| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 2287.1 | Vintage is subjective... | NQOPS::CLELAND | USIM&T Data Center Services | Wed May 20 1992 16:34 | 11 |
| Motobecane was/is a French manufacturer.
When speaking of vintage Motobecane bicycles, one usually speaks
of "Le Champion", or the top of the line "Team Champion".
These bikes were equipped with Campagnolo components.
Perhaps you could attempt to contact Motobecane in France, if they
are still in business?
Just a suggestion...
|
| 2287.2 | | MLCSSE::BENOIT | Life is just a cherra bowlies | Wed May 20 1992 17:31 | 5 |
| Can any French noters help out? I know they are French (the "Made in
France" decal gave it away). But I'm not sure if they are still in
business (thanks to Japan).
Peter
|
| 2287.3 | still around I think | SHALOT::ELLIS | John Lee Ellis - assembly required | Wed May 20 1992 17:48 | 7 |
|
Motob�cane is still around, as far as I know. My first ten-speed
was also a Motob�cane. I believe the company started out making
mopeds and other motorized bikes - is this correct? They still may
make the Mobylette, for example. Mopeds is a big market in Europe.
-john
|
| 2287.4 | FRENCH IS BEST | WMOIS::GIROUARD_C | | Thu May 21 1992 08:38 | 12 |
| They are sround, but the frames are built in the Orient now... It
has lost some its prestige. I'm not sure when this "change" in the
bloodline took place. I think it was mid-late 70's/early 80's.
The French built frames are the more desireable. I've checked into
this a little. I have a friend who bought one in the 70's (French)
with all Campy stuff. I think he paid over $400.00 back then. Check
this out... He didn't even put a 100 miles on it (still has the
original rubber! He said he'd sell it to me when he was ready. I've
been bugging him for 10 years now.
Chip
|
| 2287.5 | French threads are history... | NQOPS::CLELAND | USIM&T Data Center Services | Fri May 22 1992 17:08 | 24 |
| Just be forewarned...
Motobecane did indeed use french threads on their headsets and
bottom brackets.
I've heard rumors that all component manufacturers have dropped
french threads from their manufacturing processes.
Meaning, if you do obtain an old Motobecane, take good care of
the components, especially the headset and bottom bracket. It's
going to be more and more difficult to obtain replacement parts
with french threads as the years go by.
I tried to restore an old Team Champion 'couple years ago, but I
couldn't locate an old Campy headset with French threading. I had
to substitute a Japanese HS with french threads, which was NOT
what I wanted. I was able to locate an old Campy Super Record BB,
but it had a titanium spindle, and I'd been warned not to use it.
I was told to save it, by placing it in a specially sealed, helium
filled display case. I said "sure, right next to the old Raleigh
Professional".
But don't let all this negative talk discourage you, contact the
manufacturer and let us know what you find out...
|
| 2287.6 | RIP | MLCSSE::BENOIT | Life is just a cherra bowlies | Tue May 26 1992 10:59 | 20 |
| I have written to two business associates in France. The first "knew
nothing" in his own words. I'm waiting for the second.
re: .-1
You are right about the threads in the crank. I bought a whole new
set because I was having some problems with the cotter pins. They just
wouldn't tighten properly. I think the crank fit OK because it was
Japanese with a French thread. But my original pedals would not fit.
Weren't even close.
So I sent the whole thing back. I thought it would destroy the value
(if any) of the bike, anyway. Besides, every one has cotterless. Not
too many cotter pins left today.
m_(��)_m
|
| 2287.7 | 18 years old - best investment I ever made! | DELNI::BARWISE | | Tue May 26 1992 13:42 | 10 |
|
A "Le Champion" owner checking in. I bought mine in '74 when in high
school and am riding it more now than even then. It's been great.
have been concerned in the last few years about replacements for the
bottom bracket and head set, but am still using the originals. I had
even heard that they used Swiss threads on the bottom bracket. Does
anyone know who I can go to that can identify thread types? Also, the
Stronglight crank could use some new chain rings but haven't found
anyone who knows if their are replacements readily available. BTW,
that Brooks saddle is just about right now!
|
| 2287.8 | HAS ANYONE TRIED CYCLEGOODS | AKOCOA::FULLER | | Tue May 26 1992 14:03 | 8 |
| Although I have not personally used them, I hear that Cyclegoods,
number listed in BICYCLING, is a great source of old stuff. They have
bought out a number of supply houses of old equipement. Just a BB and
Headset should not be a massive problem. In addition, I would imagine
Phil Wood being able to supply the BB stuff, since he does a lot of
custom work.
steve
|
| 2287.9 | <---> | DELNI::BARWISE | | Tue May 26 1992 14:45 | 6 |
| Steve,
No I've not tried them yet but have plans to. I think that's a good
route to take.
Thanks, rb
|
| 2287.10 | A possibility... | HSOMAI::MOFFITT | | Tue May 26 1992 15:09 | 10 |
| re .7
I had an Allegro with Swiss threading about 15 yrs ago, and it was a
bear to find parts even when Nuovo Record and Stronglight were common.
I ended up going to a Phil Wood bb, just because the retainers were
alloy and could be 'rethreaded' into the steel bb shell. Not original,
but it sure worked. (As I recall the Swiss was like French, only one
side had left-hand thread -- but my recollection might be *real* fuzzy
on that one.)
|