Motobecane Mirage 23 inch

[Carlton Flier]

I,v just picked up this Motobecane Mirage up from its previous owner this morning I have been after a Motobecane for quite a few years now without any luck then two turn up on the same day I,v bought this one because although rough it is almost complete it also has some nice bits & bobs on the frame it will make an excellent long term project (I have no plans to rush this one) So I will be trawling the net looking for some NOS parts "the USA seems the best place" there are loads of them over there A few pictures before I strip it down into parts ready for the full rebuild anyone have an alloy seat stem?

 

[fossyant]

Looks a good project.

I get my DA 7400 sprockets from the US... very good for NOS, and the exchange rate is a little better at the minute.

 

[Carlton Flier]

Looks a good project.

I get my DA 7400 sprockets from the US... very good for NOS, and the exchange rate is a little better at the minute.

Yep its an excellent project the bike has cleaned up really well I,m pleased with it so far I will be sending the rear wheel off to be re-built with some new spokes to a Guy on the south coast I,ll be keeping the original rim & large flanged hub to match the excellent original front one.

 

[Spokesmann]

That'll keep you busy!

 

[Carlton Flier]

That'll keep you busy!

Yes I,v been quite busy with this one but its getting there slow but sure a few more pictures note the retro propstand

 

[Spokesmann]

Coming on, will provide a good everyday ride.

 

[Carlton Flier]

Coming on, will provide a good everyday ride.

A few more pictures of the bike the original back wheel has been sent off for re-building so till it comes back I,v fitted a Weinmann Quando wheel that came from JE James Chesterfield via one of their special offers Bike needs a new chain then I,ll take it out for a spin.

 

[Spokesmann]

Ride Ok?

 

[Carlton Flier]

Ride Ok?

Rides really nice these are very well built bikes.The back Japanese Suntour cassette was badly hooked I wanted to keep it because it was an original part but in the end it needed changing for a good French Maillard one that came off a very low mileage Raleigh Racer.Just a few bits to re-chrome & its original back wheel to be refitted when it comes back from the rebuilders & the seat changing for a black leather Brooks one

 

[Carlton Flier]

Bike with the new chain/Maillard 5 speed cassette fitted & it now rides as sweet as a nut

 

[Carlton Flier]

Bike with the new chain/Maillard 5 speed cassette fitted & it now rides as sweet as a nut

Found this Motobecane ripe for restoration having been stood idle for a good many years so I bought it. This one will be it for a while because we are moving house & the Mrs will have me busy doing other DIY projects in between doing my fleet of bikes

 

[Spokesmann]

You must be running out of space. Looks to be a good project.

 

[Carlton Flier]

You must be running out of space. Looks to be a good project.

And excuses with the Mrs I keep telling Her they are invesments but I,m pushing my luck now this is the very last one till I downsize my fleet!

 

[Carlton Flier]

You must be running out of space. Looks to be a good project.

I spoke to a guy in a well known bike shop today regarding my bike & He said the bike snobs just hate French Motobecane,s Mmmmm Me thinks most people have never even seen one never mind ever riding one I love my blue Motobecane & this red one is even better condition I,m changing the 700 wheels (although little used) they are rust pitted the front replacement is a NOS alloy Rigida 27 x 1 1/4 & black tyre I don,t want black & tan ones they just don,t look right on French bikes.A few more pictures of work in progress!

 

[Spokesmann]

Nice! This thread is turning into a 2 way conversation!