Recent FB Mkt pickup locally for $120. Seems to be a low-mileage bike. Hub grease ,front and rear in decent cond, as are the balls and cones. In any case, I inspected, cleaned and re-greased. Freewheel pawls are quite "clicky", but smooth; oiled freewheel, first with WD40 to flush; then just 3-in-1.
Brass brushed rim and spoke white corrosion. Replaced both tires and one inner tube.
Added a Topeak rear rack that I laying around; and my 22-yo Lone Peak panniers, that I swap between all my bikes.
Added fenders that I also had lying around.
The chain was a bit rusty, but it came back to life after a WD40 clean, some brass brushing, ragging, and final 3-in-1 oil job.
The orig paint is holding up very well, with almost no red rust. Again, SoCal dry weather, inside storage, and low miles ridden. Luster restores with Pledge furniture polish.
Rims all true. Spokes all have good tension (didn't touch them) and only light "white" corrosion that come off cleanly with brass brush.
Freewheel teeth like "new", front crank smooth with chainrings in excellent shape. Rear SunTour derail. super smooth and accurate with both jockey wheels in great shape.
Steering very smooth -- didn't service at all.
Weinmann brakes, pads, cables and levers are superb.
Downtube Shimano friction shifters also like new.
Motobecance began using, in late mid 1970s, a lot of Japanese components, and it was good decision. Maybe it allowed them to concentrate on the FRAME. And that (Vitus 888) is perhaps the best aspect of the this GT.
The 1980 USA catalog has this same GT (color/style) in it, so I'm guessing it is a 1980 or 81 GT. There was no Vitus 888 before 1980, and after 1981, Motobecane began using Inexternal frame const. which my GT does not feature.
A nice machine!
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