Hello everyone, this is my first post on here. I am returning to cycling after many years absence and asking your collective advice. I have recently bought an imported Motoconfort Randonneur of approximate 1969 vintage to replace my 1981 Starnord which was stolen. I intend to do a complete restoration of the bike. Some of the parts on it now are clearly not original and I would like to replace them with more appropriate parts. Can anyone advise which manufacturers parts were used on these bikes? It is specifically the handlebar stem and the pedals that need to be replaced. And what is the current thinking on replacement parts for old classics? Should it always be original or is there a more laissez faire attitude towards restoration with something that is appropriate but not necessarily original? Many thanks, Ian.
Motoconfort Randonneur restoration
- Thread starter Tabbyiab
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Re:
You may have more joy in the road section for this: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=12
With regard to how original you want to keep it, that's really up to you. Back to original is nice, but you can get some more modern components that still have a fairly classic look and that won't look out of place on an older frame, but that may be lighter, more practical, durable and cheaper to replace if and when they wear out than the original parts were. Not to mention cheaper and easier to find in the first place than some rare original parts if they're missing or beyond repair. For example this chainset, which looks much like those Campagnolo produced throughout the 70s and 80s: http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CSHOCNC/hol ... o-crankset
Some modern parts are, in my opinion, just better than some of the older stuff, modern dual pivot road brakes for example are much more powerfull than the crummy side-pulls you used to get in the 70s, not to mention cassettes and freehubs, sealed cartridge bottom brackets etc.
I think a lot depends on how much you intend to use it as well. If it's mainly for looking at with the occasional pootle about, then whatever takes your fancy, whereas if you intend to use it a lot, not worrying so much about keeping it original may be easier, less expensive and result in a more practical bike.
You may have more joy in the road section for this: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=12
With regard to how original you want to keep it, that's really up to you. Back to original is nice, but you can get some more modern components that still have a fairly classic look and that won't look out of place on an older frame, but that may be lighter, more practical, durable and cheaper to replace if and when they wear out than the original parts were. Not to mention cheaper and easier to find in the first place than some rare original parts if they're missing or beyond repair. For example this chainset, which looks much like those Campagnolo produced throughout the 70s and 80s: http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CSHOCNC/hol ... o-crankset
Some modern parts are, in my opinion, just better than some of the older stuff, modern dual pivot road brakes for example are much more powerfull than the crummy side-pulls you used to get in the 70s, not to mention cassettes and freehubs, sealed cartridge bottom brackets etc.
I think a lot depends on how much you intend to use it as well. If it's mainly for looking at with the occasional pootle about, then whatever takes your fancy, whereas if you intend to use it a lot, not worrying so much about keeping it original may be easier, less expensive and result in a more practical bike.
Thanks Retro Guru, pretty much what I was thinking but good to hear it from someone who has a lot more knowledge. I found a 1980's Raleigh Sprint at the local tip in very poor condition but having the parts I want. I may take the bits I want from that... Although it does occur to me that I might just end up with two project bikes...
Silvergoat
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Sorry to hear about your Starnord. From the pics I've seen of them, the Motoconfort Randonneurs look classy. I guess practicalities, availability of period parts and how you intend to ride the Motoconfort will shape your decisions. Of course, it would be lovely to see a vintage road bike restored as faithfully as is possible with period parts, but then again, you shouldn't feel that you have to adhere reverentially to the received wisdom of regulation retro. It is possible to find and combine classic-looking modern components (like that Holdsworth Retro Crankset) with a vintage frame to create a bike that has the style of the period but functions reliably and will keep it riding for years to come.
Here's just a few links for some initial inspiration, but I'm sure the road crew will be to able to advise you better – good luck with the build...
http://sunxcd.net/
http://spacycles.co.uk/
http://www.freshtripe.co.uk/Freshtripe/Home.html
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/
http://www.hilarystone.com/handlebars.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/stems.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/pedals.html
Sorry to hear about your Starnord. From the pics I've seen of them, the Motoconfort Randonneurs look classy. I guess practicalities, availability of period parts and how you intend to ride the Motoconfort will shape your decisions. Of course, it would be lovely to see a vintage road bike restored as faithfully as is possible with period parts, but then again, you shouldn't feel that you have to adhere reverentially to the received wisdom of regulation retro. It is possible to find and combine classic-looking modern components (like that Holdsworth Retro Crankset) with a vintage frame to create a bike that has the style of the period but functions reliably and will keep it riding for years to come.
Here's just a few links for some initial inspiration, but I'm sure the road crew will be to able to advise you better – good luck with the build...
http://sunxcd.net/
http://spacycles.co.uk/
http://www.freshtripe.co.uk/Freshtripe/Home.html
http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/
http://www.hilarystone.com/handlebars.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/stems.html
http://www.hilarystone.com/pedals.html
Re: Motoconfort Restoration
I decided to keep the bike as it is but replaced the non standard parts with parts that are more in keeping with the age of the bike. So new (old) handlebar stem, saddle, and the dynamo lighting system has been repaired and replaced with Soubitez parts. The hand painted frame with the original colours showing through actually works really well and is part of its history and patina, so I've decided to live with it. Enjoying riding it muchly! Where's my beret and onions...
I decided to keep the bike as it is but replaced the non standard parts with parts that are more in keeping with the age of the bike. So new (old) handlebar stem, saddle, and the dynamo lighting system has been repaired and replaced with Soubitez parts. The hand painted frame with the original colours showing through actually works really well and is part of its history and patina, so I've decided to live with it. Enjoying riding it muchly! Where's my beret and onions...
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