Classic & Vintage - Gitane info

I just walked out of one of our bike shops. They have a light blue Gitane (possibly mid'80's) that they want $200 for which includes a tune up. I couldn't get a photo but the tubing says 788 and appears strong. The front and rear deraillers are Simplex with 7 gears on the rear with downtube shifters. It has spoke protector on the rear which maybe indicates it wasn't a higher end model??

I know it's not a lot - but I don't know much about Gitane's and don't know if this would be more trouble in the long run (ie french threads, etc.).

Probably Vitus 888 tubing? It's a good bike, whatever it is, worth $200 with a tune-up. You can find Gitane catalogues online at Gitane USA (http://www.gitaneusa.com/) if you want to determine which model it is.

www.gitaneusa.com has many catalogs you can browse online. perhaps you'll find the model as well as the specs and original price, but sounds like a mid-range model with Vitus steel tubing. There's a chance it doesn't have FR threading as Gitane switched over (but gradually) to ISO in the 80s.

From the catalogs it looks like the bike is either a 1983 Interclub, Sprint or Grantour or a 1984 Interclub. It's in decent shape. The shop checked the bottom bracket for me and it's not a french thread. So, of course, I bought it. Some new wheels and a tune up and removal of the hideous aero bars and it'll be ready to go. I've attached some photos.

The model name may be on the right hand side of the top tube. Nice find, a decent price for that bike considering the tune-up.

Based on the decals, I'd say it's more likely to be an '84; according to the '84 catalogue, the Interclub is the only model with a Vitus 788 frameset. However, the color doesn't match the Interclub shown in the catalogue. Check the components on the bike against the components listed for the models in the catalogue-- that might help sort it out.

You might want to try contacting the BF member named lofter for more informqation. He has an impressive collection of eighties Gitanes.

I wonder why I see so few eighties Gitanes for sale?

There was a new in the box Gitane on Craigslist (Chicago) about two weeks ago -- a woman's -- beautiful bike.

I have a Professionnel of the 84-85 vintage that I've never been able to find much written about. It has full Reynold 531 and was built with midrange Campy parts. It on consignment in Albuquerque, NM so I have no ready photos.