Mom and pops are looking to get into biking now that I have recently decided to. Mom has an old Motobecane Mirage sitting in the shed that hasnt been ridden in years. It looks to be a '77 by the sticker on it. I was wondering if this was a bike worth trying to get back on the road for her or not.

It looks to be pretty usable with a some cleaning up. It has the normal buildup on it from sitting for years and years.

Since i just got into biking i dont know what all of this means but here are some specs taken off the bike.

"Built with 1020 tubes, forks and stays"
Brakes - "Weinmann 810/Vanqueur 999"
Shifters - "Suntour Power Shift Levers"
Cranks - Solida
Rear Derailer - Suntour V-GT LUXE
Front Derailer - Compe-V

Mom and pops are looking to get into biking now that I have recently decided to. Mom has an old Motobecane Mirage sitting in the shed that hasnt been ridden in years. It looks to be a '77 by the sticker on it. I was wondering if this was a bike worth trying to get back on the road for her or not.

It looks to be pretty usable with a some cleaning up. It has the normal buildup on it from sitting for years and years.

Since i just got into biking i dont know what all of this means but here are some specs taken off the bike.

"Built with 1020 tubes, forks and stays"
Brakes - "Weinmann 810/Vanqueur 999"
Shifters - "Suntour Power Shift Levers"
Cranks - Solida
Rear Derailer - Suntour V-GT LUXE
Front Derailer - Compe-V

Your mom is 30 years older and might be a little out of shape. It might be a challenge for her to get comfortable on that bike. If you live in a hilly area, the bike might not be geared low enough. The bike itself is an entry level 70's roadbike. It's not worth much.

A touring bike or a hybrid might be a good choice for her. I'd get the old Motobecane in ridable condition but would not spend more than $20 doing it. Then have her try it and try a new touring road bike or hybrid. I'll bet she'll like the indexed shifters and more upright position. If you go the hybrid route, try to find one without shock absorbers. Shock absorbers make the bike inefficient, heavy, and more expensive.

.....

I'd say go for it with a disclaimer.Before you put any money into it, give it a complete inspection for mechanical problems.Make sure the bearing surfaces (headset, bottom bracket, etc) handlebar & stem and the freewheel are okay.

Unless your planning to just ride it into the ground, repack the the bottom bracket, headset, hubs, & pedals using new ball bearings. At this age, the old grease has most likely dried out.

Another make or break issue is the serviceability of the wheels/rims.

See if the spoke nipples have corroded together with the spokes. If so, don't let it discourage you. New rims can be laced to the old hubs, and the bike will ride much the better for it.

If it's just a matter of replacing the handlebar tape,tyres/tubes & cables,regreasing, trueing and adjustment, then by all means get the bike back on the road for her.

While your at it, seal or plug the hole in the seatpost.

Seriously consider finding a women's specific saddle for it.
bonjour!

I strongly second this, as women's specific saddles were just on the horizon when this bike was made. This could make the difference between her riding it and her not riding it when you're done. Good luck.

"Hey mom, let me check and see if your nipples have corroded." :blush2: