Motobecane "Mirage" - how much is it worth?
drlim
I have a Motobecane Mirage that I want to sell. It was given to me,
but I prefer to ride my old bike because the Motobecane just seems too
nice to beat up around the city.
I need to know how much the bike is worth. First of all, is there a
way to find out what year my bike was made? I've looked everywhere
but cannot find any kind of date stamp on the frame.
I don't know much about bikes, but the brakes say "Weinmann - made in
Western Germany". The wheels say "Weinmann - made in Belgium". The
shifter is Soru (spelling?). Front tire has quick release. Paint job
is in very good condition. Seems like everything (including the seat)
are what originally came with the bike from the factory... there are
no aftermarket add-ons.
Does anyone have any idea what this bike is worth? Once again I don't
know what year it was made, but it's in great shape.
Rich Clark
"drlim" <drlim....@xoxy.net> wrote in message
news:4e9e7a12.04073...@posting.google.com...
This sounds like one of the "new" Motobecanes, with an Asian-made frame
imported by the company that owns Bikesdirect.com. Is it this bike --
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage.htm ?
As you can see, if so, it sells new for $325, and can't be more than 5 years
old or so, since it's only been that long since the company bought the US
rights to the brand name.
RichC
Arthur Harris
The Weinmann brakes and rims make me think this IS a "real" Motobecane from
years back. If it has Huret derailleurs it would definitely be an oldie. If
so, it would be at least 20 years old.
There were various versions: Mirage, Mirage Sport, and Super Mirage, but
none were top of the line. If in excellent condition, it might fetch a
decent price on eBay. But you'd need photos and a much better decription
than you've given here.
Does it have down tube or stem mounted shifters? Side pull or center pull
brakes? 700c or 27" rims/tires? 10 or 12 speeds? English or French thread?
You also need to measure the seat tube length.
I doubt you could get more than $100 for it, and that's optimistic. If I
were you, I'd keep it as a backup bike (if it fits you).
Art Harris
Rich Clark
"Arthur Harris" <n2...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:SwMOc.14967$cL2.5...@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net...
I hesitated over the "Weinmann" as well. But Weinmann still exists as a
brand name manufacturing rims, and what tipped my scales was the "Soru,"
which I guessed was really "Sora." Sora drivetrain parts would indicate a
modern bike.
However, on further investigation I find no indication that there are modern
Weinmann brake calipers, so that would definitely support your analysis.
Of course, a "Made in Taiwan" sticker on the frame would settle it.
RichC
Arthur Harris
> "Art Harris" wrote in message
> > The Weinmann brakes and rims make me think this IS a "real" Motobecane
> > from years back.
> I hesitated over the "Weinmann" as well. But Weinmann still exists as a
> brand name manufacturing rims, and what tipped my scales was the "Soru,"
> which I guessed was really "Sora." Sora drivetrain parts would indicate a
> modern bike.
>
> However, on further investigation I find no indication that there are
modern
> Weinmann brake calipers, so that would definitely support your analysis.
>
> Of course, a "Made in Taiwan" sticker on the frame would settle it.
Yeah, the "Soru" is puzzling. And what surprised me is that the new Mirage
has "DuraForte" CrMo tubing which sounds a lot like the old "Durifort"
French tubing. But the Weinmann "Made in Belgium" rims and "Made in WEST
Germany" brakes definitely sounds vintage.
I think all the old Motobecanes had a "Made in France" label, so perhaps the
OP can help us solve the mystery. And also by verifying the spelling of
"Soru" or counting the number of rear cogs.
Art Harris
drlim
Sorry for the confusion. The shifter components are "Suntour". I
have no idea where "Soru" came from... probably just me hallucinating
again.
Also I forgot to mention a tiny ;) piece of information... there is a
label on the frame that says "Made in France"
So you guys think $100 would be a fair price? I'd rather not go thru
the trouble of shipping it, so I want to sell it locally rather than
thru Ebay.
I'll post a picture up sometime when I get a chance.
"Arthur Harris" <n2...@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<nmOOc.15578$cL2.5...@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
Mark
> I'm the OP.
>
> Sorry for the confusion. The shifter components are "Suntour". I
> have no idea where "Soru" came from... probably just me hallucinating
> again.
>
> Also I forgot to mention a tiny ;) piece of information... there is a
> label on the frame that says "Made in France"
>
> So you guys think $100 would be a fair price? I'd rather not go thru
> the trouble of shipping it, so I want to sell it locally rather than
> thru Ebay.
>
> I'll post a picture up sometime when I get a chance.
I myself think $100 is quite a bit on the low side, if this bike is
pretty clean, and not a rusted out hulk. Heck, I've see totally shot
Road bikes in pawn shops sell for more than $100, and this to me,
sounds a bit better than a beater.
Perhaps you could get a local opinion? Take it to your local bike
shop, and let them look at it. They may even help you somehow sell
it. It would be wise to get some more opinions about it's real value.
you might be surprised.
I strongly doubt that it is vaery valuable, but it realistically might
be worth $300, or more. If it was top of the line Motobecane Le
Champion, I might say as high as $1000.
By the way, there was nothing at all wrong with Wienmann Brakes. I
had them on a Vintage Le Champion with full Record drivetrain, and
they worked quite well. Hope this helps, Mark D.
drlim
http://chicago.craigslist.org/bik/38100757.html
Now you can see pictures and give your opinions. You think it will
sell at that price? I guess only time will tell...
"Arthur Harris" <n2...@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<nmOOc.15578$cL2.5...@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...