CenturionIM

I was browsing my local craigslist and found this bike. The seller says it comes with suntour component and wants $210. The pictures are bad as they do not show much useful information, being taken from the non drive side...but it seems like the bike is in good condition.

What kind of tubing would this bike have and how is the componentry? Is it a good deal?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/bik/3538297916.html

auchencrow

That's a good deal - especially if he comes down a little. New tires, excellent condition, are a big plus.

It's very hard to find such a beautiful bike these days at sane prices.

Chicago Al 

It does look to be in great shape and the recent work is likely done well (even some bike shops are not great at working on older bikes).

However it's nowhere close to as special a bike as he is suggesting. Nor did it sell for $1000 back in the day. More like $150. I truly hope he did not pay $200 for the work and parts on it.

Sellers with deluded ideas like this are often loathe to part with them, even in the face of reality.

If you really loved the bike and could get the guy down some on the price it might be worth it. However I think you can do better. And never feel like there is 'the One' vintage bike that you MUST HAVE NOW or you'll always regret missing...99% of C&V bikes were mass produced and turn up again and again.

There is a CL seller who's had a Motobecane 'Grand Touring,' a higher model, with nice Suntour Cyclone parts, for only slightly more money, up there on and off for months. I'd look for that one to reappear, or something like it.

There is a guy who has TWO Super Mirages (no pics) who wants $600 for the pair or $350 apiece on Chicago CL now too! Craziness.

T-Mar

The subject bicycle appears to be a fair deal, however, as noted, the seller's claims must be considered suspect. The Super Mirage was a nice, upper entry level model. This one appears to be from the late 1970s, when they used 2040 tubing, which is basically a lightweight, hi-tensile steel. The components were well spec'd, with a nice blend of reputable Japanese and European manufacturers.

Bianchigirll 

Mike and Frank would only pop at $50 for that. Then make Danielle sell it for $350.

auchencrow

+1 to the comments above regarding the sensational marketing squawk.
(It's always best to take ANYTHING a seller says with a big grain of salt.)

The thing to do is to be the first to see the bike -cash in hand and (making sure there's no dents, stuck posts etc), make the best deal you can in person.

wrk101

I would pass, as it is a high ten steel model (bottom end frame), stem shifters, turkey levers, etc. And depending what year, Motobecane was in love with Swiss BB, which are more obsolete than the french stuff, and as a minimum, limits your upgrade options.

"Parts are pretty easy to source" is funny, think french headset, odd french stem and bar sizing, Swiss or French BB, etc. While many of these parts are being reproduced, pricing tends to be anything from 2X to 5X the standard sized stuff. As long as everything works, that is not a big deal. Its when you need to fix something, or want to upgrade.

At the $210 price level, I would expect to see a cromoly frame, down tube shifters, etc.

Motobecane did a better job component wise than some of their competitors, embracing nice Japanese bits, like Suntour derailleurs.


+100 BS meter is pegged on this ad: Rare? Nope. $1000 original price? Nope. Do I care that he won't be making money on this sale? Nope.

CenturionIM

Thanks guys/gals. You have been most helpful.
What attracted me to this bike was
1. My fascination with motobecane because of BD.
2. The paint seems so fresh.
Now the seller states this: "The frame is hand painted". Is this just marketing talk, or does he mean he repainted it?

Thanks for the heads up. Chicago's CL indeed has some crazy stuff. My fav one is a posting for a Miyata one-ten asking for 480$ firm. Believe it is still up.

Chicago Al 

Yes, the guy with the Miyata is nuts...I think he actually has two, a 110 and a 210, both at ridiculous prices, like $460 and $480. Even if those are the best preserved of those models anywhere, the price seems about 2x too high.

For reference, I paid $300 for my Motobecane Grand Record off Milwaukee CL. Not a steal but a fair price, steep enough that no one had jumped on it. There is now one on Chicago CL, in very good original condition, at $500--and not selling. Mine had some wear and was very dirty and in need of an overhaul, which I wanted to do myself. It had some changed parts but they were good ones, so aside from the saddle it was not a great expense to return it to mostly original. And of course I have had all the enjoyment of doing all that, stripping it down, figuring out how I wanted to put it together, finding the parts, etc.

But you've already got an Ironman, so I would think if you want a Motobecane you would also want something like a GR or Grand Jubile, unless you're looking for a beater.

Keep in touch and join us on one of our Chicago C&V rides...there's likely to be one in the Spring!

CenturionIM

Yeah for sure!

Captain Blight

Okay... who the ham sandwich are Mike, Frank, adn Danielle?

oddjob2

Looks like it sold already as the ad is gone.

auchencrow

Hopefully the OP moved on it and snagged it!

OldsCOOL

I bought my '77 two summers ago in excellent but dirty/greasy condition for just 60.00 and when cleaned up looks gorgeous. Classy bike. Like others have suggested, it is not a rare bike though they are not getting easier to find. My first bike was the lowly Mirage back in '73 and I rode it for years. Nice riders.

IthaDan 

Bianchigirll 

American Pickers! a History Channel show