Gitane1

Dear Ladies and Gents of the Bike Forum,

I am new to this forum and was redirected to this particular section because I am looking for an appraisal on the value of a 1979/1980 Gitane Profil RS 3950, built up with a full Shimano Dura Ace groupset. The bike has been used but a few hundred kilometres at most and spent the majority of its life, in part disassembled, suspended from the ceiling in a dry cellar. All parts are original, down to the tires, brake pads, bar tape, etc. I have just taken one preliminary picture of the bike and I'd appreciate any input on information that I may need to hand in to you in order to get a proper appraisal. The bike is in near pristine condition for its age, apart from a few tiny marks and scratch on the underside of the top tube where it was suspended.


Thank you for your time and your efforts ahead of time.

Edit: due to forum rules I am not allowed to post pictures at this moment in time. My apologies.

TugaDude

You can post the pictures to a gallery in your profile. We can then see them there.

10 Wheels

Gitane Profil 1980 - Speedbicycles - FAST BIKES SINCE 1900 - Basel Switzerland

francophile 

So, what I would tell you is something I recently learned: The seat post itself may be worth more than the entire bike, based on the numbers you'll find on the auction sites. If all-original, no rust/corrosion, I'd love to sneak away with this for $500 USD, hopefully with the seat post intact, but I know this is a pipe dream because it's probably in the $750-$1,500 range (unrestored) to a serious collector.

I would hope this bike would remain fully intact, it probably belongs in a museum for show. Unfortunately, usually what happens with historical jewels like this is boucherie. i.e. sell the DA groupset for several hundred dollars, sell the seat post possibly for many hundreds of dollars also, etc.

I would just add: Many people felt the Profil bikes were a gimmick, they don't take them seriously. Part of this was Gitane's fault. Some of them, like those with the DX Aero groups, were a hot mess, a dumpster fire. My opinion only, but I know I'm not the only one with that opinion

Gitane1

Thank you for your input. I have been to that webpage, as well as the auction over at the Dorotheum, both indicating the bike might be worth well over $4000. I'm hoping to get another indication through this forum.

Gitane1

Thank you for your feedback. From what I've gathered, this is a rather iconic bike and there is no way I'll be parting it out or even intending on parting it out. The bike will remain as is and that is important to me.

Gitane1

Here's two preliminary pictures. The rest I shall upload in full resolution and post a link to the hosting service. Please give me some time to organise everything. Thank you for your patience and assistance thus far.

Gitane1

Dear Ladies and Gents of the Bike Forum,

high resolution pictures of the bicycle can be found here: Gitane Profil Pictures

I sincerely hope the link works and I'd appreciate any input you may have on a valuation of the bike.

Best regards

bfrasersmith

Sorry, I'm no help with valuation, but I just have to comment. I have only been on this forum for two days. Between your Gitane Profil and the Bianchi Specialissima Barcelona also posted on this forum, I am absolutely amazed at the incredible condition these vintage bikes are in. I can only imagine there is a collector absolutely drooling over them and would be willing to pay top dollar!

Gitane1

Thank you for your kind words

francophile 

I really hoped we could see some more French lovers on this one. It's truly a piece of history. I don't want to go crazy with tagging people. Maybe they'll show up if this hits enough replies :

Gitane1

Seems rather difficult, but perhaps this is just a tough bike to put a value on. There don't seem to be that many french enthusiasts around...

johnnyace 

We are a bit of a crazy bunch. Lately I have been lamenting the sale of my 1972 Gitane TdF, in gold. It was in incredible condition. I doubt I will ever find it's like again. To help compensate, I have managed to purchase four Peugeots in the span of a week.