What's this bike worth?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is this is a good deal for a beginning cyclist?
Hello all-
I'm new to cycling and looking for a decent but affordable commuter bike to get to work and around town. I found a CL post (can't submit link but will send it to you if you'd like) for the following bike:
-70's Motobecane Grand Touring 10-speed
-54cm frame, 18" wheels
-Green color
-W/ original Burley bag
-Poster says new tubes and tires and ready to go
-Price: $150
Is this a decent deal? I'm about 5'8", so that frame size seems right from what I've read online. But again, very new to cycling, so any help/advice would be very much appreciated.
(And yes, I'll also take it for a spin and make sure it's comfortable when I look at it in-person, too - but wanted some opinions going into it!)
Thanks!
I'm new to cycling and looking for a decent but affordable commuter bike to get to work and around town. I found a CL post (can't submit link but will send it to you if you'd like) for the following bike:
-70's Motobecane Grand Touring 10-speed
-54cm frame, 18" wheels
-Green color
-W/ original Burley bag
-Poster says new tubes and tires and ready to go
-Price: $150
Is this a decent deal? I'm about 5'8", so that frame size seems right from what I've read online. But again, very new to cycling, so any help/advice would be very much appreciated.
(And yes, I'll also take it for a spin and make sure it's comfortable when I look at it in-person, too - but wanted some opinions going into it!)
Thanks!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,810
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,017 Times
in
571 Posts
Very hard to tell without pix, but if it's in good shape with new tubes and tires that's probably a decent price. It also depends a lot on your market. Some areas command significantly higher prices. Condition is everything at that level. Are you going to need to repair or replace anything? If not and you like the bike, it's worth it. If it has a few issues, it might be worth only half that. And do you like the look and feel of the bike when you ride it? If it makes you smile, you should buy it.
You can search the C & V valuations forum here and probably find a thread on a similar bike.
You can search the C & V valuations forum here and probably find a thread on a similar bike.
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What's this bike worth?
Hello all (this was originally in General Discussion but I'm thinking this is probably where it belongs!)
I'm new to cycling and looking for a decent but affordable commuter bike to get to work and around town. I found a CL post (can't submit link but will send it to you if you'd like) for the following bike:
-70's Motobecane Grand Touring 10-speed
-54cm frame, 18" wheels
-Green color
-W/ original Burley bag
-Poster says new tubes and tires and ready to go
-Price: $150
Is this a decent deal? I'm about 5'8", so that frame size seems right from what I've read online. But again, very new to cycling, so any help/advice would be very much appreciated.
(And yes, I'll also take it for a spin and make sure it's comfortable when I look at it in-person, too - but wanted some opinions going into it!)
Thanks!
I'm new to cycling and looking for a decent but affordable commuter bike to get to work and around town. I found a CL post (can't submit link but will send it to you if you'd like) for the following bike:
-70's Motobecane Grand Touring 10-speed
-54cm frame, 18" wheels
-Green color
-W/ original Burley bag
-Poster says new tubes and tires and ready to go
-Price: $150
Is this a decent deal? I'm about 5'8", so that frame size seems right from what I've read online. But again, very new to cycling, so any help/advice would be very much appreciated.
(And yes, I'll also take it for a spin and make sure it's comfortable when I look at it in-person, too - but wanted some opinions going into it!)
Thanks!
#5
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,493
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2740 Post(s)
Liked 3,386 Times
in
2,049 Posts
Just be aware 70's Moto may pose future maintenance issues as there is likely a number of items with somewhat obsolete French threading.
Stem, fork threading, bottom bracket threading, possibly pedal threads, freewheel threading. That's not to say parts can't be sourced but harder and more costly.
I personally wouldn't pay that for that bike, but my market isn't likely the same. I'd be looking for an 80's Japanese, Trek, or similar. Much more easily upgraded and maintained.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...889460269.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...909133294.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...889386631.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...893818968.html
Also consider an older rigid frame Mt bike as they can usually be picked up reasonable and with street tires make great commuters and urban beat around bikes.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...902628699.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...910107401.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...895002154.html
Stem, fork threading, bottom bracket threading, possibly pedal threads, freewheel threading. That's not to say parts can't be sourced but harder and more costly.
I personally wouldn't pay that for that bike, but my market isn't likely the same. I'd be looking for an 80's Japanese, Trek, or similar. Much more easily upgraded and maintained.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...889460269.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...909133294.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...889386631.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...893818968.html
Also consider an older rigid frame Mt bike as they can usually be picked up reasonable and with street tires make great commuters and urban beat around bikes.
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...902628699.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...910107401.html
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...895002154.html
#6
52psi
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,014
Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 801 Times
in
390 Posts
Possibly?
I'm all about the 70s bikes and certainly don't want to discourage you on that front. But know this:
1. You're going to need to work on it, or pay someone else to do so. The former is intimidating at first, but not so difficult in a world with bikeforums and youtube. The latter will get expensive quickly.
2. This is a French 70s bike. Much of the bike will likely be "French-specific," which will limit the availability of replacement parts. As a beginner your life will be much easier if you go with 70s Japanese, or British, or probably just about anything not French. (some might dispute this)
So yes. You can have a ton o' fun on an older bike, and they can certainly make for a cheap, reliable commuter. My daily commuter/around town bike is a '79 Raleigh. But parts will likely need servicing (bearings, grease) or replacing (cables, brake pads) and you'll want to keep this in mind when weighing your options.
I also agree with @jon c., above: If it makes you smile, you should (probably) buy it.
I'm all about the 70s bikes and certainly don't want to discourage you on that front. But know this:
1. You're going to need to work on it, or pay someone else to do so. The former is intimidating at first, but not so difficult in a world with bikeforums and youtube. The latter will get expensive quickly.
2. This is a French 70s bike. Much of the bike will likely be "French-specific," which will limit the availability of replacement parts. As a beginner your life will be much easier if you go with 70s Japanese, or British, or probably just about anything not French. (some might dispute this)
So yes. You can have a ton o' fun on an older bike, and they can certainly make for a cheap, reliable commuter. My daily commuter/around town bike is a '79 Raleigh. But parts will likely need servicing (bearings, grease) or replacing (cables, brake pads) and you'll want to keep this in mind when weighing your options.
I also agree with @jon c., above: If it makes you smile, you should (probably) buy it.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#7
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,983
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26381 Post(s)
Liked 10,357 Times
in
7,194 Posts
...yes. That's not very much money for that particular bicycle in good riding condition. The new tyres and tubes might not be what you'd have chosen, and it's pretty hard to judge anything else with regard to condition without more to go on. That and you can't tell much about mechanical condition from an ad.
#8
Senior Member
Green is not as fast as red, nor as sleek as black.
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks! I'm new to the forum so couldn't attach the URL to the Craigslist post. Yeah, hard to tell from pics but looks pretty clean. I'll try and check it out as best I can when I look at it in person too.
Appreciate the help.
Appreciate the help.
#10
Senior Member
IMHO...I would be cautious about early 70's French bikes. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get new threaded replacement parts. A bent axle or a worn out freewheel can become a big problem. Bicycle parts became much more standardized approaching the mid 1980's . Most bikes made after 1986 or so have easy to find brand new replacement parts. If you're new to cycling and want something dependable I would recommend getting something a little newer.
Likes For ramzilla:
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,831
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 892 Post(s)
Liked 2,048 Times
in
1,072 Posts
I always fall for the old French bikes. Don't do it. Though sweet riding, they are high maintenance. Nothing is standard, not the parts, the direction you turn things to unscrew them, or the tools you need. You will spend far too many hours online researching arcane things like crankarm puller thread sizes. Plus the components, if original, may disintegrate when you touch them.
I also think it's over priced.
If the damn thing was 62 cm I'd probably buy it.
I also think it's over priced.
If the damn thing was 62 cm I'd probably buy it.
#13
Dirty Heathen
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Posts: 2,182
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 889 Post(s)
Liked 906 Times
in
534 Posts
Possibly?
I'm all about the 70s bikes and certainly don't want to discourage you on that front. But know this:
1. You're going to need to work on it, or pay someone else to do so. The former is intimidating at first, but not so difficult in a world with bikeforums and youtube. The latter will get expensive quickly.
2. This is a French 70s bike. Much of the bike will likely be "French-specific," which will limit the availability of replacement parts. As a beginner your life will be much easier if you go with 70s Japanese, or British, or probably just about anything not French. (some might dispute this)
So yes. You can have a ton o' fun on an older bike, and they can certainly make for a cheap, reliable commuter. My daily commuter/around town bike is a '79 Raleigh. But parts will likely need servicing (bearings, grease) or replacing (cables, brake pads) and you'll want to keep this in mind when weighing your options.
I also agree with @jon c., above: If it makes you smile, you should (probably) buy it.
I'm all about the 70s bikes and certainly don't want to discourage you on that front. But know this:
1. You're going to need to work on it, or pay someone else to do so. The former is intimidating at first, but not so difficult in a world with bikeforums and youtube. The latter will get expensive quickly.
2. This is a French 70s bike. Much of the bike will likely be "French-specific," which will limit the availability of replacement parts. As a beginner your life will be much easier if you go with 70s Japanese, or British, or probably just about anything not French. (some might dispute this)
So yes. You can have a ton o' fun on an older bike, and they can certainly make for a cheap, reliable commuter. My daily commuter/around town bike is a '79 Raleigh. But parts will likely need servicing (bearings, grease) or replacing (cables, brake pads) and you'll want to keep this in mind when weighing your options.
I also agree with @jon c., above: If it makes you smile, you should (probably) buy it.
Pretty much all of this. '70s bikes are fun because they're stylish, and European marques have a certain panache that's missing from modern bikes. Maintaining a 40-year old bike isn't all that hard, since bicycles of that era were simpler than modern bikes. Some of them are quite sophisticated, but still simple mechanically.
Biggest thing about a vintage French bike is that French designers and engineers did things a little different from everyone else. Not good or bad, just French.
A vintage bike, in good condition can make a great casual rider. I have a 1976 Bridgestone that I added as my first 'proper' road bike. It's since been replaced in the lineup by a more modern bike, but it's my go to 'townie / path bike' It doesn't see the miles that the newer bikes do, but it probably gets ridden more frequently.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,480
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7648 Post(s)
Liked 3,465 Times
in
1,831 Posts
I have to join the "Pass" side of this one. Most bike shops won't have the specific tools for the bike, and there are ways to do damage (such as trying to unthread a bottom-bracket cup which unthreads the other way) which can do permanent harm. (Don't ask how I know.)
I am also a rider of older bikes but after about 1986 or 1989, a lot of bike manufacturers switched over to "modern" standards for bottom bracket, dropout width, and headset, so that stuff made today still fits perfectly. Unless you are an avid mechanic and enjoy searching online for rare (and possibly overpriced) parts, it is better not to go back past about 1986.
I agree though, that any old bike from a few decades ago Can make a great ride. Be aware that unless it has been constantly maintained (and even if) you might have to go through the whole bike to check to see if the bearings were lubricated, the cables are rusted, the brake shoes have hardened, grease had dried out in the freewheel/freehub, the headset is pitted, the BB has been kept properly adjusted, and of course you will need new tubes and quite possibly new tires.
A $150 bike might need to go to a shop for a clean-up, tune-up, and minor work and cost $250 all of a sudden. Or more.
Unless you know a lot about bikes, I'd suggest only buying used if you are willing to take the bike to a shop and pay, and I would also suggest taking a friend who does know bikes---some stuff might be noticed before money changes hands which will keep you from buying someone else's nightmare.
I am also a rider of older bikes but after about 1986 or 1989, a lot of bike manufacturers switched over to "modern" standards for bottom bracket, dropout width, and headset, so that stuff made today still fits perfectly. Unless you are an avid mechanic and enjoy searching online for rare (and possibly overpriced) parts, it is better not to go back past about 1986.
I agree though, that any old bike from a few decades ago Can make a great ride. Be aware that unless it has been constantly maintained (and even if) you might have to go through the whole bike to check to see if the bearings were lubricated, the cables are rusted, the brake shoes have hardened, grease had dried out in the freewheel/freehub, the headset is pitted, the BB has been kept properly adjusted, and of course you will need new tubes and quite possibly new tires.
A $150 bike might need to go to a shop for a clean-up, tune-up, and minor work and cost $250 all of a sudden. Or more.
Unless you know a lot about bikes, I'd suggest only buying used if you are willing to take the bike to a shop and pay, and I would also suggest taking a friend who does know bikes---some stuff might be noticed before money changes hands which will keep you from buying someone else's nightmare.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I can see that turning into a very expensive cheap bike.
Likes For caloso:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 251
Bikes: 2002 Trek 800 Singletrack, 1982 Bridgestone Spica
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 57 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times
in
32 Posts
IMHO...I would be cautious about early 70's French bikes. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get new threaded replacement parts. A bent axle or a worn out freewheel can become a big problem. Bicycle parts became much more standardized approaching the mid 1980's . Most bikes made after 1986 or so have easy to find brand new replacement parts. If you're new to cycling and want something dependable I would recommend getting something a little newer.
#17
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,523
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
Motobecane was one of the first French manufacturers to embrace Japanese parts. I'd have to see the parts, but I have gotten some fine Suntour Vx and Cyclone derailleurs off Motobecanes.
French reproduction parts are readily available but tend to cost more than the common stuff. And if stuff is not worn out (and often its not), it can continue to serve you well.
By the late 1970s, Motobecane embraced SWISS threaded bottom brackets. Now those are more of a headache. I buy old Motobecanes (if the price is right) just for the Swiss bottom brackets. I also get French sized stems and headsets, along with SuntourVx or Cyclone derailleurs. French also used a different diameter handlebar clamp (typically 25.0mm versus 25.4mm usual).
MB Grand Touring specifications changed dramatically throughout the 1970s. Everything from frame tubing to components. Definite variation between years.
French reproduction parts are readily available but tend to cost more than the common stuff. And if stuff is not worn out (and often its not), it can continue to serve you well.
By the late 1970s, Motobecane embraced SWISS threaded bottom brackets. Now those are more of a headache. I buy old Motobecanes (if the price is right) just for the Swiss bottom brackets. I also get French sized stems and headsets, along with SuntourVx or Cyclone derailleurs. French also used a different diameter handlebar clamp (typically 25.0mm versus 25.4mm usual).
MB Grand Touring specifications changed dramatically throughout the 1970s. Everything from frame tubing to components. Definite variation between years.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-16-19 at 09:45 AM.
Likes For wrk101:
#18
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,626
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3084 Post(s)
Liked 6,560 Times
in
3,763 Posts
Merged duplicate threads.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
moremountain
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
3
06-15-15 09:42 AM
SP77
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
7
06-04-13 03:19 PM
foruken
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
5
07-11-12 11:15 PM