Used bike or new for randonneuring?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,725
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5792 Post(s)
Liked 2,583 Times
in
1,432 Posts
Apologies if my post came off as rude, but I still don't get your point about the silk purse. The whole 650b conversion thing is pretty well understood by now, and I assume the OP has done a bit of research since he already ID'd french bottom brackets and appropriate centerpull brakes earlier in the thread.
You read more into the "silk purse" part of the post, and skipped over the part where I detailed the specific issue.
In any case, I suspect it's a matter of perspective. I saw someone asking about randonneur bike options, and you saw someone wanting to convert an older bike.
Either way, no apology is ever called for when honestly posting your opinion. people ask questions, and we each respond in our own way. That gives the OP plenty of varied info, and the elements needed to make his own decision.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#27
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
the randonneuring season has started in the northern hemisphere, so that is another thing to consider. I know most people don't start bike projects until the weather is nice, but randonneuring is a little different in that regard, earlier is better.
I like the idea of 650b, but my 650b frame is one of my stalled projects. For randonneuring, there are a lot of advantages to 700c. I am running 700c x 32mm and I'm pretty happy about that.
I like the idea of 650b, but my 650b frame is one of my stalled projects. For randonneuring, there are a lot of advantages to 700c. I am running 700c x 32mm and I'm pretty happy about that.
#28
Senior Member
I started off in the rando world with a 80s vintage road bike upgraded to brifters and I liked it a lot, then I thought my miyata 1000 with a generator hub and 9 speed downtube shifters would be the cat's meow since it took fenders and wider tires. I don't know what it was about the fit or the crank but I pulled a muscle or something in my calf and DNF'd my first 600K, I ended up buying a used specialized roubaix and I rarely ride either of the vintage bikes anymore. They were fun projects to restore and ride but I found the roubaix to be a better fit for me... somehow I survived my 1200K on 28mm tires and a carbon frame, which has also held up being flown across Canada in a plastic bag. YMMV, of course.
#29
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
I've done a lot of randonneuring on 25mm tires. But the roads in Pennsylvania are getting worse, and my night vision isn't getting any better.
#30
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
The bike I've been riding for the last couple years is a heavily modified Holdsworth from about 1976.
The important features, in my opinion, are a handlebar bag and dynamo lights. I like bigger tires, but I'm not convinced they're faster.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
#31
Uber Goober
My take on the original question- you're working on two different hobbies. One is fiddling with/riding old bikes. One is randonneuring. And either hobby is fine, but the two aren't really connected. So yeah, you can get the old bike and do randonneuring on it, and other people do, but there's no particular motivation to combine them, either.
It's sort of like if somebody asked, "I like '57 Chevys and I plan to drive cross-country. Should I do so in a '57 Chevy?" and the answer is just "Sure, if that floats your boat", but there's no great motivation to use '57 Chevys for cross-country touring, either.
Personally, I'm kind of waiting until one of those rod-brake Raleighs shows up somewhere semi-local or can be shipped. Yes, I'd ride a 200k on it, but not that's an especially good choice for it.
It's sort of like if somebody asked, "I like '57 Chevys and I plan to drive cross-country. Should I do so in a '57 Chevy?" and the answer is just "Sure, if that floats your boat", but there's no great motivation to use '57 Chevys for cross-country touring, either.
Personally, I'm kind of waiting until one of those rod-brake Raleighs shows up somewhere semi-local or can be shipped. Yes, I'd ride a 200k on it, but not that's an especially good choice for it.
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
#32
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I doubt I would have ventured down the 650B path if my bikes could fit 700x32 tires and fenders. I got fairly beat up on a 400k with heavily-seamed roads, and decided that my 700x28s weren't cutting it.
#33
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
the one thing that got me thinking about it again was riding with someone with 650b tires on rough chip seal pavement. He was definitely having an easier time. The advantage of a conversion in my view is that the easily available 650b bikes seem to all be fairly heavy, or are significantly more expensive than a 700c bike. I think the bikes that would be comparable to the mobobecane are in the $2000 range.
I need to go get some acetylene, speaking of projects.
I need to go get some acetylene, speaking of projects.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,211
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3461 Post(s)
Liked 1,467 Times
in
1,144 Posts
Eastman Roadsters from Yellow Jersey
#35
Uber Goober
I suggest the three speed instead of the single speed model. I think copies of it are still produced in India under the Eastman brand. When you get to the bottom of the page you will see that this retailer no longer stocks them.
Eastman Roadsters from Yellow Jersey
Eastman Roadsters from Yellow Jersey
For a while, Chinese copies under the name of Flying Pigeon were being imported, I'm not sure if that's still the case. The Raleighs were made in a 22" and 24" size, and I'm not sure if either the Flying Pigeon or the Eastman were made (or imported) in the larger size. I've got a low-gravity bicycle that is Arpan brand, and they (and several other companies) also make the Raleigh copies.
A similar bike is available here, but only in the 22" size. From the price, I would assume it is Indian or Chinese, more likely Indian:
Antique Replicas: Gentlemen's Roadster - Rideable Bicycle Replicas
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,211
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3461 Post(s)
Liked 1,467 Times
in
1,144 Posts
For a while, Chinese copies under the name of Flying Pigeon were being imported, I'm not sure if that's still the case. The Raleighs were made in a 22" and 24" size, and I'm not sure if either the Flying Pigeon or the Eastman were made (or imported) in the larger size. I've got a low-gravity bicycle that is Arpan brand, and they (and several other companies) also make the Raleigh copies.
A similar bike is available here, but only in the 22" size. From the price, I would assume it is Indian or Chinese, more likely Indian:
Antique Replicas: Gentlemen's Roadster - Rideable Bicycle Replicas
A similar bike is available here, but only in the 22" size. From the price, I would assume it is Indian or Chinese, more likely Indian:
Antique Replicas: Gentlemen's Roadster - Rideable Bicycle Replicas
#37
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
I'm generally critical of the idea of buying an old sports touring bike for randonneuring, because most of them are pretty heavy and came with low-end components. However the one the OP mentions is a really nice bike. Nicer than most of the inexpensive 650b bikes available now. It's not some historical footnote, like the bikes that Drew Buck rides. I want to ride a hirondelle one day, but not across France like he did.
#38
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
My take on the original question- you're working on two different hobbies. One is fiddling with/riding old bikes. One is randonneuring. And either hobby is fine, but the two aren't really connected. So yeah, you can get the old bike and do randonneuring on it, and other people do, but there's no particular motivation to combine them, either.
It's sort of like if somebody asked, "I like '57 Chevys and I plan to drive cross-country. Should I do so in a '57 Chevy?" and the answer is just "Sure, if that floats your boat", but there's no great motivation to use '57 Chevys for cross-country touring, either.
Personally, I'm kind of waiting until one of those rod-brake Raleighs shows up somewhere semi-local or can be shipped. Yes, I'd ride a 200k on it, but not that's an especially good choice for it.
It's sort of like if somebody asked, "I like '57 Chevys and I plan to drive cross-country. Should I do so in a '57 Chevy?" and the answer is just "Sure, if that floats your boat", but there's no great motivation to use '57 Chevys for cross-country touring, either.
Personally, I'm kind of waiting until one of those rod-brake Raleighs shows up somewhere semi-local or can be shipped. Yes, I'd ride a 200k on it, but not that's an especially good choice for it.
First, that's an excellent reading of the issue.
Second, riding a 200k on an old Raleigh DL-1 (or the equivalent) would be a crazy thing to do.
Third, crazy as it is, I'd do that, for sure. In fact just this past September I did a flat central NJ randonnee on my ca 1938 Fothergill bike, with cottered steel crank, three speed hub (plus a Trivelox derailleur; so a six speed transmission really), Resilion cantilever brakes, a pretty archaic looking bike (though nowhere near as heavy as a DL-1). I like riding that bike.
#39
~>~
Nothing about that ride quality has changed, unless abused/crashed, in the last decades.
Try to find a "modern" frameset with that quality, perhaps what BQ refers to as "planing", these days with over-built "gravel" and "touring" on offer not light/fast/compliant steel designs.
Doing a full-on "modern" retro-fit regardless of wheel size choice requires a frameset in exactly the right size in great condition, tight/specific requirements planning, a good sized budget, considerable C&V knowledge, good mechanical skills, competent frame spacing/torch work, a good finish shop and a considerable time-line. The result can be a particularly suitable LD machine with idiosyncratic character or a horrid/expensive/kludge. One or the other.
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 03-13-18 at 12:23 PM.
#40
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,399
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,699 Times
in
2,519 Posts
Eastern PA 200k's have been ridden on a woman's 3 speed bianchi, fatbike, and possibly some other crazy bikes that I have forgotten about. I particularly remember being passed by the Bianchi, because it had a rollo the clown horn on it. Which scared the crap out of me because I hadn't heard anything before that.
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 662
Bikes: Optima Baron LR, '14 Nishiki Maricopa,'87 Trek 330 Elance, '89 Miyata 1400, '85 Peugeot PGN10, '04 Fuji Ace, '06 Giant Rincon, '95 Giant Allegre, '83 Trek 620, '86 Schwinn High Sierra
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 225 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
107 Posts
So where does one get 650b wheels with 100/130mm hubs? Most of what I see out there are 110/135mms, and I don't want to cold set my frame.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Lewisville, TX
Posts: 660
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Touring, 2013 Fuji Absolute 2.1 hybrid, 2000 Mongoose S2000 MTB, 2009 Schwinn Jaguar beach cruiser
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Liked 193 Times
in
99 Posts
I just recently resurrected this 1974 Motobecane Grand Touring that had been hanging from ceiling hooks since 1982. It took a lot of elbow grease, replacing the consumables, saddle, and completely disassembling and cleaning the brakes and derailleurs, but it was worth it. I spent less than $125 on it when all said and done. The bike rides beautifully - the steel frame rides extremely smooth, it tracks straight and turns well, and is very comfortable on longer rides. I opted to keep the 27" Weinmann wheels. As another said, classic French steel frames are wonderful.
#43
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
So where does one get 650b wheels with 100/130mm hubs? Most of what I see out there are 110/135mms, and I don't want to cold set my frame.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sta-Tru-27-...gAAOSwyXFapAO5
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sta-Tru-Rea...kAAOSwomJapu5m
I don't know anything about those rims, so no recommendation is implied. If I were looking for new wheels, I'd be building them myself so I can use the hubs I want.
I wouldn't expect the 650b wheels to lower the bike much, though.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
#44
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
So where does one get 650b wheels with 100/130mm hubs? Most of what I see out there are 110/135mms, and I don't want to cold set my frame.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
I have a Peugeot PGN10 56cm frame, but at my height of 5'6", it's a tad big for me. So I figured I could lower the bike a bit by converting the bike to 650b from 700.
And I agree with everything @rhm wrote. A 650B conversion won't lower your bike much, unless you go for the skinniest 650B tires you can find, which defeats the purpose somewhat. I would start my search for a ~54ish bike/frame.
#45
Senior Member
I have a 1961 or 62 Italian bike with Columbus tubing that I occasionally ride. I really like the ride, but I find that within my fleet I ride it very little because of the inconvenience of the friction downtube shifters.
I made several upgrades to the bike, some of these upgrades may or may not be practical with a French bike. Upgrades are as follows.
I really like the ride of the bike, but because of the friction downtube shifters, I just do not ride it very much. I just like indexed shifters too much.
First photo, the new handlebar setup, second photo is of the bike, third is the reason I do not ride it very much.
I am now retired and have the resources to make any changes I want. I bought this bike when I was still in college, so it has been an on-going on again and off again project over many decades. I worked in a bike shop before college, so I have done all of my own work on the bike.
The reason I am going through this long list of changes that I made is that you might find that updating an older bike can take a lot of effort and in the end, you do not know if you will still want to use it as much as you would use a modern bike.
And as a hobby, I enjoyed working on the bike but I do not know if that would be the same situation for you.
I made several upgrades to the bike, some of these upgrades may or may not be practical with a French bike. Upgrades are as follows.
- When I bought the bike used in the late 1970s, it was badly abused. I have repainted the frame twice since then, most recently was a couple years ago.
- In the 1980s, the early 1960s rear derailleur had a major bolt come unthreaded and a piece of the rear dérailleur was lost in the ditch. I installed a new Nuevo Record at that time.
- And the last upgrade from the 1980s was adding some plastic fenders from that era. Other upgrades were in the last couple years.
- Wheels were 120mm rear hub spaced five speed with tubular tires. A couple years ago I got a great price on a used pair of mid 1980s wheels, 126mm rear hub spacing and clincher rims. I tried to cold set the frame to take the wider hub, but the Columbus tubing was like spring steel and I finally gave up. But I use that 126 spaced hub, it just takes more effort to squeeze it into the frame.
- The original crank with Campy 151mm BCD chainrings was 52/48 and I wanted lower gearing. I installed a Campy square taper cartridge bottom bracket and a Campy triple that was 52/42/30 for better gearing.
- The original five speed freewheel was 13/21, I put on a six speed freewheel on it with slightly higher gearing. When using the 30T granny, the rear derailleur will only work with the largest three sprockets on back because the derailleur cage will not take up all the slack.
- I prefer interrupter brake levers. The original handlebars were way too narrow for me and needed updating. I used modern handlebar, modern brake levers, interrupter brake levers, threadless stem, quill to threadless adapter. The reason I went threadless was that wanted the ability to try different reach, meaning different stem lengths without major effort.
- Clipless pedals.
I really like the ride of the bike, but because of the friction downtube shifters, I just do not ride it very much. I just like indexed shifters too much.
First photo, the new handlebar setup, second photo is of the bike, third is the reason I do not ride it very much.
I am now retired and have the resources to make any changes I want. I bought this bike when I was still in college, so it has been an on-going on again and off again project over many decades. I worked in a bike shop before college, so I have done all of my own work on the bike.
The reason I am going through this long list of changes that I made is that you might find that updating an older bike can take a lot of effort and in the end, you do not know if you will still want to use it as much as you would use a modern bike.
And as a hobby, I enjoyed working on the bike but I do not know if that would be the same situation for you.
#46
~>~
retro-fit regardless of wheel size choice requires a frameset in exactly the right size
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 03-14-18 at 02:33 PM.
#47
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,535
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3889 Post(s)
Liked 1,938 Times
in
1,383 Posts
I'll chime in, hoping that the OP is still watching this thread. The main thing about randonneuring which I've enjoyed is riding my bike up the road. When randoing, one gets to do a lot more of that, usually seeing and experiencing things which are interesting and novel. So for me it's the riding. And nothing beats a modern bike for getting up the road. They don't have to be expensive. $1000-$1500 will get you an all-carbon bike that's entirely suitable for randonneuring as long as you are riding on pavement or hard-pack gravel. From an entry-level road bike on up, basically for every $1000 you shell out, you save one pound in bike weight. You're not going to care about that. What works best for rando is a stiff bike that handles well and converts your pedal pressure directly into motion. All the rest is a lot of palaver.
The only thing special you're going to want will be a bigger cassette and thus a longer chain than the usual road bike. A big cassette will save your legs. A 50-34 crankset coupled with an 11-34 cassette will get you up most anything, even with a few hundred kilometers in your legs. That's another reason to buy new.
As far as vibration, comfort, and all that, it's mostly a question of tires - and a carbon frame. I think every frame made will take 25mm tires, which is all you need. I've always ridden 23mm tires and quite happily. I ride them out of choice.
Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar have several bikes in this price range. I'm sure there are other sellers as well. You might be able to get one delivered to a local Performance Bike or other shop along with a cassette change at low cost.
The only thing special you're going to want will be a bigger cassette and thus a longer chain than the usual road bike. A big cassette will save your legs. A 50-34 crankset coupled with an 11-34 cassette will get you up most anything, even with a few hundred kilometers in your legs. That's another reason to buy new.
As far as vibration, comfort, and all that, it's mostly a question of tires - and a carbon frame. I think every frame made will take 25mm tires, which is all you need. I've always ridden 23mm tires and quite happily. I ride them out of choice.
Performance Bike and Bike Nashbar have several bikes in this price range. I'm sure there are other sellers as well. You might be able to get one delivered to a local Performance Bike or other shop along with a cassette change at low cost.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 662
Bikes: Optima Baron LR, '14 Nishiki Maricopa,'87 Trek 330 Elance, '89 Miyata 1400, '85 Peugeot PGN10, '04 Fuji Ace, '06 Giant Rincon, '95 Giant Allegre, '83 Trek 620, '86 Schwinn High Sierra
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 225 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
107 Posts
I'm starting to think the same thing. I got a lead on a nice 52cm bike on craigslist near my fathers place. I'm scheduled to meet the guy and see the bike. If it fits nicely, I'll buy it and possibly sell my beloved PGN10
#49
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi folks,
Thanks for all of the responses and, yes, I am still following this thread and appreciate the different perspectives.
I decided to go for the 1973 Motobecane Grand Jubilee because there were things that seemed very usable about this bike in addition to the frame (which is in excellent condition inside and out). This Grand Jubilee was very well maintained and comes with the Huret Jubilee derailleur and friction shifters. I grew up with friction shifters so that didn't worry me one bit. It shifts very well so I don't anticipate any changes there. The freewheel is (as you probably guessed) 5 speed in a 14-17-20-24-28 configuration. I am going to pair this with a new 46-30 crankset from Velo Orange ($200), which I think will handle hills and flats pretty nicely.
I am in the process of cleaning and repacking the 100/126mm M Maillard high flange hubs (again, these are in excellent shape with very clean cups and cones) and will use these for building the wheels with new Pacenti Brevet 650b rims (~$200 for the pair). The stem and handlebars will also be replaced with a Nitto quill stem and VO rando bars (about $120 for the lot). The brakes will be replaced with some Weinmann 750s that I have.
So for about an extra $500 bucks and some labor I think I will have a very nice, comfortable bike for randonneuring. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished bike.
Thanks again!
--Eric
Thanks for all of the responses and, yes, I am still following this thread and appreciate the different perspectives.
I decided to go for the 1973 Motobecane Grand Jubilee because there were things that seemed very usable about this bike in addition to the frame (which is in excellent condition inside and out). This Grand Jubilee was very well maintained and comes with the Huret Jubilee derailleur and friction shifters. I grew up with friction shifters so that didn't worry me one bit. It shifts very well so I don't anticipate any changes there. The freewheel is (as you probably guessed) 5 speed in a 14-17-20-24-28 configuration. I am going to pair this with a new 46-30 crankset from Velo Orange ($200), which I think will handle hills and flats pretty nicely.
I am in the process of cleaning and repacking the 100/126mm M Maillard high flange hubs (again, these are in excellent shape with very clean cups and cones) and will use these for building the wheels with new Pacenti Brevet 650b rims (~$200 for the pair). The stem and handlebars will also be replaced with a Nitto quill stem and VO rando bars (about $120 for the lot). The brakes will be replaced with some Weinmann 750s that I have.
So for about an extra $500 bucks and some labor I think I will have a very nice, comfortable bike for randonneuring. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished bike.
Thanks again!
--Eric
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,211
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3461 Post(s)
Liked 1,467 Times
in
1,144 Posts
Hi folks,
Thanks for all of the responses and, yes, I am still following this thread and appreciate the different perspectives.
I decided to go for the 1973 Motobecane Grand Jubilee because there were things that seemed very usable about this bike in addition to the frame (which is in excellent condition inside and out). This Grand Jubilee was very well maintained and comes with the Huret Jubilee derailleur and friction shifters. I grew up with friction shifters so that didn't worry me one bit. It shifts very well so I don't anticipate any changes there. The freewheel is (as you probably guessed) 5 speed in a 14-17-20-24-28 configuration. I am going to pair this with a new 46-30 crankset from Velo Orange ($200), which I think will handle hills and flats pretty nicely.
I am in the process of cleaning and repacking the 100/126mm M Maillard high flange hubs (again, these are in excellent shape with very clean cups and cones) and will use these for building the wheels with new Pacenti Brevet 650b rims (~$200 for the pair). The stem and handlebars will also be replaced with a Nitto quill stem and VO rando bars (about $120 for the lot). The brakes will be replaced with some Weinmann 750s that I have.
So for about an extra $500 bucks and some labor I think I will have a very nice, comfortable bike for randonneuring. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished bike.
Thanks again!
--Eric
Thanks for all of the responses and, yes, I am still following this thread and appreciate the different perspectives.
I decided to go for the 1973 Motobecane Grand Jubilee because there were things that seemed very usable about this bike in addition to the frame (which is in excellent condition inside and out). This Grand Jubilee was very well maintained and comes with the Huret Jubilee derailleur and friction shifters. I grew up with friction shifters so that didn't worry me one bit. It shifts very well so I don't anticipate any changes there. The freewheel is (as you probably guessed) 5 speed in a 14-17-20-24-28 configuration. I am going to pair this with a new 46-30 crankset from Velo Orange ($200), which I think will handle hills and flats pretty nicely.
I am in the process of cleaning and repacking the 100/126mm M Maillard high flange hubs (again, these are in excellent shape with very clean cups and cones) and will use these for building the wheels with new Pacenti Brevet 650b rims (~$200 for the pair). The stem and handlebars will also be replaced with a Nitto quill stem and VO rando bars (about $120 for the lot). The brakes will be replaced with some Weinmann 750s that I have.
So for about an extra $500 bucks and some labor I think I will have a very nice, comfortable bike for randonneuring. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished bike.
Thanks again!
--Eric
You might find a chain catcher is an advantage to avoid dropped chains. The jump from 46 to 30 on the downshift is a big jump.
Finding the cables that have the odd shaped end to fit in the Huret shifters might take a bit of work, I instead used a file on the cable end with a Shimano cable so that I could fit it into the shifter on my bike with a Huret friction shifter.
A five speed freewheel (or a six if you change it later) on a crank with a 46/30 double won't give you very many gears in the range you likely will spend most of your time. Most of your time will be on the 46T and I would not be surprised if you spend 70 percent of your time in only your top two gears. If you have not ordered the crank yet, you might consider a triple with a half step plus granny setup. I use that on two of my touring bikes. That would give you a granny gear for steep hills plus two chainrings for everywhere else. Perhaps a 44 and a 48 for middle and big rings, plus the 30T granny on a triple. That combination would only require 2 more chain links for chain wrap, so it would not be much different for dérailleur chain wrap capacity.
Good luck with your project.