Originally posted by Laika
I'm looking specifically at the Vent Noir and Grand Sprint models, but would appreciate even general opinions and insights about the brand. Thanks!!
The name was sold, and the current oriental made ones have no connection to the originals.Originally posted by cmitch46
Motobecane was considered one of the major French brands during the bicycle boom of the 70's. Then they seemed to pull out of the US market but they seem to be make a comeback.
That may be good or bad. A lot of trashy bikes were sold during the bike boom.Originally posted by boudreaux
The name was sold, and the current oriental made ones have no connection to the originals.
Yeah, and Motobecane was one of them.Originally posted by cmitch46
That may be good or bad. A lot of trashy bikes were sold during the bike boom.
evan said:I am looking for some info on 70's era Motobecanes. If someone has ideas about what were the better models-marage, grand jubilee, etc, how they rank, I would be very interested. I have a Grand jubile that is too small for me, but want to get a similar one.
No connection to the old Motobecane, other than the name which was sold to another outfit.cmitch46 said:Motobecane was considered one of the major French brands during the bicycle boom of the 70's. Then they seemed to pull out of the US market but they seem to be make a comeback.
Motobecanes were among the trashiest.cmitch46 said:That may be good or bad. A lot of trashy bikes were sold during the bike boom.
evan said:I am looking for some info on 70's era Motobecanes. If someone has ideas about what were the better models-marage, grand jubilee, etc, how they rank, I would be very interested. I have a Grand jubile that is too small for me, but want to get a similar one.
Not having any direct experience with Motobecane, I'm speaking purely theoretically here--but I'm not sure anyone has qualified the label as junk simply because it's Asian-factory made. A lot of excellent high-end bikes are produced in Taiwanese or Chinese factories.jabberwocky said:For me, it needs to be more than an off-brand name or an Asian place of origin.
I beg to differ. During the '70s bike boom I worked in a shop and Motobecanes were no where near the trashiest. The paint and workmanship on the frames was certainly a cut above Peugeot and some of the other French and Italian mass producers. And the low-end components were often Suntour/SR instead of the horrible plastic Simplex or **** like the Campy Valentino. Now, the Motobecanes were not quite up to the level of some Japanese bikes, but that is a different story....boudreaux said:Motobecanes were among the trashiest.
lokstah said:There's still such thing as a substandard bike frame, though. Are you sure Motobecane doesn't represent lower overall quality of construction, materials or design?
Glad it's working for you.Laika said:Actually, here it is 2 years later and I can say the Motobecane i bought is a teriffic bike. I bought a Grand Sprint w/ Ultergra/105 components for well under a thousand dollars. I've got somewhere around 4k miles on it and haven't ever had a major problem. The frame is nice, though showing normal wear, and the welds are even okay looking. I can highly recommend this bike.
Laika said:I'm looking specifically at the Vent Noir and Grand Sprint models, but would appreciate even general opinions and insights about the brand. Thanks!!
I bought a Motobecane Super Mirage in 1997 that had a very nice Chrom Moly fully lugged frame. I eventually replaced the Shimano Exage drive train with full 105 and upgraded the wheels and the fork. Finally sold it last year because five bikes are too many and I wasn't riding it anymore. Fully satisfied with the bike and got good value for the money spent.jabberwocky said:I'm really not getting the idea of a bike being "trashy" because it was made in Japan or China or someplace else. Ever heard of Honda, Toyota or Sony? The folks who seem to be cutting in on non-European/Asian-made bikes don't seem to be putting up a lot of info on what makes a bike "trashy" Does the frame crack or break or bend? Are the weld seems unattrative or weak? Is it too heavy or does it come with junky parts? An butted, aluminum frame from Japan with a good Ultegra or Dura Ace group, a carbon fork, alloy rims and posts, and decent geometry will ride just as well as a model with a much higher price tag...at least for the VAST MAJORITY of riders.
When I think of junky or trashy mechanical things, it is because they die too soon. Bikes don't really die unless something serious happens to the frame. You can get a new fork. Frames can be re-painted. Everything else can be upgraded or replaced.
A friend of mine rides a newer Motobecane, and he's very happy with it. It's light, responsive, and has been going fine for 1800+ miles.
So I guess I am curious about what criteria is used to rate a bike "trashy" or "junky" For me, it needs to be more than an off-brand name or an Asian place of origin.
Jab
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