FS: ~1973 62cm Motobecane Grand Record frameset, updated for 650b, Reynolds 531 -- $420

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JayP

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Apr 24, 2020, 8:26:15 PM4/24/20
to 650b
Hello !

Long time reader, first time poster (I believe)....

I am selling a ~1973 Motobecane Grand Record frameset with 531 DB main tubes + fork  -- an elaborate French 650b conversion that is ready for assembly without the endless hours it took to get this together.

I put a lot of time + energy + money into this 650b project that is....   (comically?  sadly?)  too small.  I wanted this to work as it's the largest size they came in but I ride 64cm road bikes and this is simply too small.  

Measurements (c-c)
  • 62cm seat tube
  • 59cm top tube
  • 44cm chain stays
  • Rake:  41mm  (+/-)
  • Clearance for 42mm 650b tires (you might be able to get fenders in with 42mm, but better with 38mm actual tires)
  • Up to 32mm with 700c

Story / steps
  • I bought on Ebay last year
  • In the early 80s the original owner had Davidson put on downtube braze ons as well as a water bottle mount.  
  • Local frame builder added rear rack mounts, modern rear brake cable routing, and a new (ornate) brake bridge to get it in the right position for the brakes/wheels.  
  • Silva Cycles in San Jose dimpled the chainstays (to have lots of clearance around 42mm tires -- they did a great job with proper stress relieving etc)
  • Silva also reraked the fork with a tight radius
  • Fork aligned (of course) as well as frame, with rear spacing set to 130mm
  • Powder coated at Maas in Livermore for $200 -- has some sort of "moon sparkle" top coat -- a really nice color in sunlight (less so via my crappy camera)
  • I also ordered replacement Motobecane and 531 decals -- but never installed as I liked it plain. They're included.

Other details
  • Includes Velo Orange headset + generic (but nice) seatpost + the vintage bars/stem that came with the bike
  • Bottom bracket is French thread (of course)
  • The CL ad with more pictures is here

Price is $420 ( selling, of course, at quite a loss  :  )

I prefer a local sale and will shoot for that -- but will ship if I don't sell locally within a reasonable amount of time

If you are interested, please be in touch!  

Jay Primus
Berkeley, CA


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David Cummings

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Apr 25, 2020, 10:47:43 AM4/25/20
to 650b
Wow, great plug and play project! Your price is amusing for reasons not remotely related to the great value of the frame. ;) I have too many 62cm frames awaiting attention already. GLWS.

David “what time is it?” In MT

Scott A

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Apr 25, 2020, 10:59:40 AM4/25/20
to 650b
Superb frameset! The modifications & powdercoat show a very high level of workmanship, well beyond the offered price. GLWS!

Tim Potter

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Apr 25, 2020, 11:49:53 PM4/25/20
to 650b
I see the CL ad is gone. Has this frameset sold?
Tim Potter
Okemos, Mich.

JayP

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Apr 26, 2020, 10:47:15 AM4/26/20
to 650b
A couple updates:

*  The CL ad is still up
*  Trail (not rake) is ~41mm  (I was typing fast....  !  )

Will Morris

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Apr 26, 2020, 11:19:27 AM4/26/20
to 650b
Jay, the CL ad link
(https://post.craigslist.org/k/isobXkuG6hG4rqTUaneAFQ) doesn't work
for me either.
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Ian A

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Apr 26, 2020, 12:16:17 PM4/26/20
to 650b
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/d/berkeley-62cm-motobecane-grand-record/7113249486.html
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