Motobecane and Vitus 888 experts please.
07-20-22, 12:49 PM
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Motobecane and Vitus 888 experts please.
I have been looking at an 80s grand touring that has 888 frame and fork. My reading on it suggests straight guage .8mm walls on the frame tubes and something I think a bit thicker on the fork tubes. The bike is extremely reasonably priced considering the components alone but I was wondering if someone could offer insight on what the frame might feel like? I have a slightly too small 888 grand touring with a lesser fork that does ride really nice. I also know you guys will enable me from here to the moon. Just wanting a word of experience if any of you have any.
07-20-22, 12:49 PM
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Vitus..... Damn autocorrect
07-20-22, 12:52 PM
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07-20-22, 06:27 PM
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Really like mine, a lively ride and planes nicely. Interesting gearing, its a triple but faster than other touring bikes which is a plus unless you are loaded down with gear. The frame can take 32mm gatorskins with enough clearance in the back. I like the wheels too, the convex rims are strong, never had an issue with them being hookless.
Since this picture the levers were upgraded with new gum hoods and the removal of the safety levers.
Since this picture the levers were upgraded with new gum hoods and the removal of the safety levers.
Last edited by ZudeJammer; 07-20-22 at 06:40 PM.
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07-20-22, 07:41 PM
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52telecaster-
Vitus 888 specs: https://www.yellowjersey.org/vitus4.jpg
I had a Vitus 888 framed Motobecane and it was surprising light.
Vitus 888 specs: https://www.yellowjersey.org/vitus4.jpg
I had a Vitus 888 framed Motobecane and it was surprising light.
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07-20-22, 07:53 PM
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This is how I set it up initially , I have since replaced the tires with Panaracer gum wall
I have a 1980 Motobecane Grand Sprint that is Vitus 888 and it seems light and a pleasure to ride . It was purchased as a bike but didn’t have wheels. I paid $20 for it but I put quite a bit into it including a powder paint job and decals. I am currently setting it up as a touring bike due to the longer chain stays(fenders are on the list). I have heard from some that say there is some flex to the 888 tubing but I sure don’t feel it.
Last edited by Kabuki12; 07-20-22 at 08:01 PM.
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07-20-22, 08:31 PM
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I'd want to know if this is the metric of imperial version of 888.The metric version is lighter and more compliant but the tradeoff is decreased stiffness that results in less efficient power transfer and less precise steering. I've never been fond of metric standard tubesets for these reasons, though the vast majority of cyclists probably couldn't tell the difference.
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07-20-22, 10:17 PM
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I'd want to know if this is the metric of imperial version of 888.The metric version is lighter and more compliant but the tradeoff is decreased stiffness that results in less efficient power transfer and less precise steering. I've never been fond of metric standard tubesets for these reasons, though the vast majority of cyclists probably couldn't tell the difference.
07-20-22, 10:18 PM
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Thanks everyone.
07-21-22, 01:37 PM
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Late but: 888 is heavy compared to 172. My current 1978 172 GJ will be hard to part with and I miss my 1978 172 GT. I built a smaller 888 GT for my daughter and it rode nice for such a heavy bike.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
07-21-22, 02:54 PM
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The later 888 bikes have 888 forks where the 172 bikes have high tensil. At least in the grand touring line. I think there is a bit of weight penalty tube for tube for sure.
