Jim G’s 1975 Motobecane Grand Touring

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We’re finishing this week across the Channel with two nice Motobecane. This is the more senior of the two, Jim G’s 1975 Motobecane Grand Touring.
What’s the verdict on those Nashbar SSM Regal-knockoffs? Are the worth the $13 that they are right now?

Submission for OTS Bike of the Month consideration

Name: Jim G Year: 1975 Make: Motobecane Model: Grand Touring

Looking for a winter project, I purchased this bike from my local bike shop in December 2011. Seeing the layers of dirt and grime, there was no doubt this bike had been stored in the very back of the “back” room. Reminded of the story of the development of WD40, I settled on a new bottle of No.7 Chrome and Metal polish from the Nuts and Bolts hardware store to work some metal magic. The transition from dull to shiny bright exceeded my expectations of what was possible. It didn’t take long for me to see that the gold pin striping on the frame and around the lugs was the perfect setup for a new brown seat and handlebar tape. Performing internet research on this bike was as rewarding as the reconditioning. I discovered a 1975 Motobecane catalog that confirmed all the components are original, including a few upgrades from the Grand Jubile. The frame is fully lugged, “1020” light steel tubing measuring 25 inches. This is coupled with a PIVO 120mm stem, making for a very tall ride. Both the headset and crankset (42-52) are Stronglight which are upgrades from the Grand Jubile. The MAFAC “RACER” brakes are upgrades from the Motobecane Tandem model. After replacing the cable housing and cables, the Sun Tour V.G.T. Luxe with stem power shifter began working as smooth as butter. The 5-gear cluster is MAEDA 14-32 on a NORMANDY hub with ATOM quick release skewers. I installed a new set of Michelin World Tour Gum Sidewall 27″x1-1/4″ tires on the WEINMANN alloy rims to keep with the French heritage. I was very surprised how well the LYOTARD pedals with CHRISTOPHE SPECIAL toe clips shed their surface rust. Now that spring has arrived, it is time to hook up with some club rides and show off this beautiful OTS!

Related posts:

  1. Ryan S’s 1974ish Raleigh Grand Prix
  2. Rosie G.’s Motobecane Mixte (France)
  3. Beau O’s 1984 Raleigh Gran Sport
  4. BillNuke1’s His and Hers Jetter 10-Speeds
  5. Andrew J’s (Cousin’s) 1982 Peugeot P8
  • BeaterRezQ

    Jim G.,
    Hats off to you for a wonderful restoration!
    I must admit, you have that Moto looking nearly new. (and very original too)
    Your color-coordination is “artist like”and looks very balanced.
    As far as the Nashbar saddle, for some builds it’s very appropriate and $13 well spent–as in your Moto’s case. I’ve seen other bikes where it just didn’t look so hot. I’ve been asked on occasion why none of my bikes have a Brooks saddle (even given “grief” for using mattress saddles), the first answer that always comes to mind is “At the price I pay for one Brooks saddle, I can buy up to ten used bikes and have tons of fun restoring ’em.” To me it’s a no-brainer, and please Brooks saddle fans–I love ’em, very classy….maybe when I’m rich and famous, or at least moderately stable.(in more ways than one?)
    BRQ

  • Ryan Surface

    Jim G, Oooo La La!

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again..I love me some Motobecane. You have done a great job bringing this classy ride back to life and shiny awesomeness. I think the Nashbar Saddle looks great and have actually contemplated getting one myself at the $13 price point. I have to agree with BRQ, I love Brooks Saddles and own two, but the price of most Brooks saddles is more than I charge for a bike after I have restored it!

    Jim hope you ride the heck out of the GT this summer the locals will be loving it.

  • Trailerparkcyclist

    I’m with Ryan: Motobecane kicks ass! Especially this one, Jim! What a fine piece of work.

    Now, having said all that, I have a sad confession to make: Never have I been to Nashbar. I know! Don’t judge me, it is a shameful thing and I am sorry for it and I will go there now. I am going there and looking for one of those wheel-scraper-thingys. My Paypal account is up to twelve dollars (thanks Ryan!) and it is burning a hole in my virtual pockets.

    Wait…how much are those OTSG t-shirts?