Charles, one of the things I like about French bikes is that they are bargains, i.e. cheap considering the quality of the frames and components. But I have always bought them, rarely sold them. You aren't likely to get a high price for a Grand Record, I'd guess less than $500, which may make you think about keeping it, for the sentimental value if nothing else. If you do sell it, it probably doesn't pay to spend a lot on classic tubulars, since you aren't likely to recover the cost in the sales price. But it will probably sell better with tires that at least hold air. If it were me, It just put on some cheap Vittoria Rallys, or at most one of the less expensive Tufo models, which are available with classic tan sidewalls.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, Texas, USA
Charles King <kingcharles3@gmail.com> wrote: 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