Gitane identification help please
#1
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Gitane identification help please
Good Afternoon all,
New member, first post after visiting this site for reference on many occasions.
I've just got my hands on a purple Gitane Mistral. At least that is how it's stickered up.
It has BCM stamped on the lugs and 525 and 05 stamped on the non drive side dropout.
I don't think I can upload images yet, so this may be a struggle to identify.
Any help would be much appreciated, thank you.
New member, first post after visiting this site for reference on many occasions.
I've just got my hands on a purple Gitane Mistral. At least that is how it's stickered up.
It has BCM stamped on the lugs and 525 and 05 stamped on the non drive side dropout.
I don't think I can upload images yet, so this may be a struggle to identify.
Any help would be much appreciated, thank you.
#2
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Welcome, I believe that as a new member you can upload to the Gallery https://www.bikeforums.net/g/ which makes ID on the bike much easier after 10 posts you can then upload a photo to your posts
#3
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Thanks, I think they're uploaded on there? Are they visible to you?
#4
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Not yet - did it have you create an album?
#5
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Great, they've been posted now in the album's section, thanks.
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Link to OP's pics: https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/524072
#7
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Mistral started showing up in the mid-70s if memory serves. They have lots of their catalogs online here: Gitane USA - Catalogues
Very lower-end, budget model. BCM stamping on head tube lug is for Bocama, their lugsets were commonly used on European bikes.
EDIT: Yep, here you go, 1975 UK catalog, looks like a lower-end touring frame. https://www.gitaneusa.com/images/cata...alogue0006.jpg
Very lower-end, budget model. BCM stamping on head tube lug is for Bocama, their lugsets were commonly used on European bikes.
EDIT: Yep, here you go, 1975 UK catalog, looks like a lower-end touring frame. https://www.gitaneusa.com/images/cata...alogue0006.jpg
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frame appears identical to the Grand Sport Deluxe model produced for the North American market, right down to the ESGE chainstay bridge -
only difference being the presence of a lamp boss on the drive side fork blade. evidently produced for the UK/commonwealth market.
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frame appears identical to the Grand Sport Deluxe model produced for the North American market, right down to the ESGE chainstay bridge -
only difference being the presence of a lamp boss on the drive side fork blade. evidently produced for the UK/commonwealth market.
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Last edited by juvela; 08-05-20 at 03:31 PM. Reason: addition
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#9
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These lower end French bikes can be a pretty comfortable ride. Especially with a few upgrades in parts.
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1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
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#10
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stamped steel dropouts, pretty low end frame. You can pick up complete mid to high end French bikes relatively cheap...cheaper than what it would take to put this frame into a complete bike (especially if it has French threads). Yank the components and send the frame off to become a mobile home or something useful.
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Do you have the rest of the headset? If you do, this will be easy to get running again. But yeah if you have to buy a number of parts to get it running you might be better off finding a complete bike.
#12
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Thank you, just what i was looking for. I didnt expect it to be anything special, bit nice to know what it is. I stripped it down for the photos, strange mix of components but the wheels, stem, bars, bb and headset are all original and seem to be in good condition. Thanks
#13
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Really surprised by how good the condition of all the bearings and their cups are. not prestige components but well made enough to last a decent amount of time. was thinking of powder coating but ill probably remove surface rust and lacquer. All i need to buy are new jockey wheels for the derailleur, tyres and a chain. shouldn't be too much bother. thanks again for the help, appreciate the old catalogue links!