MOTOBECANE Bike Road Racer 15 Special Tour De France Vtg 1979 Read Description
Thanks for looking
I'm a professional business seller on here but bought this bike for myself last year (mainly because I really liked the copper colour - it looks amazing!) in the hope that I'd use it...the plan failed and I haven't even used it once. So it's time it went on new adventures with a new guardian!
I'll mention at this point I'm the opposite of a vintage bike expert but have done some research on this model - there are so many similar with tiny variations it's not easy to pin it down but I'm pretty sure this was released in either 1979 or 1981. It was built in France so before they moved production to the USA and Indonesia (I think).
I 'think' it's a Mirage or Super Mirage with a few extra/alternative components to the standard model. It has 2040 tubing rather than Reynolds so not one of their high end/professional racers, more of a mid-range model.
From what I can tell, I don't think many of these 15 specials were ever built - almost impossible to find any information on it and the last one that sold was in Italy five years ago! It has the Tour de France decal but it's not the actual Motobecane Tour de France, Champion or Super Champion - I think this was made after they were developed hence the confusion.
As I mentioned, I'm not a bike expert so if you know anything about this model I'd really appreciate any advice. I know that there are Eroica people out there with a deep knowledge of these older models so please help!
The bike in the photos is the one that you'll recieve. I've given it a basic clean but it could do with a proper tidy up. It's completely original with all the original components (apart from the handlebar tape - it had an horrific, weird purple camouflage one that was unbearable so I've put on some new black tape (mistake...I should have used white leather!). Please check the condition section below but first....
Details
▪︎ Vintage Motobecane road bike/racer
▪︎ Model - 15 Special Tour de France
▪︎ Built in France - 1979 (or 1981)
▪︎ 2040 tubing
▪︎ frame size - 21 inches (measured from seat connection to bottom of pedal axle)
▪︎ Weinmann brakes
▪︎ Solida pedals
▪︎ Motobecane shifters
▪︎ Motobecane seat
▪︎ Motobecane Handlebars
▪︎ 27 inch wheels
▪︎ Michelin tyres
▪︎ Metallic copper
Condition
I know how important it can be to keep these bikes as close to original as possible so this is probably quite important. As far as I can tell, the bike has all its original components (apart from, as mentioned above, the handlebar tape). I rode it home when I first bought it and everything works exactly as it should, gears fine, brakes fine, no wobble - although you'll probably want to make your own adjustments.
There's plenty of rust on the wheels (tyres now gone flat in my hallway so I had a look underneath...no rust and inner tubes still good) - can definitely still be used as it is. Also rust on the inside of pedals but the spokes seem ok (see pics which form part of the description). Not enough rust to compromise the wheels and theoretically, it should all come off with some of that rust-eater product and some serious scrubbing with a steel brush.
Gear carriage could do with a clean but has no rust. Likewise the chain and brakes are fine and working (though the cables are obviously very, very old - they still work fine). Tyres, seat, handlebar are all very good. Frame is generally good for a bike this age - there are a few stone chips here and there, light rust in spots. I've actually bought a colour matched paint which I'll include.
So overall it's in good condition for such an old bike but you'll need to put in a bit of effort to get it absolutely mint. I'd give it an 8/10
Personally, I'd love to have kept it - I'd even have been happy to pay someone to do a full restoration job - but at my ancient age (55) and the space it takes up in my house it needs to be sorted by someone who'll appreciate and ride it properly - sadly, my bike riding days are behind me butnit doesn't mean someone else can't ride and enjoy this incredible piece of engineering!
Feel free to ask any questions - even though this is a fair price for this model it's still not a cheap item. I keep the bike in my hallway (the main reason it has to go!) So am happy to send any additional photos if you need them - just ask!
Shipping
This is tricky as I've never posted a bike before. The wheels have fast release levers so I should be able to make it a lot smaller than it is (although I think I'll have to take the chain off). Or, if you're not too far away I can drop it off or you're welcome to pick it up and have a look before you make a decision. If we do ship it please allow me a few days to purchase a specialist bike box. We'll ship with Parcelforce but I'd really rather you came and had a look yourself, then take it away
Feel free to ask any questions
International trade welcome through ebays global shipping program
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Peace & Good Luck!