Mid 1970's Gitane Tour De France?
 

I might pick up a local white Tour De France if only because it appeals to me, not that I need another bike at this point! If it does happen to work out with the Seller do the attached images give any indication of how original it might be? I would hazard a guess that the wheel set, pedals , brakes and seat / seat post are most likely replacements but I do know that it was not uncommon during the bike boom era to substitute whatever the manufacturers could due to extreme demand.


Frame is a 58 cm and I believe it is pre 1975 going by the Simplex dropouts and French labeled 531 sticker on the down tube. Were all of the tubes 531? I think some had only the 531 decal on one fork leg if not mistaken. Thank you for any input!






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1973 was final year for this transfer set


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Anyone know what this frame is? A local supposedly 1962 DL 22 but it is obviously a built up road frame converted to 3 speed from what I have searched. Might be interested if the frame is good quality but it would entail a few parts to bring back to a 10 speed set up.





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its a Competition MK. II, all Reynolds, constructed with Capella pattern lugs



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I think this one is actually a Super Course. Dropouts look stamped. Capella lugs are from 1973 and the competition MKII didn’t yet have chrome stays by this time. In 73 the Competition also would have had the Davis style sloping fork crown.

Looks like the Gitane has willow leaf style stay caps which makes it pre1972. My 1972 TDF has the swagged style caps. The simplex rear dropout derailleur hanger has been altered on this in order to accommodate non original and non-simplex (SunTour) derailleurs. Bike is the real deal full Reynolds 531 frame and fork.

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:thumb:

thank you

enlarged a bit and see now headset is Raleigh 26TPI and crown Vagner

another juvela error put right! :o


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This bike was discussed here recently:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...wn-gitane.html
Nice frame with mostly upgraded parts.

Thank you for the link - whether the bike sells before I have the opportunity is another story as I have to wait until the end of this month. At least I have a nice early '60's French bike regardless but have to admit I have always liked these early Gitanes since they were initially sold back then and prefer the more relaxed geometry as well.

I hope you can get it. I still have the one I bought new in 1974; lots of fun to ride.
Since it was built for the short reach Mafac Competition brakes, it should be easy to go with 650B wheels.

Love the chain routing. Some flippers put ALL the effort in!

Good luck picking it up; it's definitely a nice one to start out with, with none of the plastic Simplex to break off and replace. I hope the seller is not trying to scalp you on it (or else there be pitchforks to their thread :lol:).

-Kurt

:lol:

Looks like the DO hanger was tapped, but no stop was filed in... or a stop was filed, but in the wrong place? (That mech is rotated too far forward.)

Maybe not a dealbreaker, but I'd be a little concerned until I get a look at what the hanger looks like.

Well, you can always go back to a Simplex if the hanger is too drewed to get a Campy/Suntour/whatever to work.

Mark B

Mark, the DO hanger is probably OK enough, but it's the chain routing that I was commenting on. I was under the impression flipper was here on the forum picking our brains earlier in this thread (where it was clear the chain had fallen out of the RD): https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...wn-gitane.html, but it turns out there are two BF'ers vying for it.

-Kurt

Interesting thought on the possible dropout issue - I tend to shy away from bikes without an integrated hangar for instance but in the case of the older French bike I do currently have it has the forged Simplex dropout that uses a separate bolt on hangar which was popular back then as it allowed one to use various derailleurs.The tendency to think cheap or entry level in later years can leave one a bit biased if you do not realize many high quality frames were built that way even when the integrated versions were available.


The bike was listed on CL at 350.00 for a month or more and is now on Facebook at 400.00. Trying to decide if I should simply offer the initial price. For one thing the bike is somewhere else which is not convenient for the Seller and although I should be able to fit a 58 cm one would be expected to check it out in person though because of the distance factor the Seller is not too keen unless the potential buyer is truly interested.

Problem is one still has to check it over and decide so I could get in touch and inquire further. This might be one factor in why it has not sold though. The fact that the often damaged decals are in very good condition is a real plus. I would think the earlier 70's versions are much less common as well.

Would be nice to talk to him - just sent a PM to the member that posted about the Gitane in that other separate thread recently regarding a crank puller for another bike.

Posted my Peschi more than a few times but I suppose one more can't hurt. I have to think whether I really need that Gitane as my other interest is audio / music and also eyeing a nice DAC for a bit more. Decisions can make the situation rather difficult though one fact is the Gitane is certainly much less common.



https://i.imgur.com/1g0BlL0.jpg

Somewhat of an update - still contemplating buying the Gitane, I really do not require another bike, for me the 4 I already own are sufficient but I have to admit that I do like early French road bikes and although not my first colour choice the frame condition is certainly above average for its age. Must have something to do with my exposure during the early '70's bike boom and an affinity for bikes like this.


What I am wondering is the maximum tire width one can expect to reasonably fit on 700C rims. My understanding is that clearance is a bit of an issue and that 32 mm might be the limit though possibly not with fenders. IfI do purchase this Gitane as mentioned the gearing will be lower and most likely will use rando handlebars and other changes, if not MKS Sylvan then some proper vintage Lyotards.


I am certain some of you will encourage me to go ahead, definitely a push / pull situation.

I'm a bit late to this discussion, BUT I can assure you (and Chas will happily verify) that this is from 1970-71, and no later. The Nervex Pro fork crown is the tell. It was changed in 1972.

It is true that during the middle of the bike boom, Gitane did start putting the Sugino Maxi Competition crank on some models, this was NOT true when this bike was built. SO, there were changes to the components, but, if this frame fits you -- buy it.

The willow leaf seat stay treatment was rare - even among the Super Corsa model bikes from 69-71, and rare as hen's teeth on the TDF model. Which means that one of the "old timers" brazed up this frame. Jump on it.

You can put what ever parts you want on it, but the frame is a marvelous rider. Again, if it fits you, do NOT hesitate.

IMHO, obviously.

Cheers

As for tire size. I have two 1971 Gitane bikes - one TDF and one SC - that are running 650B tires. The 42mm tires will fit. You'll need long reach Tektro brakes.

I have another 1971 Super Corsa that is running 700c rims with 32mm tires (no fenders). Each of these bikes rides like a dream.

I will get in touch with the owner, hopefully he will respond sooner than later as it seems to be a bit on and off. I appreciate the advice and knew that this bike was a bit special.


Here is a Fuji S12S that got the 650b treatment, knowing 42mm tires will fit is definitely a bonus, but I assume without fenders? If so perhaps 38mm will work as I either keep it with 700C and perhaps 32 mm if possible, again with fenders if I turn it into a Rando bike or simply put some period French components on it. Obviously one could configure it many ways but I definitely want to keep it on the vintage end as much as possible.




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I finally received a reply from the Seller and arranged to check out and very hopefully purchase the Gitane on the 27th, the earliest I can do so. Already looking at Stronglight 49D arms with TA cyclotourist triple chainrings ( probably need to change out the axle ), possibly an Ideale leather saddle ( Model 80 or 90 ), Loytard 460D pedals, 60 cm French stem as the handlebars look like they will work with flat ramps but might get the Velo Orange Rando version which would mean using a Nitto Technomic stem " modded " to fit,


The Suntour VX GT looks to be a long cage so that will be fine, might look into a different front derailleur and the wheels will most likely receive a pair of Rene Herse tires, probably 32mm unless as I mentioned I can fit 35mm with fenders. My brother received a pair of 700C wheels from me that have nicely polished Shimano 600 hubs and Mavic Super Champion polished clincher rims, I think they are also called the " Gentleman " version. Thinking of doing a swap. I could change the brakes as well but the Dia Compes on there with Kool Stop pads should be fine. I tend to prefer something like the modern Origin 8 brake levers with the tan coloured hoods, just better leverage and comfort.


Beyond that not sure if I will get a brown or black saddle, leaning towards brown ( 90 ) with the chrome frame and possibly lighter blue cloth handlebar tape which I think should look alright. Unless someone has suggestions.


I can see that parts will exceed the initial cost of the bike but then I easily have around 1,500.00 into the Fuji S12S which as a frame cost under 200.00 and worth every penny. I would rather pay for good quality parts and the Gitane is also certainly worth it. Probably looking at 600.00 minimum but if I intend to enjoy riding it then need to make changes for comfort.

Looking at prices for either Stronglight 49D arms with TA Cyclotouriste triple chainrings or a complete TA triple in the right combination ( 50 / 48T - 40 / 38 T - 26 / 28T ) is proving elusive and the prices can be rather high .There is a TA set starting at 74.00 with 6 days to go and the gearing is just about right as well, with a 48 / 40 / 28 combination and given that three new chainrings would be about 190.00 plus arms and the bolts a complete crank set would be the better choice.


I will have to check on the axle length, I think it is around 124 mm if I remember correctly? As I have been reading other threads on the Tour De France model I noticed verktyg not only has offered deeper insight into the history but his white TDF is just about the look I was going for, minus the crankset and derailleurs for the most part. I should ask him where he got the blue cloth tape from. Hesitant to install a water bottle due to the decals being so nice but will have to think of something. Might also get a Silca pump at the seat tube even though they are not terribly practical they can work with effort. Used one for years on my Sabatini equipped with tubulars.


I realize that photos tend to hide imperfections and expect the paint to need more attention than I might assume but with some effort it should look quite presentable. Fortunately the seller lives quite close by which is a time saver.





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Newly manufactured TA Cyclotouriste chainwheels are available from a number of sites, and 3 new rings will cost a lot less than $190. See, for example, https://www.veloduo.co.uk/collection...nt=26019155207, or even https://specialites-ta.com/128-pro-5-vis. I bought a ring from veloduo a few years ago, and they shipped fast at a good price.

If you want a triple, you could triplize this crank (assuming it's a 144 bcd which I think it is) or you could find a stronglight 93 and triplize it).

https://www.redclovercomponents.com/...riplizers.html

I have a similar choice to make on a Mercier 300 I am rebuilding. I haven't decided yet on the gearing but I'm leaning towards running a stronglight 99 as a double with 48-34 rings and a 14-30 ultra 6 freewheel. New stronglight 99 rings are available from Spa cycles in the UK and they will ship to the US.

I'd be sorely tempted to keep the suntour derailleurs as well even though they're not quite "right" for that bike because they're so good.

Yes this is all Reynolds 531 though I believe the headtube may not be; the forks, main (other than the headtube) and rear triangles are 531.