1982 Motobécane Vélover… The first french mtb ?

[24pouces]

The 1982 Motobecane catalog show that strange bicycle with rear suspension, indexed Positronic Shimano gears…
MTB as we know today landed in 1983 in France. So, the Velover is not a Mountain Bike but it was ready for riding on some off road tracks.

 

[Tsundere]

That's lovely, mad, but lovely. So many interesting details and features, clearly designed by someone thinking progressively at that time.

What does it weigh? And how is the ride?

 

[mk one]

The 1982 Motobecane catalog show that strange bicycle with rear suspension, indexed Positronic Shimano gears…
MTB as we know today landed in 1983 in France. So, the Velover is not a Mountain Bike but it was ready for riding on some off road tracks.

View attachment 747044

Reminds me of a Schwinn Stingray style bike.

 

[24pouces]

That's lovely, mad, but lovely. So many interesting details and features, clearly designed by someone thinking progressively at that time.

What does it weigh? And how is the ride?

Very heavy (only steel made) and gears are limited for climbing. Brakes are non-existent. Cantilever suspension is very soft and works in every pedal stroke. But, it's so cool !!!!!

 

[Tsundere]

it's so cool !!!!!

It is cool.

 

[enc]

Back in the day, a mate had something similar but 20 inch wheels. Similar colour … single speed if I recall.
It weighed about the same as a Harley Davidson.

 

[Tsundere]

I know many will consider this sacrilegious, but personally I think this would be fun with an e-bike kit.

 

[27motorhead]

That is completely bonkers bananas! I love it! Big fan of bikes like this as I'm a big Raleigh Chopper fan.

This has had everything thrown at it. I would have loved to have designed this. Imaging being at the marketing strategy meeting of what this bike should be all about and then the briefing to the design team. I suspect it was all done down the pub after a few and then some more...

Good to hear it weighs a ton and doesn't stop. Sounds perfect to me!

I love the sticker on the gear console saying DIGITAL-6 can someone please tell what actual part of the gears is digital???

Truly awesome machine that would 100% be garanteed to make you smile everytime you ride it. HUGE thanks for sharing.

Oh yeah, are those diecast wheels???

 

[27motorhead]

I know many will consider this sacrilegious, but personally I think this would be fun with an e-bike kit.

Quite a few people before the rise of e-bikes used to put moped engines on their Raleigh Choppers!

What does it weigh?

Love this question. I suspect you knew the answer!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

@Imlach @Woz @grantoury @KermitGKona88