Motobecane main page

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Updated 2.3.2008 Click on images to see larger views

Motobecane bicycles have a particular place in the hearts and minds of vintage bikes buffs, especially those of us who were first introduced to lightweights in the 1970s... Established in 1923, by 1984 Motobecane had become a top French brand with 2000 employees. Most recently it is known as "MBK."
In very recent years, this brand has reappeared on mail-order Chinese-made bikes, apparently as a result of a licensing arrangement.

1970-80s head badge

During the USA Bike boom of the early 1970s, some of the most popular models were:
The Nomad: A basic "sports touring" bike competing with the Raleigh Record.	The Mirage: A more deluxe bike featuring QR wheels, lighter tubing competing with the Raleigh Grand Prix and the Schwinn LeTour.	The Grand Touring: A sporty "day touring" model using three tubes Vitus chrome moly....	The Sprint: a pseudo racing model wih tighter geometry. Competed with Gitane Interclub.
The Jubilee: A very refined bike with Nervex lugs and Reynolds tubing. Mostly French componentry incl. Stronglight 49, Jubile derailleurs, etc.	The Grand Record: Partial Campy, 531 db, Nervex lugs and a distinctive black paint with red head tube and seat bands.	Le Champion: Top model with full Campy, pure race geometry, refined workmanship.	Team Champion: No holds barred handcrafted racing model. Appeared to be made by different "hands."