Manu431

I finally decided to purchase a NOS Suntour 7 FD-1400 to replace my missing front derailleur.
I am not specialist, but i really hope it will work on my Gitane bike's project.

It is about the same period, mounting should be okay, it is all metal (not like some simplex prestige, new old stock, price 20€ is okay in comparison with some pretty crazy prices i could find for old simplex on the web.

I have now to wait to receive the part, and i will let you know.

rmfrance

For the front dérailleur (and other parts), you'll often find them advertised on leboncoin, although the original part-plastic ones are less easy to find in good condition (no cracks).

Stevensb 

Underneath the wacky, custom paint-by-numbers paint job is an early 80s TVT / Vitus bike. Carbon tubes. Aluminum lugs and fork. Eclectic component group. In need of a thorough cleaning and replacement of consumables.

The frame is a little large for me but I'm going to work on it and see what kind of ride it delivers come spring.

The original owner, a friend, gave it to me because it has some Zeus parts on it, which I like to collect, and because he was cleaning his garage. He doesn't recall the exact TVT model or the year in which he bought it.

If anyone can decipher the serial number I'd appreciate it.

TVT carbon and aluminum by BJ Stevens, on Flickr

TVT carbon and aluminum by BJ Stevens, on Flickr

TVT carbon and aluminum by BJ Stevens, on Flickr

TVT carbon and aluminum by BJ Stevens, on Flickr

Cheers.

Brad

repechage

the one one with the Red link is the older Prestige- the links are part metal, part plastic, note the stamped jockey cage plates.
the one above is later and I think above, the outer link anyway is as I recall aluminum- note the cage plates are thicker- they are stiffer and less prone to bending. Use that one.

Manu431

Many thanks for sharing your experience !

downhillmaster

My 1975 Le Champion

cocoabeachcrab 

Christmas present to myself... should arrive next week.. even though i've been bad last year, i forgave myself!

Manu431

I would have a question about tyres.
I am about to purchase new tyres, and I would like to know what kind of size do you prefer on this type of old racing bikes
(Mine is a gitane 1978).
700 x 25 c or 700 x 28c .

I would be interested by Michelin classic 700x28c, just because i may ride on road or on a flat gravel flat cycling path along river (very smooth, not much stones ...)

Is it a good choice in your opinion ???

Thanks.

rmfrance

I think that 25c should be absolutely fine for the surfaces on which you'll be riding. The wider look of 28c is quite an increase, and you'll lose the 'racing' look of the bike (they're also heavier).

Until quite recently most of those 60s-80s bikes used 23c or even 20c, so 25c is already a larger size than was traditional. I have some Dynamic Classic 25cs, and they look and feel great, although aren't as rersistant to punctures as Kevlar-reinforced more expensive tyres. Keep them at the correct pressures, though, and you should be fine.

Manu431

Many thanks !!

I would then order 25c. I am putting many effort on making the bike looking as good as possible, so it has to look as a vintage bike .


(I didn't finished my bike that i am already looking to purchase another one .
We will participate at this event with my family
https://www.bergkoenig-gstaad.com/index.html

Dan Chase

What model of Motobecane is this - any details?

mountaindave 

That event looks amazing! However, I would suggest 28mm tires. They won’t look out of place on a 70’s bike - many bikes came with tires that size. You will be more comfortable on gravel and pavement, they won’t slow you down and should fit your bike just fine. Your body will thank you for it.

Manu431

The event is indeed great.
Beautiful location in the swiss Alps.
And it is just about 2h from home.
I found it recently searching another thing on the web., and we decided to participate the all week end with the family. (I just need one more bike !).
I will be for us to have an original and great time together.

Last year there was about 500 participant.. We will see this year !

cocoabeachcrab 

Mid 70's Grand Record. pretty much stock with dura ace brakes added.

bikemig 

agreed that 28c is a great choice on a 70s era bike. Many of those bikes can also handle 32c tires and then you have a fine gravel bike.

Manu431

I finally decided to go for 28c.
If you look well of my Gitane bike before renovation I posted before, I have a 25c at the front and a 28c at the back
This bike would not be for sure my "main" (which is I must admit a ebike with a city frame ; a lot more convenient for daily use with city clothes, carrying things , ..... )

I will use this Gitane bike mainly during relax tours , holidays, and most of the time on the road. And only occasionally on such track as the picture (which is really smooth to ride, almost like road)
But comfort is an important thing too, because I really don't aim for performance.

Thanks a lot everybody for having helped me to make a choice.

(Stay tuned for the pictures of the ongoing Gitane bike rebuilt. I will post as soon as the bike is finished)

Roypercy

I used to have that same exact bike, same size and paint scheme. I agree, I loved the look of it but the 2040 frame was a pretty unresponsive ride. For some reason that paint job was bulletproof, mine looked like it just came out of the showroom.

Manu431

Current standing of the rebirth of my Gitane bike. I don't remember exactly, but probably 1978 or 1979 frame (The frame and some parts have been purchased brand new, some other parts were available parts at my father's house)
It should turn pretty clean at the end, but it needs some heavy work on about every parts of the bike (cleaning, polishing, ....). It just spent the last 30 years in my father's cave, so it explains easily about everything must be rebuilt.
It is a pretty long process, but i like it.

mountaindave 

Keep us updated!

Manu431

Some pictures of the mercier I picked up yesterday .
I should make a nice bike for my son (wife).
it needs some cleaning and work, but it should be okay.

It is a 1977 model , Mercier 100 or maybe 200 or ??
Normandy hubs
Mavic "Championnat du monde"
Mafac racer brakes,
Tubes allegé pro (?)
Stronglight TS crankset
simplex shifters and dérailleurs.
Belleri stem and handlebar

crankset
simplex shifters and dérailleurs.
Belleri stem and handlebar

repechage

Nice Mercier. The geometry looks good, this is a bike that will ride well beyond its tubing.
really cries for a fresh 8mm fine thread seatpost binder bolt.
Double check too that the seatpost is not .2 mm undersized.
might need to ream or hone to get it round, just the current bolt looks contorted- indicator of a sloppy post fit.

Manu431

Thanks !

I will look at that when I rebuild it.
This is a size 53 (54,?)cm.
About the same as my Gitane bike, and maybe same year of production ( I have 1977 hubs too on the Gitane bike)

I should finish the Gitane bike first.
The crankset axle was for sure dead. I could finally managed to purchase a brand new one + new bearing balls (need 140 mm long which is not so easy to find, ), and now I can not fit the crankset on the axle (which works properly) .
Axle diameter is okay, but I can not put in thru enough the small conical pieces (and screw) to maintain the crankset properly.
I must found replacement conical parts, on it will cost me lots of "elbow grease" to make the current one do the job.
I will see. For sure annoying , but Nothing is broken and I have plenty of time !

repechage

I am assuming the Gitane has cottered cranks.
In the USA we call these conical bolts Cotter pins. The French were notorious for using at least two, maybe three slightly different shapes.
If they pass through the crank arm, then to finish the job you need a bench mounted vise and a flat file and a steady hand.
Very common back in the day to need to file them to fit.
The trick is that both need to be filed back the Same amount.

Back from a time where mechanics really were mechanics.

rjhammett

rod_saetan

Parts bin build 1984 Rando Cycles of Paris (I think built by Gilles Berthoud) tourer for baby-carrying/commuting duties. It will go back to a tourer type build in the future at some point but works well as it is.




* yeah, I know, non-driveside shot, Sugino made Specialized branded triple chainset with compact double rings and home-made chainguard from a DA ring and an XT rear mech is all you are missing.