I am the proud owner of a 1974 Motobecane Grand Record. I purchased this bike in high school and am in the process of cleaning it up after many years of non-use. The bike has not been ridden since approximately the mid-80s when I purchased a De Rosa.
I will probably try to sell the Motobecane, but have almost offered it for sale several times in the past. Needless to say, this was my first good bike and it holds great sentimental value for me, but I can't escape the reality that, mostly because of fit issues, I prefer to ride my other bikes.
The Motobecane is all original, except for the seat post which I had to replace when the original broke in half. The bike came with tubular wheels which I still have. In the early 80s, I purchased a pair of steel clincher wheels when the cost of replacing tubular tires after frequent flats became too costly for me. If I sell the bike, I will put the tubular wheels back on. Both tires had flats when I put on the clinchers, so I will have to buy new tubular tires. Repair is an option for only one tire; I threw the other one away.
Here is my question for you collectors out there: do I need to find period correct tubular tires, or will a modern set suffice? In other words, how much of a difference will the period correctness of the tires matter to a typical collector/purchaser of this kind of bike? I know it's a matter of opinion, but I'd be appreciative if you would share your opinion.
Thanks.
Charles King
Westchester County, New York
USA