Gitane Tour de FRance
09-01-20, 03:21 PM
#1
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Gitane Tour de FRance
I am thinking of having a look at this Gitane,any thoughts? Price is $80. Hell i might just get it for the saddle.
Last edited by garryg; 09-01-20 at 03:23 PM. Reason: add pic
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09-01-20, 03:50 PM
#2
verktyg
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Gitane Gran Sport Not A Tour de France
The bike is an entry level Gitane Gran Sport or Gran Sport Deluxe from ~1969-1971. You'll find the model name on the silver stickers below the shift levers.
The names on the seat tube are the races won by Gitane sponsored team riders and can represent a single win dating back 50+ years. Pure advertising hype.
$80 CND = ~$59 USD so the price isn't too bad.
The stem is dangerously high and should be pulled and inspected for cracks around the expander slots. Also the fork should be removed and carefully inspected for any cracks in the threaded area.
Figure on new tires, tubes, brake pads, cables, cable housing, shift cables, new rear derailleur plus maybe a new chain and freewheel. Also repacking all the bearings.
When you factor those items in, the initial cost doesn't always look as good. After doing all those things you will still have an entry level bike worth ~$80-$100 CDN.
Also, does the bike fit? No matter how good a deal is, if the frame is too big or too small, it's a deal breaker.
BTW, those saddles were killers on the back side....
verktyg
The names on the seat tube are the races won by Gitane sponsored team riders and can represent a single win dating back 50+ years. Pure advertising hype.
$80 CND = ~$59 USD so the price isn't too bad.
The stem is dangerously high and should be pulled and inspected for cracks around the expander slots. Also the fork should be removed and carefully inspected for any cracks in the threaded area.
Figure on new tires, tubes, brake pads, cables, cable housing, shift cables, new rear derailleur plus maybe a new chain and freewheel. Also repacking all the bearings.
When you factor those items in, the initial cost doesn't always look as good. After doing all those things you will still have an entry level bike worth ~$80-$100 CDN.
Also, does the bike fit? No matter how good a deal is, if the frame is too big or too small, it's a deal breaker.
BTW, those saddles were killers on the back side....
verktyg
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Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
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Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Last edited by verktyg; 09-01-20 at 03:55 PM.
09-01-20, 03:50 PM
#3
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I dont know about the saddle but it isnt a brooks. It almost looks like those shaped vinyl saddles I've seen a few times but maybe not. Not sure what it could be. Stamped dropouts, likely high tensile frame generally a lot of work ahead. $80 if you really like it, want to keep it, and can do all the work yourself.
09-01-20, 05:20 PM
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I would appreciate if you would buy it just to level out those brake levers 
Good advice/observations above
Good advice/observations above
