Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Cycles Gitane Victoire

Hey everybody. I've been watching craigslist for an inexpensive bike that I can comfortably ride longer distance and possibly use for a triathlon. I ran across this Cycles Gitane Victoire and would like an opinion on it. Unfortunately, I can't afford much more than this. However, I don't want to waste my money on junk either. I am 5'11", 160 lbs. Would this be a good fit for me? I'm sorry for all of the simple questions. I used to be into BMX(4 or so years ago) but lost interest in it. So, I would like to sell my BMX bike and try out a road bike to see how I like it. This plan hinges on my selling the BMX bike(I have some interest, hopefully it sells soon), so I'll have to wait the sale out. Is this bike even worth looking at? Could I still buy parts for it?

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1228982381.html

Thanks,
Grant

http://images.craigslist.org/3n93o93l6ZZZZZZZZZ96i7057d0f07e9d11aa.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3n13o43laZZZZZZZZZ96i6d2270a6bf6b18af.jpg
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http://images.craigslist.org/3k53o73l7ZZZZZZZZZ96a179cc2ad4ebf1116.jpg

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I wasn't sure where it should go.

I found the appraisal forum. I suppose that is where this thread should go. If someone could move it, I would appreciate it.

Thanks

At 5'11" a 22.5" frame should fit you. The price @ $160 seems OK, nothing special, but if it's ready to ride it's fair. If you want to find some info about the bike as new look here (http://www.gitaneusa.com/catalogues.asp). I found the Victoire in the '85 catalog.

It looks like a decent deal depending on the overall condition. I saw this last week but unfortunately live way too far away. I love my Gitane bikes.

Thank you very much. I'm hoping to have my BMX bike sold within the next couple of days. Once it sells I will go take a look at it. I figure it will need tubes and tires for sure. What else should I be looking for besides the obvious rust, broken parts, etc..?

Check the cables and brake pads. Make sure everything shifts both ways and the brakes return after application. Loosen the stem and seatpost binder bolt and confirm that all that is loose. Spin everything to see if you hear grinding. Spin the crank in reverse to look for tight links. Check the wheels for true - spin and watch distance to brake pads.

Remember to add up the cost of anything that needs replacing.

That'll get you started. If it passes these then you can get to checking the teeth on the rings and cogs and assessing wear and life left. And then you might want to check the RD jockey wheels.

I agree with Bob: it's a very mid-grade Gitane from the era when they were very clever about offering bikes at precise price points. This has a frame of "Camus" chrome-moly (never heard of it either) and sounds like plain-gauge. The wheels seem to be up-graded, and that's good if they are round and true. It will need some money and work to get it ride-able, but the seller is open to offers...try for $150 (or even less if it's been sitting for long). I'd only be concerned with one detail: does it have a BSC (1.37" x 24tpi) BB? I'd hope it does.

Thanks for the list Bob. I'll be sure to run through and check everything to the best of my ability.
Unworthy, thanks for the info on the bike. What do you mean by:
does it have a BSC (1.37" x 24tpi) BB? I'd hope it does.

Sorry, but I don't know what a BSC BB is.

British Standard Cycle bottom bracket (BB) threading, which was adopted by the Japanese into their JIS standards and now its the accepted (ISO) standard for everything except older Italian, French, and Swiss. Gitanes of course were French bikes and had French BB threading (35mm x 1mm, both sides with RH threads) but at some point during the early '80s they began to phase into using the BSC BB threading. It's all a bit foggy as to exactly when this happened since Gitane did things in "the French way". Chances are pretty good that your bike is BSC threading, but not 100% certain until you verify it, the BB cup may be marked with the threading. Having BSC threads in the BB makes life a LOT easier when you want to replace or upgrade your BB unit and/or crankset.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks for the clarification. I have had some more interest in my bike sale, but it isn't gone yet. So, rather than get too serious about buying, I am trying to educate myself some on the market so I can make a better decision. How does this Schwinn World Sport compare to the Gitane?

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1234458376.html