'd also lose the spoke reflector and dork disc. Once again, great find--I'd be very, very happy with that bike.
Last edited by Morbo; 04-29-12 at 05:19 PM.
#11
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Swiss bb with Motobecane from that era. Motobecane really loved Swiss bb. Replacements can be had, very limited choices and relatively high priced (compared to british standard, Shimano UN26 is $10). Only two swiss bb choices right now are IRD (~$50 complete) and Phil Wood (~$125 to ~$150 complete). Of course, if your bb is good, just service it and continue to ride. It could last you another 10 years, by then, there may be more choices out there.
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I've seen three Grand Touring bicycles, now, that have had their seat tubes fail where they met the bottom bracket. Just cracked right on off. Watch this area if you plan to do any sort of longer riding.
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morbo, if i may, how tall are you, and what is the length of the seat tube when measuring from the center of the bb to the center of the top tube?
and yes, you'll want to replace the chain, freewheel (not a cassette, i too once made that mistake in terminology), tires, grease/bearings in hubs/bb/headset, and possibly cables and housing. it's really fun to do al this on a road bike for the first time. this site and sheldon's are invaluable resources...
and yes, you'll want to replace the chain, freewheel (not a cassette, i too once made that mistake in terminology), tires, grease/bearings in hubs/bb/headset, and possibly cables and housing. it's really fun to do al this on a road bike for the first time. this site and sheldon's are invaluable resources...
#14
I Will Destroy You!
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morbo, if i may, how tall are you, and what is the length of the seat tube when measuring from the center of the bb to the center of the top tube?
and yes, you'll want to replace the chain, freewheel (not a cassette, i too once made that mistake in terminology), tires, grease/bearings in hubs/bb/headset, and possibly cables and housing. it's really fun to do al this on a road bike for the first time. this site and sheldon's are invaluable resources...
and yes, you'll want to replace the chain, freewheel (not a cassette, i too once made that mistake in terminology), tires, grease/bearings in hubs/bb/headset, and possibly cables and housing. it's really fun to do al this on a road bike for the first time. this site and sheldon's are invaluable resources...
Last edited by Morbo; 04-29-12 at 08:57 PM.
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3cm?! that's one fat tube! so the rear hub on your moto is threaded for a freewheel and cluster all in one, and it's referred to merely as just a freewheel. sounds like your mtn bike has a freehub that contains the coasting mechanism already, and it attaches to a casette of sprockets. sheldon explains this ... with pictures!
enjoy your new moto!
enjoy your new moto!