alexander55

I realize that it is foolish to undertake a complete restoration thinking that you might (if you decide to sell) break even...but...

I'm looking at a 72 Gitane Tour de France. I don't have pictures. It's rough...but it seems to all be there. If I got it, I would do a complete restoration....new paint...new Cyclomondo decals, etc.

Obviously would cost a bunch to redo it. Any thoughts on what a restored one is going for. Again - I would not be looking to sell....I'm just trying to justify doing it. HAHA!

Thanks for your thoughts.

Kactus

Unless you ride an unusual size, or are getting a great deal on this one, you would be better off buying a nice original IMO. TdF's are not rare and I've seen nice ones for $500 +/-. A fully restored one would probably be worth about the same as a nice original and, unless you DIY, paint will cost this much or more.

zukahn1 

Based on the prices I have seen lately I would agree around $500 for a nicely restored or excellent original condition TDF. So if you got it at a good price you would likely break even or come out a bit below cost value wise. Usually on vintage nice bikes repaints tend to cost more than they add to final value. It is pretty easy to spend $300-400 including artwork decals for a good job and only adding $100 or so to the bikes value.

alexander55

Thanks for the help on the value of a nice one. That helps a lot. I concur with your assessments on costs, etc.

altenwrencher

If you don't intend to sell, is it a good fit for you or someone you'd give it to? I've spent many happy hours and dollars on a bike I bought on emotion, but eventually had to accept that it was not a comfortable fit for me, and sold it.

satbuilder 

Chrome on French bikes is normally not very good. If you decide to take on a project with chrome on the forks and stays, make sure you inspect it very well. Rechroming runs into some serious money.

capnjonny 

Alex,

This bike probably had a clear coat over the chrome stays and forks. Unless the chrome is in VERY poor condition It will probably clean up and be presentable.
Step 1 paint chrome with Naval jelly , let work, then rinse in clean water.
Step 2 rub the clear coated chrome with an Acetone soaked rag being careful not to rub it on the paint as it will rub it off too.
Step 3 crinkle up some aluminum foil and rub chrome vigorously. This should remove any loose rust.
Step 4 Mask off paint and spray chrome with a clear coat of Rustoleum clear Acrylic lacquer.

italianbiker

I sold my Tour de France for about 400 and it was clean.

jj1091

Is this the one, from the KC Craigslist?

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/bi...455680553.html

alexander55

Thanks again for all the comments and guidance.

Yes - that one on KC Craigslist is what prompted the question. I've decided that I don't have any interest in that one. Will wait to find one that is "ready to go".

zukahn1 

If your a bit patient TDF's or similar level French bikes pop up fairly often in most markets in the $300-400 range in fairly good condition there were a lot of nice French bike sold in the early 70's and about half of them are sitting unused in excellent condition in garages around the US. So if you keep looking you will likely find one soon.

Kactus

That one doesn't look to bad to me although a bit of a mutt component wise; it just appears to need a good cleaning, overhaul and new consumables. The price ($300) is high but if local I would consider it at $200.

zukahn1 

+1 on the one in Kansacity being in OK but priced about $100 to high considering condition. Looks to be original except for the shift group being changed to Suntour VX which are functionally better than the original French stuff but a lot less valuable.

wrk101

+10 That KC bike has been for sale for 18 days already. Maybe seller is open to realistic offer. There are some juicy parts there: Campy wheels for one. Frame does not need a repaint IMHO. It should clean up nicely.


At the $200 price point, you are covered with just the value of the wheels and crankset. At $300, would have to know about seat post and other parts. I like buying projects where if they don't work out, I can still get out in one piece (breakeven). Given the quality of the frame (high), its better than breakeven at $300.