TullySteve

Well, I've completed my first build after 50 years of biking. I bought this Grand Record when I was around 20, rode it for 30ish years, then upgraded to a Moser Leader AX (now itself vintage). This summer I decided to take it off the garage hook and do something with it. I settled on a 1 x 10 setup. The frame, fork, steerer, bar, seatpost, Mafac brakes and Stronglight BB, headset & crank are all original. I cut off the outer gear ring of the crank (don't blast me for that please). Added new wheelset, gravel tubeless tires, SRAM rear der and Rival shifters. Sandblasted & powder coated, rattle-can sprayed the lugs and highlighted with gold paint pen, finished with 3 coats clearcoat. New decals from VeloCals (they went on easy and look great).

TullySteve

I also drilled in 4 rivnuts in the seattube and downtube for water bottle cages or pump since the bike had no braze ons. There is one toptube cable clamp missing in the photo, replacement on the way. I was able to squeeze in 700 x 38 tires, need to be deflated to install but clear the brakes and frame once in..

markk900

Looks fantastic - how about a ride report?

BTW - Since you have owned it forever I am sure this is OK but the stem looks quite high to me.....there *is* still enough of the quill in the steerer tube right?

TullySteve

Truth is, took it around the block after wrapping the bars, rain started, rear wheel started slipping in the dropouts so tire rubbed, and today is a soaker. So for now it's just pretty pictures! Yes, I still need to adjust all positioning, but I'm more of an upright rider now than 40 yrs ago.

markk900

Rain has been heavy up here in Ontario too so I understand perfectly.......

On the stem, I meant more that be sure there is enough of the stem still inside the steerer tube - I don't recall Pivo stems having a minimum insertion line and it looks like the stem is at least 1" higher than it used to be. I too am more of an upright rider these days so most of the drop bar bikes are converted to upright these days, including the Supercycle/Motobecane I have. That one is also graced with Velocals decals but he was kind enough to custom make the word Supercycle in the same font to replace the Motobecane. (Supercycle is an inhouse brand of a larger retailer here and in the 70s they have MB making some of their bikes).

Mr. 66

Looks great, how big are the tires and how much clearance do you have at the chainstays?

TullySteve

They are 700 x 38. With the dropout adjuster screws so the wheel is held to the rear, there is enough clearance. I'll take some detailed photos later. I thought at first that I stuck my neck out too far with that size tire, but realized that they will install fine with low air, then pumped up to 40 or so I'll be fine for city/gravel road riding.

TullySteve

I forgot to mention that I did cold-set the frame to 130 after stripping it down in order to fit the new wheel with a 10sp casette.

TullySteve

I will be sure to check for a minimum insertion guide, thanks for the heads up on that. For the moment it feels solid in the tube.

Andy_K 

I haven't seen that color combination on a Motobecane before. It's stunning!

RE: being more of an upright rider...I've found that a Nitto Tecnomic stem will fit with a minimal amount of sanding.

bikemig 

Those early 70s Moto Grand Records were built around 27 inch wheels and centerpulls and have lots of clearance for fat tires with 700c wheels. I have what I believe to be a 1973 as well and it very comfortably fits a 700 x 35c Schwalbe tire. I reckon it could clear a 38c as well.

TullySteve

I still have the original 27 in wheels. Normandy hubs, Weinman rims, all in good shape. If I come across another vintage frame that fits me I'd like to make a single speed.

bikemig 

You're lucky if those cones on the normandy luxe hubs are still any good. Plus the wheels are a PITA to overhaul as the dustcovers are not readily removed. The wheels can be overhauled with the dustcovers in place but that is a pain.

TullySteve

Got it. Well, that would be a future project when I'm really bored. Maybe mid winter with a few feet of lake effect snow on the ground!

TullySteve

700 x 38 Specialized Pathfinder Pro inflated.

TullySteve

Removing the Stronglight BB was such a pain (and thank you to all the forum advice I got) that while it was off, the powder-coating shop recommended a metal guy who made up this tool for me. I gave one to my LBS for his help and a couple of forum members also got one for future use. It's awesome. I'll have to make sure it's clear in my Last Will & Testament that this wrench goes with the Motobecane bike.

noobinsf 

Whoever did your powder coat did a great job preserving the lug detail. If they're not listed on this thread, please add, because I'd love to know who did it: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...them-here.html

Great job on the build -- these Motos are such versatile frames. I have a 72 Grand Record that currently sports 650b, and I also spread the dropouts to 128mm so I could run a 126 or 130 hub. Enjoy the miles!

TullySteve

BBD Powder Coating in Syracuse NY did this. Yes there was no overly heavy layer on the lugs. It was a 3 layer job, plus sandblasting: primer, color, clear to bring out the final color (Illusion Copper). $150 total. The masking was a royal pain before spraying the lugs, but actually a fun challenge.

markk900

This picture really shows off the paint.....stunning! Must look amazing in the sun (if you have had any these past few days).

TullySteve

This weekend I'll get a good look and more importantly a good ride. It's especially satisfying because this is the first good bike I ever owned and used it for everything it was not designed for. In my 20s, wearing cutoff jeans I loaded it with panniers and did thousands of miles in the Adirondacks and Canada maritimes. It's dutifully come along on several moves, even after being relegated to collecting dust (and thankfully not rust).

Classtime 

Nice job on the rebuild. Looks fantastic. For your ride this weekend, use some Shimano or Campy skewers to hold the rear axle in place. I don't understand the physics of it all but I know that they work so much better with our horizontal dropouts.

Mr. 66

"get on up for the downstroke!"

Thanks!

johnnyace 

I should probably do a thread on this unique MB Grand Record. Although I have a couple of changes in the works, it has recently become my favorite rider. What's the story on dating MBs based on the serial number? Pretty reliable, or about as dodgy and obscure as most '70s French bikes? I need to get better pics; it was pretty smoky/hazy the day I took these, giving everything a bit of a yellow cast.

SurferRosa

The latter.

johnnyace 

Yeah, I figured as much.