So I bought an cool old bike
#1
Member
Thread Starter
So I bought an cool old bike
After going through a few other not-vintage bikes, and learning that what I really wanted was a lugged steel vintage bike I bought a Motobecane Nomade II yesterday. Finding a big enough bike was/is a bit of a challenge as I am 6'4"/250lbs with looonnggg torso. But this one seems to fit OK, at least acceptable to learn on. It is 64/65cm crank to top of seat tube, and 60cm top tube ctc. I know it's not an amazing bike, but was first one where I didn't feel way out in front of it, so I'm going to see what I can do with it, and either love it for life or just learn from it and turn it over to someone else once I find the perfect frame. I do like the classy styling and patina, although could also see repainting it if I end up loving the fit/ride.
I will ride it around town, for errands and as my primary transportation year round. Here's a rough outline of my plan, but it's all up for feedback and reconsideration, I'm an absolute noobie and would appreciate any and all feedback! I have so many unknowns, but I know there's a ton of information out there, and I've already started spending my evenings watching youtube videos lol.
1. Change seat to NOS leather Brooks seat that came with one of my failed earlier bikes. Not looking forward to breaking it in, but I hope it will be worth it.
2. Change handlebars to some kind of upright, moustache or straightish bars. The seller threw in a moustache bar so I will start with that. Will try to reuse existing brakes for the short term. I have some Brooks leather handlebar grips I might try, or just reuse the black tape that's on the existing drop bars, it looks like it's in OK shape.
3. Change wheels to 700c with bigger tires (for comfort). Current tires look pretty old, lot's of crazing on the sides. From what I have gathered, changing to 700c will give me more options for tires, and provide more room for fenders, which I want to add. Need to research what all is involved in this change, I guess I need hubs, do I do quick release, will maybe need new brakes at same time...
4. Change brakes if necessary to reach 700c wheels
5. Change gears to single gear for now. I actually haven't changed the gears on the bike at all yet, just rode it home in gear seller had it in, and it was OK, but I didn't have any serious hills to deal with. I'm not sold on the fixie craze but for the short term might try it out, then upgrade when I get other things dialed in. Need to figure out gears to use, what I can reuse from current, wand what I will need new and how to do it.
6. Tools! Need to figure out what I will need. Probably a stand, there are some cheapish ones on Amazon for $50-100 but I would spend more if I knew it was quality. I see some bike tool kits I might go for just to get me started. I have a nice metric socket and hex set, other basic tools, but no dedicated bike tools yet.
(BTW I have Amazon credit that will be paying for most new parts so that's a constraint, needs to be from Amazon or used on CL maybe.)
7. Front basket, fenders, maybe rear rack, bar end mirror, nice brass bell.
8. Nice Ulock, helmet.
9. Possible change to offset seatpost and/or extended bar stem, if needed.
10. I'm sure there are things I have forgotten, or am not even aware of. I can see the learning curve swooping up and away!
If anyone wants to take mercy on a uber-noob feel free to leave a comment ;-) Thanks in advance!
Demetrius
PS I'm such a noob system won't let me post a picture ;-/
I will ride it around town, for errands and as my primary transportation year round. Here's a rough outline of my plan, but it's all up for feedback and reconsideration, I'm an absolute noobie and would appreciate any and all feedback! I have so many unknowns, but I know there's a ton of information out there, and I've already started spending my evenings watching youtube videos lol.
1. Change seat to NOS leather Brooks seat that came with one of my failed earlier bikes. Not looking forward to breaking it in, but I hope it will be worth it.
2. Change handlebars to some kind of upright, moustache or straightish bars. The seller threw in a moustache bar so I will start with that. Will try to reuse existing brakes for the short term. I have some Brooks leather handlebar grips I might try, or just reuse the black tape that's on the existing drop bars, it looks like it's in OK shape.
3. Change wheels to 700c with bigger tires (for comfort). Current tires look pretty old, lot's of crazing on the sides. From what I have gathered, changing to 700c will give me more options for tires, and provide more room for fenders, which I want to add. Need to research what all is involved in this change, I guess I need hubs, do I do quick release, will maybe need new brakes at same time...
4. Change brakes if necessary to reach 700c wheels
5. Change gears to single gear for now. I actually haven't changed the gears on the bike at all yet, just rode it home in gear seller had it in, and it was OK, but I didn't have any serious hills to deal with. I'm not sold on the fixie craze but for the short term might try it out, then upgrade when I get other things dialed in. Need to figure out gears to use, what I can reuse from current, wand what I will need new and how to do it.
6. Tools! Need to figure out what I will need. Probably a stand, there are some cheapish ones on Amazon for $50-100 but I would spend more if I knew it was quality. I see some bike tool kits I might go for just to get me started. I have a nice metric socket and hex set, other basic tools, but no dedicated bike tools yet.
(BTW I have Amazon credit that will be paying for most new parts so that's a constraint, needs to be from Amazon or used on CL maybe.)
7. Front basket, fenders, maybe rear rack, bar end mirror, nice brass bell.
8. Nice Ulock, helmet.
9. Possible change to offset seatpost and/or extended bar stem, if needed.
10. I'm sure there are things I have forgotten, or am not even aware of. I can see the learning curve swooping up and away!
If anyone wants to take mercy on a uber-noob feel free to leave a comment ;-) Thanks in advance!
Demetrius
PS I'm such a noob system won't let me post a picture ;-/
Likes For Cute Boy Horse:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Berea, KY
Posts: 1,132
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 360 Post(s)
Liked 310 Times
in
183 Posts
Sounds like a good plan. There are plenty of Motobecane fans on here who can advise you on any issue you might encounter. Have fun.
__________________
Andy
Andy
Likes For beicster:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Upper Left, USA
Posts: 1,953
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Liked 444 Times
in
298 Posts
Good luck! I am with you on the preference for nicer tools. I recommend buying good quality tools as you go along. Park is the obvious choice, but I have had a good experience with some Pedros stuff. Once you can post pics (looks like you are only 1 post away!), post a pic of the bike and the jobs you want to do and we can recommend tools.
Likes For tricky:
#5
Senior Member
If you are going upright in your riding style, make sure the Brooks is proper in that respect.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 14,101
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4494 Post(s)
Liked 6,300 Times
in
3,633 Posts
After going through a few other not-vintage bikes, and learning that what I really wanted was a lugged steel vintage bike I bought a Motobecane Nomade II yesterday. Finding a big enough bike was/is a bit of a challenge as I am 6'4"/250lbs with looonnggg torso. But this one seems to fit OK, at least acceptable to learn on. It is 64/65cm crank to top of seat tube, and 60cm top tube ctc. I know it's not an amazing bike, but was first one where I didn't feel way out in front of it, so I'm going to see what I can do with it, and either love it for life or just learn from it and turn it over to someone else once I find the perfect frame. I do like the classy styling and patina, although could also see repainting it if I end up loving the fit/ride.
I will ride it around town, for errands and as my primary transportation year round. Here's a rough outline of my plan, but it's all up for feedback and reconsideration, I'm an absolute noobie and would appreciate any and all feedback! I have so many unknowns, but I know there's a ton of information out there, and I've already started spending my evenings watching youtube videos lol.
1. Change seat to NOS leather Brooks seat that came with one of my failed earlier bikes. Not looking forward to breaking it in, but I hope it will be worth it.
2. Change handlebars to some kind of upright, moustache or straightish bars. The seller threw in a moustache bar so I will start with that. Will try to reuse existing brakes for the short term. I have some Brooks leather handlebar grips I might try, or just reuse the black tape that's on the existing drop bars, it looks like it's in OK shape.
3. Change wheels to 700c with bigger tires (for comfort). Current tires look pretty old, lot's of crazing on the sides. From what I have gathered, changing to 700c will give me more options for tires, and provide more room for fenders, which I want to add. Need to research what all is involved in this change, I guess I need hubs, do I do quick release, will maybe need new brakes at same time...
4. Change brakes if necessary to reach 700c wheels
5. Change gears to single gear for now. I actually haven't changed the gears on the bike at all yet, just rode it home in gear seller had it in, and it was OK, but I didn't have any serious hills to deal with. I'm not sold on the fixie craze but for the short term might try it out, then upgrade when I get other things dialed in. Need to figure out gears to use, what I can reuse from current, wand what I will need new and how to do it.
6. Tools! Need to figure out what I will need. Probably a stand, there are some cheapish ones on Amazon for $50-100 but I would spend more if I knew it was quality. I see some bike tool kits I might go for just to get me started. I have a nice metric socket and hex set, other basic tools, but no dedicated bike tools yet.
(BTW I have Amazon credit that will be paying for most new parts so that's a constraint, needs to be from Amazon or used on CL maybe.)
7. Front basket, fenders, maybe rear rack, bar end mirror, nice brass bell.
8. Nice Ulock, helmet.
9. Possible change to offset seatpost and/or extended bar stem, if needed.
10. I'm sure there are things I have forgotten, or am not even aware of. I can see the learning curve swooping up and away!
If anyone wants to take mercy on a uber-noob feel free to leave a comment ;-) Thanks in advance!
Demetrius
PS I'm such a noob system won't let me post a picture ;-/
I will ride it around town, for errands and as my primary transportation year round. Here's a rough outline of my plan, but it's all up for feedback and reconsideration, I'm an absolute noobie and would appreciate any and all feedback! I have so many unknowns, but I know there's a ton of information out there, and I've already started spending my evenings watching youtube videos lol.
1. Change seat to NOS leather Brooks seat that came with one of my failed earlier bikes. Not looking forward to breaking it in, but I hope it will be worth it.
2. Change handlebars to some kind of upright, moustache or straightish bars. The seller threw in a moustache bar so I will start with that. Will try to reuse existing brakes for the short term. I have some Brooks leather handlebar grips I might try, or just reuse the black tape that's on the existing drop bars, it looks like it's in OK shape.
3. Change wheels to 700c with bigger tires (for comfort). Current tires look pretty old, lot's of crazing on the sides. From what I have gathered, changing to 700c will give me more options for tires, and provide more room for fenders, which I want to add. Need to research what all is involved in this change, I guess I need hubs, do I do quick release, will maybe need new brakes at same time...
4. Change brakes if necessary to reach 700c wheels
5. Change gears to single gear for now. I actually haven't changed the gears on the bike at all yet, just rode it home in gear seller had it in, and it was OK, but I didn't have any serious hills to deal with. I'm not sold on the fixie craze but for the short term might try it out, then upgrade when I get other things dialed in. Need to figure out gears to use, what I can reuse from current, wand what I will need new and how to do it.
6. Tools! Need to figure out what I will need. Probably a stand, there are some cheapish ones on Amazon for $50-100 but I would spend more if I knew it was quality. I see some bike tool kits I might go for just to get me started. I have a nice metric socket and hex set, other basic tools, but no dedicated bike tools yet.
(BTW I have Amazon credit that will be paying for most new parts so that's a constraint, needs to be from Amazon or used on CL maybe.)
7. Front basket, fenders, maybe rear rack, bar end mirror, nice brass bell.
8. Nice Ulock, helmet.
9. Possible change to offset seatpost and/or extended bar stem, if needed.
10. I'm sure there are things I have forgotten, or am not even aware of. I can see the learning curve swooping up and away!
If anyone wants to take mercy on a uber-noob feel free to leave a comment ;-) Thanks in advance!
Demetrius
PS I'm such a noob system won't let me post a picture ;-/
A good stand is vital, it is the foundation of all repairs. It needs to hold securely so you can wrestle with the bike when it, you or the tools don't cooperate and can make or break the task at hand. A good stand can and will be invaluable.
Last edited by merziac; 07-23-19 at 05:46 PM.
Likes For merziac:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,672
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,743 Times
in
934 Posts
Tools! Need to figure out what I will need.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#8
What happened?
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 8,050
Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
255 Posts
One more post and it's a picture party!
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
Likes For Rollfast:
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Good luck! I am with you on the preference for nicer tools. I recommend buying good quality tools as you go along. Park is the obvious choice, but I have had a good experience with some Pedros stuff. Once you can post pics (looks like you are only 1 post away!), post a pic of the bike and the jobs you want to do and we can recommend tools.
Likes For Demet:
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Thanks, I'm guessing there's some shift of weight and certain seats work better for upright vs. down/forward? I'm just finishing change of handlebars so will see how it affects seat position shortly. I actually don't think I'm going to end up as upright as I thought I might.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
You have stumbled upon the magic of "French fit", well done, you didn't really need our help after all.
A good stand is vital, it is the foundation of all repairs. It needs to hold securely so you can wrestle with the bike when it, you or the tools don't cooperate and can make or break the task at hand. A good stand can and will be invaluable.
A good stand is vital, it is the foundation of all repairs. It needs to hold securely so you can wrestle with the bike when it, you or the tools don't cooperate and can make or break the task at hand. A good stand can and will be invaluable.
Thanks for the help on the other thread, I learned a ton from all those replies, but had just about given up on a vintage frame, but thought I'd try 'just one more'. Still not 100% sure it's going to work but I'm excited to give it a try.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
I published this just for guy or gals like you and me - Store Bought and Home Made Bicycle Tools. Hope it is a help.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Likes For Demet:
#14
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Congratulations on finding your Motobecane, its a good basis for what you are looking to accomplish. Oh, Welcome to the C&V Forum too. Looks like you found a nice example there, the resident Motobecane people will be drooling over her shortly, and offering their input towards your plans and the tips from hard learned experience. Well done sir, very well done finding the bicycle.
@randyjawa 's post above has a great link, his website is a good primer and reference on starting out in restoration and building C&V bicycles, bookmark it for quick references. (As you seem to have found out.)
Dedicated cable cutters work best for me, Park Tool and Pedros both are in my tool chests.
The wall mounted stand might be a hinderance at some points of working on the bicycle, most of us use floor mount, to work bench mounted stands. Getting at both sides easily, and even flipping the bike quickly are big parts of getting tings done. But that is not any kind of deal breaker, IMHO.
Start a build thread (New Post) just for the bike, this makes it easy for others to follow along with you, especially if they are lending advice and have subscribed to your thread. We absolutely love and pretty much demand pictures too, so try to attach as may as you are comfortable doing. This makes it clearer to everyone when describing things on both sides of the team, you and us here.
Tools, you could write books on them, and several have been published, Park Tool, Pedro's Tools, the various big box stores, and the specialists tool suppliers, as well as dedicated makers' tools are just waiting for you. I would personally recommend getting a copy of the Park Tool, Big Blue Book , and bookmarking their website as well. Not necessarily to purchase tools, but for their notes and help section's pages. Its a nice place to reference and they go back to the C&V components and wheels in their coverage.
The good folks here, our Learned Elders come to mind, will have offerings of advice on tools and how to's, for you project. Use them, its time well spent, and some great people here will be adding to what the above folks have already offered up for your consideration.
Best wishes on your build, enjoy the time spent getting things done. don't get discouraged, and when its time to ride, remember to post about that here with pics of the memories.
Bill
@randyjawa 's post above has a great link, his website is a good primer and reference on starting out in restoration and building C&V bicycles, bookmark it for quick references. (As you seem to have found out.)
Dedicated cable cutters work best for me, Park Tool and Pedros both are in my tool chests.
The wall mounted stand might be a hinderance at some points of working on the bicycle, most of us use floor mount, to work bench mounted stands. Getting at both sides easily, and even flipping the bike quickly are big parts of getting tings done. But that is not any kind of deal breaker, IMHO.
Start a build thread (New Post) just for the bike, this makes it easy for others to follow along with you, especially if they are lending advice and have subscribed to your thread. We absolutely love and pretty much demand pictures too, so try to attach as may as you are comfortable doing. This makes it clearer to everyone when describing things on both sides of the team, you and us here.
Tools, you could write books on them, and several have been published, Park Tool, Pedro's Tools, the various big box stores, and the specialists tool suppliers, as well as dedicated makers' tools are just waiting for you. I would personally recommend getting a copy of the Park Tool, Big Blue Book , and bookmarking their website as well. Not necessarily to purchase tools, but for their notes and help section's pages. Its a nice place to reference and they go back to the C&V components and wheels in their coverage.
The good folks here, our Learned Elders come to mind, will have offerings of advice on tools and how to's, for you project. Use them, its time well spent, and some great people here will be adding to what the above folks have already offered up for your consideration.
Best wishes on your build, enjoy the time spent getting things done. don't get discouraged, and when its time to ride, remember to post about that here with pics of the memories.
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Last edited by qcpmsame; 07-23-19 at 08:10 PM.
Likes For qcpmsame:
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Congratulations on finding your Motobecane, its a good basis for what you are looking to accomplish. Oh, Welcome to the C&V Forum too. Looks like you found a nice example there, the resident Motobecane people will be drooling over her shortly, and offering their input towards your plans and the tips from hard learned experience. Well done sir, very well done finding the bicycle.
@randyjawa 's post above has a great link, his website is a good primer and reference on starting out in restoration and building C&V bicycles, bookmark it for quick references. (As you seem to have found out.)
Dedicated cable cutters work best for me, Park Tool and Pedros both are in my tool chests.
The wall mounted stand might be a hinderance at some points of working on the bicycle, most of us use floor mount, to work bench mounted stands. Getting at both sides easily, and even flipping the bike quickly are big parts of getting tings done. But that is not any kind of deal breaker, IMHO.
Start a build thread (New Post) just for the bike, this makes it easy for others to follow along with you, especially if they are lending advice and have subscribed to your thread. We absolutely love and pretty much demand pictures too, so try to attach as may as you are comfortable doing. This makes it clearer to everyone when describing things on both sides of the team, you and us here.
Tools, you could write books on them, and several have been published, Park Tool, Pedro's Tools, the various big box stores, and the specialists tool suppliers, as well as dedicated makers' tools are just waiting for you. I would personally recommend getting a copy of the Park Tool, Big Blue Book , and bookmarking their website as well. Not necessarily to purchase tools, but for their notes and help section's pages. Its a nice place to reference and they go back to the C&V components and wheels in their coverage.
The good folks here, our Learned Elders come to mind, will have offerings of advice on tools and how to's, for you project. Use them, its time well spent, and some great people here will be adding to what the above folks have already offered up for your consideration.
Best wishes on your build, enjoy the time spent getting things done. don't get discouraged, and when its time to ride, remember to post about that here with pics of the memories.
Bill
@randyjawa 's post above has a great link, his website is a good primer and reference on starting out in restoration and building C&V bicycles, bookmark it for quick references. (As you seem to have found out.)
Dedicated cable cutters work best for me, Park Tool and Pedros both are in my tool chests.
The wall mounted stand might be a hinderance at some points of working on the bicycle, most of us use floor mount, to work bench mounted stands. Getting at both sides easily, and even flipping the bike quickly are big parts of getting tings done. But that is not any kind of deal breaker, IMHO.
Start a build thread (New Post) just for the bike, this makes it easy for others to follow along with you, especially if they are lending advice and have subscribed to your thread. We absolutely love and pretty much demand pictures too, so try to attach as may as you are comfortable doing. This makes it clearer to everyone when describing things on both sides of the team, you and us here.
Tools, you could write books on them, and several have been published, Park Tool, Pedro's Tools, the various big box stores, and the specialists tool suppliers, as well as dedicated makers' tools are just waiting for you. I would personally recommend getting a copy of the Park Tool, Big Blue Book , and bookmarking their website as well. Not necessarily to purchase tools, but for their notes and help section's pages. Its a nice place to reference and they go back to the C&V components and wheels in their coverage.
The good folks here, our Learned Elders come to mind, will have offerings of advice on tools and how to's, for you project. Use them, its time well spent, and some great people here will be adding to what the above folks have already offered up for your consideration.
Best wishes on your build, enjoy the time spent getting things done. don't get discouraged, and when its time to ride, remember to post about that here with pics of the memories.
Bill
I put a Park cable cutter in my Amazon basket, thanks.
I went with the wall mount because the clamping/rotating mechanism seems much better for the money then the one that comes on their lower end stands. It's the one they use on their $3/400 stands. And I have a spot I can put it where I can get around the front and back of the bike pretty good. Hopefully I won't regret it!
OK I thought this would be my build thread but I guess I need a new post, I'll look into it.
Here's a picture I took this evening on a test ride with new seat and handlebars (which seller threw in with bike). No bueno, those bars actually put me a little more forward then the drop bars did, and makes it uncomfortable on my hands/wrists. Figuring out the right bars will be my next big challenge I think! I'm thinking I might try to use these bars though to find good body/hand position, by rotating them up and back and trying different positions. Worth a try. Also wondering if I might need a different stem...?
Likes For Demet:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Upper Left, USA
Posts: 1,953
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Liked 444 Times
in
298 Posts
Thanks Bill, more good advice and resources! Bike people are good people I see ;-)
I put a Park cable cutter in my Amazon basket, thanks.
I went with the wall mount because the clamping/rotating mechanism seems much better for the money then the one that comes on their lower end stands. It's the one they use on their $3/400 stands. And I have a spot I can put it where I can get around the front and back of the bike pretty good. Hopefully I won't regret it!
OK I thought this would be my build thread but I guess I need a new post, I'll look into it.
Here's a picture I took this evening on a test ride with new seat and handlebars (which seller threw in with bike). No bueno, those bars actually put me a little more forward then the drop bars did, and makes it uncomfortable on my hands/wrists. Figuring out the right bars will be my next big challenge I think! I'm thinking I might try to use these bars though to find good body/hand position, by rotating them up and back and trying different positions. Worth a try. Also wondering if I might need a different stem...?
I put a Park cable cutter in my Amazon basket, thanks.
I went with the wall mount because the clamping/rotating mechanism seems much better for the money then the one that comes on their lower end stands. It's the one they use on their $3/400 stands. And I have a spot I can put it where I can get around the front and back of the bike pretty good. Hopefully I won't regret it!
OK I thought this would be my build thread but I guess I need a new post, I'll look into it.
Here's a picture I took this evening on a test ride with new seat and handlebars (which seller threw in with bike). No bueno, those bars actually put me a little more forward then the drop bars did, and makes it uncomfortable on my hands/wrists. Figuring out the right bars will be my next big challenge I think! I'm thinking I might try to use these bars though to find good body/hand position, by rotating them up and back and trying different positions. Worth a try. Also wondering if I might need a different stem...?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,672
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,743 Times
in
934 Posts
I really liked my Motobecane Grand Jubilee and tried a few handlebars to get the feel and fit the way I wanted . The mustache bars were pooey-stinko in the comfort department but they looked cool...
The drop bars did suit the looks of the bike best...
...but this upright handlebar satisfied by my look and ride appeal. The bike is gone but I still have the handlebar as the new owner asked to have drop bars installed again...
The drop bars did suit the looks of the bike best...
...but this upright handlebar satisfied by my look and ride appeal. The bike is gone but I still have the handlebar as the new owner asked to have drop bars installed again...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
Likes For randyjawa:
#18
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
This can well be the build thread, and if the wall attached stand works out for you best, that is what is best. Looking good on the beginnings, should be an interesting build.
@DQRider has a Raleigh he built in this fashion, from his pictures, and fantastic ride reports, you might get some ideas from him.
Check the, "Where did you ride today" Where Did You Ride Today (New and Improved Version) thread in the stickied threads at the top of the forum's portal page.
Bill
@DQRider has a Raleigh he built in this fashion, from his pictures, and fantastic ride reports, you might get some ideas from him.
Check the, "Where did you ride today" Where Did You Ride Today (New and Improved Version) thread in the stickied threads at the top of the forum's portal page.
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Likes For qcpmsame:
#19
Member
Thread Starter
Ah yes, many have fallen to the charms of the mustache bar only to realize once installed that they don't do what the rider wants them to do. Ask me how I know... You might be better off getting a flat bar or a city-style flat bar (some examples here: https://velo-orange.com/collections/...d-upright-bars) and new brake levers with the correct amount of cable pull. If you still want to try these mustache bars, you can get a shorter stem to try to bring the bar closer to you.
I really liked my Motobecane Grand Jubilee and tried a few handlebars to get the feel and fit the way I wanted . The mustache bars were pooey-stinko in the comfort department but they looked cool...
The drop bars did suit the looks of the bike best...
...but this upright handlebar satisfied by my look and ride appeal. The bike is gone but I still have the handlebar as the new owner asked to have drop bars installed again...
The drop bars did suit the looks of the bike best...
...but this upright handlebar satisfied by my look and ride appeal. The bike is gone but I still have the handlebar as the new owner asked to have drop bars installed again...
Another question: are those 700c wheels, and what tire size are they? Thanks!
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,672
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,743 Times
in
934 Posts
Those bars you have there look like maybe they go a little forward before turning back, yes? Is the hand position in line with the stem? No worries, if you don't have it anymore to know for sure, I'm just trying to get a feel for what I might want.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
Likes For randyjawa:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,672
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1370 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,743 Times
in
934 Posts
Another question: are those 700c wheels, and what tire size are they? Thanks!
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,856
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 104 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2304 Post(s)
Liked 2,742 Times
in
1,499 Posts
Ah yes, many have fallen to the charms of the mustache bar only to realize once installed that they don't do what the rider wants them to do. Ask me how I know... You might be better off getting a flat bar or a city-style flat bar (some examples here: https://velo-orange.com/collections/...d-upright-bars) and new brake levers with the correct amount of cable pull. If you still want to try these mustache bars, you can get a shorter stem to try to bring the bar closer to you.
the postino bars from velorange might be a good options
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Likes For squirtdad:
#23
Member
Thread Starter
The wheels feature Dura Ace high flange hubs laced to Weinmann concave 27" rims. The tires, I believe are 27 x 1 1/8. For what it is worth, I am running the same rims on my Legnano, only the Leggy has 700c rims. Needless to say, though pretty heavy, the rims are darn near bullet proof and look the vintage part also...
And thanks for the pics of the upright bars, I bought some very similar ones today from a bike shop for cheap, they were take-offs from a Linus he said, $20. Will put them on tomorrow. Actually looking at your pictures again I think maybe these bars I bought don't have as much rise. I'm thinking they will still be a bit low, so I may consider a different stem next... Will post pics tomorrow.
#24
Member
Thread Starter
if you are going to not use drop bars, you should change out the brake levers i like the tekrro https://velo-orange.com/collections/...-22-2-dia-bars
the postino bars from velorange might be a good options
the postino bars from velorange might be a good options
#25
Member
Thread Starter
Making some progress. Changed handlebars, and I like them, but I need more rise, so ordering another one. Also ordering an offset seat post. Next I need to figure out wheels, want to order some 700c wheels and tires...
I have had a couple of "Nice bike!" shoutouts while riding around ;-) On the other hand the bike guy at REI was strongly arguing against putting a lot of effort into this bike, a losing battle he said. Ugh.
Gears are not very well tuned, and I think when I do new wheels I will try fixed gear for a bit. Have been hardly shifting at all, and am fine 95% of the time.
I have had a couple of "Nice bike!" shoutouts while riding around ;-) On the other hand the bike guy at REI was strongly arguing against putting a lot of effort into this bike, a losing battle he said. Ugh.
Gears are not very well tuned, and I think when I do new wheels I will try fixed gear for a bit. Have been hardly shifting at all, and am fine 95% of the time.
Likes For Demet: