Should I Buy This Grand Jubile?
08-19-23, 09:12 PM
#26
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The actual mechanics of French bikes from that time are no different from anything else, but the sizes were often distinct. This is only an issue when you need to replace certain parts, and with just a bit of searching you can find what you need. On that bike the threads for the rear hub/freewheel should be standard, as well as the pedals/cranks arms. I think the only parts with French sizing and threads would be the bottom bracket, headset, and stem, and from the overall looks of that bike I would guess those are fine and won't need replacing anytime soon. I would not let Frenchness alone dissuade me from getting a bike. Actually, my first good bike was a Grand Jubilee, it's a very good and versatile all-rounder, so I would heartily recommend it.
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08-20-23, 07:24 AM
#27
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There usually aren't many 25" frames out there of this caliber in a C&V style. This one will clean up nicely, look and ride great.
I'd buy it.
I'd buy it.
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72+76 Super Course, 74 P-10+ 79 Tandem Paramounts, 84 Raleigh Alyeska, 84 Voyageur SP, 85 Miyata Sport 10 mixte and a queue
72+76 Super Course, 74 P-10+ 79 Tandem Paramounts, 84 Raleigh Alyeska, 84 Voyageur SP, 85 Miyata Sport 10 mixte and a queue
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08-20-23, 11:23 AM
#28
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The 172 frames are nice and the fork being the same is even better.
08-20-23, 11:32 AM
#29
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FWIW, the Nervar cranks use a standard 22.0 mm extractor tool. Double check the crank bcd if you look at it - Nervar made some cranks with 144 I think, and for that matter 5 minutes and a dremel or drill to open 130 bcd rings in 1 mm and you’re good to go. I’ve done that with an older Nervar Star to get a 47T 130 bcd ring to fit and it works beautifully.
It’s a nice bike, and somewhere in the early 80s Motobecane went ISO on threading and dimensions.
It’s a nice bike, and somewhere in the early 80s Motobecane went ISO on threading and dimensions.
08-20-23, 08:48 PM
#30
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A French bike isn't the most sensible place to start learning about wrenching, but it's pretty fun. I've been working on French bikes the past handful of years and have really enjoyed learning about them. The French march to their own drummer, for sure. As somebody else mentioned, by the time the GJ in question came along, there were fewer French idiosyncrasies than in the boom era, so it's not a bad place to start mechanicing.
In regards to the rear derailleur, the one on the bike probably works fine. If you get the bike and want an original look, the Simplex SX610 works pretty well, the all-metal SX630 might be a little better. When in doubt, get a Suntour Cyclone RD. They work great and that's what the GJ's of the previous generation were wearing. Like this one:
In regards to the rear derailleur, the one on the bike probably works fine. If you get the bike and want an original look, the Simplex SX610 works pretty well, the all-metal SX630 might be a little better. When in doubt, get a Suntour Cyclone RD. They work great and that's what the GJ's of the previous generation were wearing. Like this one:
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