[CR]Newbie of sorts

(Example: History)

Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:50:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Robert Mann" <hahabeach1988@yahoo.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Newbie of sorts


Good afternoon to all,

I have recently rejoined the ranks of Vintage Bike Owner by beginning the r ebuild of a Motobecane road bike that my father brought back home after ser ving with the US Air Force in Germany during the early 1970's.

I do not know much about the bike other than it is a Motobecane and that it was manufactured before 1972, as that was the year that my father was stationed back in the states.  My older brother inherited the bike during our teenage years and rode it quite often.  During the summer of 1986, h e got the bright idea of dismantling the bike to repaint it from the origin al green color to black.  The only badges that are left on the bike is th e head badge bearing the Motobecane logo.  He lost interest in the projec t and started college in the fall of 86, so the bike sat in our parent's ba sement until this past weekend when I decide it was time to put it back on the road.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance on how to assertain the model of bi ke that I have.  I am currently trying to decide if I should try to retur n it to "original" form or use the frame and update the components.  I gu ess my decision will depend greatly on the ability to find the necessary pa rts to return it to original form.

The bike is currently in ride condition although it is stuck in high gear a s the shift levers and front derailleur are missing.  The rear derailler is a Shimano brand; however, at the moment I am away from the bike and do n ot recall the actually model.  If this will assist in determining the mod el let me know and I will post that information.

My name is Robert Mann and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains o f Virginia near the sleepy little town of Covington, VA. I am getting int o bike riding as a way to spend time with the kids and stay in shape becaus e running is just getting to hard on the body.  My sons ride nearly every day with my oldest son showing the greatest interest in bike riding by put ting nearly 15 to 20 miles a day on his mountain bike.

Thanks in advance for any advice, guidance and information that can be sent my way.

Have a great day,

Robert Mann
Covington, VA USA