Two weeks and $361 later, I’ve been happily reunited with my Motobecane. For those who weren’t aware, it’s been out of commission since October of last year, when the rear rim cracked as I was coming down Provo Canyon, sending me sliding on the asphalt for about ten feet. By the time my knee and hand were healed, it was too cold to ride locally, so I waited until this recent taste of warm weather to have it repaired. Along with new rims and tyres, I also had new side-pull brake calipers and bar-con shifters installed to replace the aging center-pull calipers and down-tube shifters, respectively. If I get a chance this summer, I want to try and restore it to its original glory. The lettering will be pretty tough to replicate, but the yellow paint is starting to show its age, so I have to choose whether to restore or repaint.
I took it out for a short ride last night after the season finale of Burn Notice, just to make sure everything was in working order. Next time I go riding in below-freezing temperatures, I’ll have to remember to wear gloves.
