Vintage Motobecane Grand Touring for $200, good buy?

Question

I'm new to the sport and I want to buy a good cheap bike. New ones are expensive so I'm going for used. I saw this vintage Motobecane Grand Touring for $200...is it a fair price or way too over priced? Or I'm better getting something else. Thanks

Answer 1

You are buying a frame and major components, a bike of this age you don't know if you are getting very many original parts.

Anyway, the Grand touring is the top of the mid price line,; I think you would be better served to  go for the better Motobecane's:

http://equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/...

here is your line:

http://equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/...

and a master 1979 list: http://equusbicycle.com/bike/motobecane/...

I prefer older english bikes, fewer bottom bracket issues.

If you find something with a well cared for double butted 531 or Vitus frame and mostly good components with english threads and a 3 piece crank. that would be the $250 category.  

too many non english bikes run into the weird thread problems, hard to deal with unless you are a bike mechanic.

Answer 2

It is way overpriced. You should be able to this or even better used bikes for under $100.

Keep in mind that this bike has parts that are largely obsolete and include hard-to-find French threading.

Look around at local yard sales or flea markets. There are plenty of good deals to be had if you take your time and look.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sorry not very much info.