Motobecane Nomade Restoration Part 2

Hello and Welcome,
First I would like to say Thanks to the folks who have been using the blogs face-book page. If you have not checked it out yet, Please do. The link is located in the column on the right. (just click on the logo) I look forward to seeing more of your projects and favorite rides.

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Above: While taping the handlebars on the MotoBecane I had an idea. Why not just roll the tape out to the end of the roll. Then tape the end into place with a small piece of tape. Then I can do the end wrap (elictrical tape) where I choose, then cut off the excess with a razor blade. I think it might be easier for some "like myself" who struggle with making the final cut then taping it into place.
The tape I used was slightly adhesive(Avenir) So there was no need for a small piece of tape on the end to secure it while I did the end wrap.

Above: Here I am cutting off the excess tape after getting the finish electrical tape in place. All you need to do is use the tape edge as your guide. Of course you will want to measure the other side to match before applying the finish tape. In this case I decided 4-1/2 cm looked about right. UPDATE: Anonymous said...
Be aware that if you score the handlebars when you trim, you run the risk of weakening the bars there. This is more likely with alloy, rather than steel bars.

Above: I think this method makes it easier for almost anyone to get a nice clean finish cut on the tape ends. You will need to be very careful cutting with a razor blade. I used a single edge blade. To ensure the best cut, I would recommend using a fresh blade each time. You can still use the blades for something else so your not really being wasteful. If you are not confident using a sharp razor blade, then Please get someone experienced to help you.

Above: I always thought of Jenson USA as a high-end supplier. I was pleasantly surprised to find this very affordable saddle on their site. And the delivery was extremely fast. So check them out next time your shopping online for components. You may be pleasantly surprised too! I picked this Avenir 100 Series saddle for style and price. If your building a road bike for resale you might want to consider this. A saddle is a very "personal preference" kind of thing. To me it does not make sense to invest too much into a saddle that is likely to be replaced anyway. Of course if your building a bike "to order" that is a whole different ball of wax.

Above: This is the best part of the build, getting some pics of the finished project out in the light of day. And this is my favorite angle to photograph a bike from, shooting slightly downward from the front drive side.

Above: Shooting the bike from down low close-up will make it look larger than life.
Susan from Segar Studio taught me that. I was able to scrounge up the corresponding front wheel reflector and the matching rear reflector as well. I hit the screw heads on the wheel reflectors with the brass wire wheel brush. And I cleaned them up with Armor All Cleaning Wipes. It really makes them pop!

Above: A nice shot from the port side. Looking at this pic I notice I did not put a dust cap on the left side of the crank. Opps! The dust cap on the left pedal is not correct. I crimped a larger MKS cap and popped it on there just for these pics.

Above: This is where taking the brake calipers apart and polishing them with Mother`s really pays off. The bolt head on the cable hanger was cleaned-up with the brass wheel brush. And the hanger itself and straddle cable were cleaned-up with Mother`s. I really love that stuff!

Above: Everything I said about the brake caliper holds true for the crank as well.
Looking at this crank makes me want to wrap the whole thing up and keep it clean.
But they are made to ride.

Above: A nice shot of the non original Araya front wheel. The correct reflector gives it a more authentic look. I do have a (sort of) set of Motobecane wheels. Front 1972 Rear 1976. I made this choice deliberately. I`m not a huge fan of the dimpled braking surface on the original wheels. Or the "electric motor sound" they make while braking. I did the same thing on my MotoBecane Special Sport. That`s how I ended-up with two usable Motobecane wheels. I know they will be put to good use somewhere down the road.

Above: The rear wheel and the beautiful Suntour Superbe derailleur. It is a thing of beauty. I also opted to remove the pie-plate while servicing the hub and free-wheel. I have in the past changed the free-wheel from a five to a six after removing the pie-plate. I did not do it in this case, I just thought I would throw that out there FYI.

Well I think that about covers it. Right now I am building a fixed gear bike. (trying to anyway) I did not have much to choose from in the frame department so I chose a tall blue Schwinn Sprint (Taiwan lugged frame)that has been hanging on the wall forever. I think I need to pick-up a single-speed chain as the ten speed chain is not quite wide enough. I should have something to report on that soon.

Above: There it is in the top left corner. Actually the blue Schwinn might be a Schwinn World not a Sprint. I`ll get back to you on that.
Till Next Time, RIDE SAFE and Remember to Always, RESCUE,RESTORE & RECYCLE!
Cheers, Hugh