70s Motobecane Grand Touring
05-06-20, 10:20 AM
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70s Motobecane Grand Touring
Hello! I have come into possession of a vintage, made in France (not Japan), Motobecane Grand Touring bicycle from the 70s. Really well taken care of. I don't know anything about vintage bicycles and was wondering....is this a desirable item? Just want to make sure that I treat it right. All the best.
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05-06-20, 10:26 AM
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Motobecane Catalog 1979
I think it’s desirable!
it’s a little “mid tier” but you’ll have tons of fat tire room for cushy touring or gravel roads. You can fit a fender in there too.
I think it’s desirable!
it’s a little “mid tier” but you’ll have tons of fat tire room for cushy touring or gravel roads. You can fit a fender in there too.
Last edited by Chr0m0ly; 05-06-20 at 10:29 AM.
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05-06-20, 10:28 AM
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Yep, it's a nice bike. How well taken care of? Do you know if the bottom bracket and hubs have been recently serviced?
05-06-20, 10:53 AM
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I like these. I had one pass through my hands that I hated to give up. It rode real well and was one of those tough choices you make as a flipper. I can’t keep them all, still, I’d love to find another one if only for a little while.
05-06-20, 11:04 AM
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Here's my '76 Grand Touring. It's a great ride. Love this bike.
05-06-20, 11:38 AM
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That's a very nice bike. The one I have looks almost just like it. It has thinner road tires, and a rack behind the saddle and just over the rear tire. I am probably going to look to sell it to someone who can appreciate it more than I can. Recent health issues disallow me being able to run or bike any more.
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05-06-20, 02:23 PM
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my son holding my 78 gt today after riding to work.
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05-06-20, 03:43 PM
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Congratulations! They are really very nice bikes, even if (upper) "mid-level" in the hierarchy of things. The quality of their specs got better after the early 70s. Does it have a hi-ten frame? That would be an early '70s model. There is a Bicycling magazine review of the '77 model that you can find online. It's a positive review, BTW. They offered great value and dependability, with beautiful frames and paint jobs. The head badge is even a cool work of art! Post a photo if and when you can. The frame material, brand of rims and components can also help us figure out the model year. I never thought I would like a French bike, but now I am a Francophile! I liked my Gold '78 Moto so much, I bought a second one in grey! Both were made within weeks of each other. Take good care of it! RYANSU will probably tell you more when he sees your post. He also has a '78 that he really likes!
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05-06-20, 07:08 PM
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Congratulations! They are really very nice bikes, even if (upper) "mid-level" in the hierarchy of things. The quality of their specs got better after the early 70s. Does it have a hi-ten frame? That would be an early '70s model. There is a Bicycling magazine review of the '77 model that you can find online. It's a positive review, BTW. They offered great value and dependability, with beautiful frames and paint jobs. The head badge is even a cool work of art! Post a photo if and when you can. The frame material, brand of rims and components can also help us figure out the model year. I never thought I would like a French bike, but now I am a Francophile! I liked my Gold '78 Moto so much, I bought a second one in grey! Both were made within weeks of each other. Take good care of it! RYANSU will probably tell you more when he sees your post. He also has a '78 that he really likes!
Last edited by cb400bill; 05-07-20 at 03:48 AM. Reason: email removed for internet safety.
05-07-20, 07:01 AM
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I bought a Moto GP new in 1976. I rode a lot back then. It was only to hold me over until I saved enough to buy a high end touring bike. I ended up liking this ride so much that I never bought the high end bike.
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05-07-20, 08:37 AM
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Fond memories of my Moto GT. Think it was a 72. Stronglight 49, Mafac, swapped the Huret (not Jubilee) RD for a Suntour. Nice riding bike and if I came across one in the same blue, I would likely buy it.
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05-07-20, 09:36 AM
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05-07-20, 09:48 AM
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These are decent bikes with a classic look. Yours is in exceptional condition,which is rare. Enjoy it!
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05-07-20, 10:33 AM
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I think I see a Vitus 172 label. If it is, you're in luck. I think it was around 1975 they upgraded the GT from Hi-Ten to Vitus.
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05-07-20, 10:52 AM
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05-07-20, 11:33 AM
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Yes, it is a 172. I didn't really know what that meant. Looks like the sprockets, gears, etc. are all original too. I really wish I could ride it. I have had one knee replacement and another one coming soon. Also have to wear gauntlet braces on my ankles due to massive joint degeneration. My days of triathlons are done and I now exclusively open water marathon swim. Hopefully I will be able to find someone who can really appreciate this bike and truly enjoy it.
05-07-20, 04:09 PM
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Yes, it is a 172. I didn't really know what that meant. Looks like the sprockets, gears, etc. are all original too. I really wish I could ride it. I have had one knee replacement and another one coming soon. Also have to wear gauntlet braces on my ankles due to massive joint degeneration. My days of triathlons are done and I now exclusively open water marathon swim. Hopefully I will be able to find someone who can really appreciate this bike and truly enjoy it.
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05-07-20, 07:05 PM
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05-07-20, 08:03 PM
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05-07-20, 08:04 PM
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05-10-20, 08:17 AM
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With fenders...
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