auchencrow

I would like to get some opinions on the value this Gitane TdF frame set. (I know what a complete bike would be worth (more or less), but I am less well-versed in buying or selling frames.)

I believe it to be a '76 model, with Huret honeycomb DO's, a Campy headset, and Reynolds 531 Tubes and fork. (Isn't this unique to this year?)
- It's in good overall condition, save a few chips and inevitable scrapes to the decals as shown. The finish quality of the lugs is a bit rough, but from what I understand pretty typical of the period.

I did not measure it, but it's a VERY small frame - about 21" I would guess.

Thanks in advance!

SteveSGP

That's a beautiful frame, I think you're right with the 1976 estimate.

Value as a bare frame? $150-$200 or so maybe? I could be off but that seems about right.

auchencrow

Thank you, FORDSVTPARTS... That seems reasonable based on the unique features. (I only wish it had fit me - I don't mind that sloppy braze work on bit!)

LeicaLad 

That headset is worth $100, all by itself.

I've always had a weakness for those Huret dropouts, although I've never owned a bike that had them.

It's a very nice looking frame. The thing with Gitanes is like the pudding. It's all about the ride. I've got two Gitanes, and just love the responsive ride.

Shame if it doesn't fit you, tho.

Send this to Chas, or post on the GitaneUSA site. You'll get the full reviews there.

Cheers!

Bianchigirll 

I was thinking the same thing.

wrk101

I think on fleabay you could do better. Local around here framesets get zero respect. Someone on fleabay is going to fall in love with those dropouts. I would start it around $200 and let the market decide from there. 21 inch frame is not small IMHO. The "normal" range that I see are the 21 to 24 inch frame size. Bigger goes for less, smaller goes for more.

auchencrow

Thanks guys - It sounds like the bike has even more potential if it connects with the right Gitane-loving person.

Alas, if it was only bigger!

I hear you, Bill, about frames getting no respect on CL. I'm selling a PX10 there now and even that gets no respect. "you take a hunderd dollar for it?" (sic.)

I avoid selling bikes on eBay like the plague though, so the GitaneUSA idea is something to explore: If nothing else, maybe I could trade for a bigger one. (I don't need honeycomb or Campy, but a 61 - or even a 58 sure sounds good.)

scozim 

Nice looking Gitane - too bad I don't have anything tall to trade. I also think those honeycomb dropouts are cool looking.

SteveSGP

I was just basing my guess on what the fool that parted out my old TdF got for the frame on E-bay recently , mine was a tall frame though so that may have knocked it down a bit.

This was mine, I sold it on E-bay a couple months ago and the guy who bought it parted it out. I felt sick when I found out what he did.

auchencrow

Ouch! I know how you must feel when you think such a beautiful bike went to an appreciative owner. Look at the bright side though - Maybe the purchaser of the frame built it back up and is enjoying it today!

PS- That's not what I would call a "tall" frame.

SteveSGP

I'm sure a lot of people are enjoying the parts from that bike, Really makes me wish I hadn't sold it though.

I guess I meant taller than average as it was still too small for me but it seemed to be a larger size than most of the guys around here were looking for when I posted it for sale.

juls

VERY nice! Beeyach finding the parts to build it up (and pricey to boot) Someone's grail bike though. I'm not a fan of sloppy braze work-always thought any 531 deserved better. Has someone been at the dr hanger?

auchencrow

Juls-
No the DR hanger is minty fresh. ( Drew didn't get to this one !)

I already had the parts I'd needed to build one up, with the exception of a French threaded adjustable cup, but even at that I could have gone with a Grand Crue bb. (That's in part why the thought of a trade crossed my mind, though I probably would do well to subtract from, rather than add to, the herd.)

juls

Hanger looks like it has 2 stop options. Beautiful color btw.

SteveSGP

Those Huret dropouts were designed to work with Huret or Campy derailleurs.