SurferRosa

Good job. Yeah, I was just wondering how this lightweight frameset feels under you and how it stacks up.

Andy_K 

I'm not sure what I should expect from the thin tubing. I ride a small enough size that frame flex isn't typically a problem. Plus, I don't sprint unless I'm being chased by a small dog. I'd say it feels reasonably lively.

I'm not 100% convinced that it's 531P. That sticker isn't original (so I'm told) and could have been just a guess. The frame and fork weigh about the same as my Columbus SL Gios and about half a pound more than my Columbus Genius Coppi.

1970bikes

Not sure of the etiquette of bringing back old threads but my post should clarify some comments in this thread (or not)
NOS frame example of a Vainqueur with 531 Pro tubing, purchased from Europe quite some time ago.

I was too fat at the time to build it up and ride it was well over Gitane's recommended weight of 70kg's. Was not aware of that limit until after I received the frame.......

Made in France sticker

87/88 Pro build frame with 531P Tubing and Vainquer paint scheme. So,despite not being in the catalogue Gitane did make some 531P

531P labelling

Bottom Bracket

Build Docket that came with frame

Andy_K 

That's a pretty low weight limit. There are professional racers that weigh considerably more than that. Sounds like legal cya to me.

I'm a heavy guy (currently hovering right around 110 kg) who regularly disregards published weight limits on cycling equipment. I do wonder about ultra thin stuff like 531P but I haven't broken one yet. I do have a theory that thicker tubes provide a better ride feel for me, but it's far from conclusive.

1970bikes

Interesting.

I cannot remember where I got the 70kg limit from but the number itself has stuck in my mind.

After losing 20% of my body weight while being treated for a serious illness I am now pretty close to the 70kg number.
I do not recommend that approach for losing weight however.
Too many other bike projects on the go to do anything with the Gitane at present.

Markeologist

[

87/88 Pro build frame with 531P Tubing and Vainquer paint scheme. So,despite not being in the catalogue Gitane did make some 531P

Both the 87 and 88 catalogues (relevant portions of which I posted in this thread) clearly state the use of 531P by Gitane, just not on the 88 Vainqueur which is listed as having 531C. But just like the Gitane catalogues of the 60s and 70s, your lovely frame proves that the 80s catalogues are not the last word in how things were actually built.

52telecaster

As a heavy guy, 200-210 minimum. I ride 531 frames almost exclusively now. I am absolutely certain that I use them in ways the manufacturer never considered.... As tow vehicles, beasts of burden and two wheeled versions of a westfalia conversion. If I havnt broke one I'm sure you won't either. I love the French ones as well. I have a 25" motobecane in full 531 I should set back up again. It rides like a dream.

Markeologist

531P is a different animal than standard 531, thinner walled tube set really meant for race bikes. Was a fix to the old 531SL as I recall (which had failure issues). Flick a 531P tube with your nail and the resulting “ping” is very different from standard 531 or even 531C, almost alarmingly different as it reflects the thinness of the tubes.

Chombi1 

I noticed that when Gitane Pros are shown and discussed, not much is really mentioned about the version with Columbus SL tubing. How did that series do with owners and the market? And what was the story on why the use of the Columbus SL only lasted about a year an Gitane switched to a Reynolds tubing gor the rest of the Gitane Pro model run??

Hummer

Not sure of the etiquette. Andy_K please excuse my additional comments on the Vainqueur.

Here is a match for the Vainqueur on a French language forum.

gitane les numeros de serie definition



The serial numbers are very close.

Edit:
The UH9596 is for the frame model. The "6" at the end is the frame size 56cm.

The blue UH9597 frame model is 57cm.

Andy_K 

This thread is certainly old enough that any direction is fine with me. The info about the serial number/model number seems like it could be useful to someone.