Show your Motobecane Grand Record
#151
Full Member
The Bumblebee Gets a Makeover
My ‘72 Bumblebee Grand Record was put together with period-correct Campy components but wasn’t getting out much. So off to eBay and BF C&V Sales for new jewelry for her. I wanted a wider range of gears than the Pat. 71 Nuevo Record derailleur was designed for. Soma long cage plates to the rescue! Since the hubs are French threaded Normandy Luxe, I searched out a Sachs14-32 freewheel. I went with a T.A. Zephyr triple crankset (52-42-30) that I had in my parts bin to keep the French thing going and added a Campy triple front derailleur to keep the Italian spirit of the GR. Then I finished things off with some Campy bar end shifters (thanks, @deux jambes!). So now we’re ready to cope with whatever terrain we encounter.
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#152
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^ ^ ^ Gorgeous build!!! ^ ^ ^ @Honusms I’m now extremely glad you wound up with those shifters. They’ve found their perfect home with you on that stunning bike. Very tasteful
#153
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Some good looking bikes here...hopefully this thread will end up being somewhat comprehensive of the model.
The SN on the rear DO of mine is: 2993974, stamped very clearly. So, it's at least in the same universe as Unworthy's. Eschlwc's # off the BB shell is something completely different...maybe you'll have a number that makes more sense on the dropout?
Compared to Unworthy's though...his should have a higher number than mine if mine is an earlier bike by a year or so, instead it's the reverse. So, assuming there is a system to the numbers (!), maybe it's not strictly sequential, or there is something else going on. I am struck that mine ends in '974' and it appears likely to be a bike from that year. But Unworthy's ends in '595' and the bike is certainly not from that year! Any chance it ends in '75', Unworthy? If so we would be getting somewhere. Not that it matters to anyone but a few scattered nerds...or just one. One lonely bike nerd.
I
The SN on the rear DO of mine is: 2993974, stamped very clearly. So, it's at least in the same universe as Unworthy's. Eschlwc's # off the BB shell is something completely different...maybe you'll have a number that makes more sense on the dropout?
Compared to Unworthy's though...his should have a higher number than mine if mine is an earlier bike by a year or so, instead it's the reverse. So, assuming there is a system to the numbers (!), maybe it's not strictly sequential, or there is something else going on. I am struck that mine ends in '974' and it appears likely to be a bike from that year. But Unworthy's ends in '595' and the bike is certainly not from that year! Any chance it ends in '75', Unworthy? If so we would be getting somewhere. Not that it matters to anyone but a few scattered nerds...or just one. One lonely bike nerd.
I
#154
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Bikes: 1974 Motobecane Grand Record, 1987 Miyata Pro, 1988 Bob Jackson Lady Mixte (wife's), others in the family
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I have been quite remiss: I never replied to Chicago Al way back in what was it: 2012? But no, the number is as I wrote it: 2642595 so it doesn't end in "75" and maybe that scotches the tidy idea that the last 2 digits correspond to the build-year...but maybe the LAST digit does...?
Now I can get on with my life...
lol
Actually it was a nice surprise to get an email notification that there was a response after so many years. I hadn't quite forgotten this thread, but I don't hang out here on BF so much anymore. Don't scour CL, don't have a collection, found that tended to distract from actually riding.
Still have my beloved Grand Record though, in fact was just cleaning it up yesterday. In a couple of hours I'll be joining friends, some of whom are here on BF some on CR, or both, for a 30+ mile ride on Chicago's lakefront.
Looking back over the last couple of years' posts, which is a treat. I still think the GR, with Nervex lugs, and esp in black/red or 'bumblebee' is one of the most beautiful bikes ever.
In fact I was just thinking yesterday that I'd post in C&V to ask if anyone's ever seen a limited-edition Brooks Champion Special in a maroon or deep red color. I've switched from a Pro to a Champion Special I picked up and I like it, but it's a limited edition in a kind of faded green. Nice color but not best on the bike. I'll put up a pic later.
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Last edited by Chicago Al; 06-30-19 at 04:45 AM.
#155
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@Chicago Al: I'm glad we finally 'closed the loop'!
Enjoy the ride and glad you kept your GR...I just fitted a new-to-this-bike set of wheels (with Pelissier sealed-bearing hubs) and those hubs and slightly wider tires make this a even better ride!
And I'll keep eyes peeled for such a saddle but I think they are a fairly rare low-volume edition, but might be sold 'cheap' cause of the distinct color...maybe.
Enjoy the ride and glad you kept your GR...I just fitted a new-to-this-bike set of wheels (with Pelissier sealed-bearing hubs) and those hubs and slightly wider tires make this a even better ride!
And I'll keep eyes peeled for such a saddle but I think they are a fairly rare low-volume edition, but might be sold 'cheap' cause of the distinct color...maybe.
Last edited by unworthy1; 06-30-19 at 12:49 PM.
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#156
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Early 70s Moto GR
I finally finished the build on mine. I kept the bike mainly stock but swapped out the original wheels for a wheelset with campy tipo hubs and ambrosio rims and I'm running lyotard 460 pedals rather than atom 700s. The bike is rocking 46/36 TA rings and a 14/28 5 speed freewheel. The campy NR RD can clear this freewheel but I had to shove the rear wheel all the way back into the drop outs to make this work. I finished the build yesterday (July 3) and took it on its first trip (30 miles) July 4.
#157
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Just went back to the beginning of this thread, which I remembered starting way back when.
It was 7 years ago, May of 2012, just after I got my GR!
Which I still have, love, and ride regularly. 32 miles on the Chicago lakefront yesterday (there's a regular group of us in case you'd like to join us).
Unfortunately many photos I'd uploaded to BF, including the 'as found' condition of my GR, were trashed in some kind of site update a few years ago, and I'm not going to redo all that. But below is a pic from 2013 with my bike in its current form, save a bit of adjustment and a saddle change.
Really glad to see this thread continuing. It doesn't get any more 'classic and vintage' than a Motobecane Grand Record. Cheers!
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I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
I never think I have hit hard, unless it rebounds.
- Dr Samuel Johnson
Last edited by Chicago Al; 07-08-19 at 09:56 PM.
#158
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Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Record, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1983 Univega Alpina Ultima, 1960s Raphael Geminani, 1994 Trek 820 Bafang ebike
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Hi,new to posting on BF. I've noticed no new postings on this thread , is there still interest in these bikes? I have 2, one is my favorite bike to ride . Will post a pic when allowed. It's 59cm with 650b 40mm tires and iffy bottom bracket height, but I love it!
Last edited by dschell; 03-03-22 at 10:02 PM.
#160
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Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Grand Record, 1976 Motobecane Grand Record, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1983 Univega Alpina Ultima, 1960s Raphael Geminani, 1994 Trek 820 Bafang ebike
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#161
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1975 Motobecane Grand Record
A proper picture of my 1975 Grand Record. Mostly a parts bin bike, 59cm, 650b tires 40mm, Velo Orange rims, Nitto mustache bars, Suntour Cyclone GT rd, Sekai triple and bar-end shifters. Fun to ride, will go most anywhere I'm willing to take it!
Last edited by dschell; 03-03-22 at 10:26 PM.
#162
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The rack for the Ostrich is still a work on progress
Repurposed Jim Blackburn rear rack that I bought and could never find a frame it fit. So out came the air cutting tool, might not be done with that yet.
Repurposed Jim Blackburn rear rack that I bought and could never find a frame it fit. So out came the air cutting tool, might not be done with that yet.
Last edited by dschell; 03-03-22 at 10:33 PM.
#164
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Moto
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#165
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#166
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https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-imagined.html
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#167
Senior Member
1972 Grand Record bumblebee
I picked this up recently after watching it languish (surprisingly) on the Portland Craigslist for quite some time. It looks like a very original 1972 version; 3 tubes 531 frame, Campagnolo derailleurs and Stronglight crank, Mafac “Racer” brakeset.
The paint is not in great shape, and since this isn’t my favorite GR color scheme, I might go in for a powder coat.
27” wheels, which I think might have been standard in 1972, tend to limit tire choices a bit. Does anyone have a suggestion for wide tires that would work for a bit of gravel/all rounder type of riding? It’s currently running 27 x 1-1/4” tires…
It needs a full rebuild on all of the bearings, but I kind of enjoy that type of thing in the evenings.
As found pictures:
That 5lb cushy seat with built in light may have helped keep the bike from disappearing quickly from the sales site!
The paint is not in great shape, and since this isn’t my favorite GR color scheme, I might go in for a powder coat.
27” wheels, which I think might have been standard in 1972, tend to limit tire choices a bit. Does anyone have a suggestion for wide tires that would work for a bit of gravel/all rounder type of riding? It’s currently running 27 x 1-1/4” tires…
It needs a full rebuild on all of the bearings, but I kind of enjoy that type of thing in the evenings.
As found pictures:
That 5lb cushy seat with built in light may have helped keep the bike from disappearing quickly from the sales site!
Last edited by orcas island; 05-24-22 at 11:56 PM.
#168
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Dynamax ---> Grand Record
I started a build thread about how this:
became this:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-but-name.html
became this:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-but-name.html
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#170
Junior Member
Rusty and Crusty GR
At least I'm pretty sure its a GR, as the top tube is bare of lettering, or paint for that matter. However it looks sorta kinda like my 73 GR. Yes its trashy looking but it rides great, and who cares if it gets scratched??
I found it on Marketplace, and it was obvious the gent didn't know what he had. It has a Selle Anatomica saddle AND Phil Wood hubs. For $125 it was a no brainer. And again it rides great.
It has me jonsing to rebuild my 73 Grand Record that my dad bought new for me. The paint is quite good on that bike and Ill post it when I get 'er done.
It has been a pleasure to follow this thread through the years
I found it on Marketplace, and it was obvious the gent didn't know what he had. It has a Selle Anatomica saddle AND Phil Wood hubs. For $125 it was a no brainer. And again it rides great.
It has me jonsing to rebuild my 73 Grand Record that my dad bought new for me. The paint is quite good on that bike and Ill post it when I get 'er done.
It has been a pleasure to follow this thread through the years
#171
Junior Member
Okay, so here's the picture
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#172
Full Member
yep, it's a Grand Record. Guessing by the painted lugs its's a 72 or 73. The silver paint and clear coat from that time period had a propensity to fade away pretty badly. A new paint job is in order. Make it any color you want, there's plenty of silver/black Grand Records out there. Plus it appears to be pretty frankenbiked, so you're not rescuing anything.
#173
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I'm on vacation right now and intend to pick up a grand record on the way home. I'm sorry I don't have better pics but could anyone guess the age range on this?
#174
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I saw this one come up for sale too and I hope you get it. It looks great! Without more info to narrow it down specifically, it should be 1974-77 time frame. The paint color and decal scheme was changed away from this for the 78 model year.
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#175
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That's as close as I could get too. The stem is an odd choice. I don't recognize it.