Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1970 GITANE Grand Sport De Luxe Custom

Hey all,

I picked up a 10 speed Gitane Grand Sport De Luxe Custom on the side of the road for free. I was wondering if anyone has advice on if it is worth tuning up/restoring. The bicycle is in great shape-appears to have been stored for many years in a garage or basement.

From what I can tell all parts are original French components.
–MAFAC 'Racer' brakes
–Pivo Stem and Handlebars
–Rigida Superchrome Rims
–Christophe 'Z' toe clips
–Simplex gear system

I've attached a few images for review.

Thanks for the advice in advance.
Josh

I just sold a similar Gitane in the Twin cities market for $160.00 after a full rehab, that one could bring more in the spring but with winter coming not so much.

They're very nice riding bikes so if it's your size you may have a keeper there.

Nice find! Tune it up, replace cables, housing, etc. but don't go crazy trying to restore it to pristine original condition. I don't think it'll be worth your while there.

Also, would you mind taking a picture of the headbadge and the side of the fork near the top? I have an old French bike that I'm still trying to determine the make of. I believe it is a Giante judging by your pictures and what others have said but I think with a couple extra pictures I can be sure. Mine has a Pivo stem, Mafac racer brakes, the same Rigida wheelset, and similar lugwork. Thanks!

Nice find! Tune it up, replace cables, housing, etc. but don't go crazy trying to restore it to pristine original condition. I don't think it'll be worth your while there.

Also, would you mind taking a picture of the headbadge and the side of the fork near the top? I have an old French bike that I'm still trying to determine the make of. I believe it is a Giante judging by your pictures and what others have said but I think with a couple extra pictures I can be sure. Mine has a Pivo stem, Mafac racer brakes, the same Rigida wheelset, and similar lugwork. Thanks!

These are the pics off the one I just sold,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC06357.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC06363.jpg

And from a mixte of the same vintage, The fork crown is a bit different between the two.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC06100.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC06092.jpg

Spend as little money as you can, at the onset of your project. Your goal is to get the bicycle road worthy and safe to ride. Then take it out for a spin, or lots of spins, for that matter. Take the time to get to know the bike, before deciding to spend any serious money and/or time on the bike.

Do not do what I did with my first vintage bicycle restoration project. I restored (for lack of a better word) a mid seventies Sekine (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Feature_Bicycles_Canada/Sekine_Big_Green/SEKINE_BIG_GREEN_1_Start.htm) and made just about every mistake in the book, doing so. Try to avoid the mistakes I made. Doing so will save you money, time and effort.

The Gitane is a worthy vintage lightweight but not exotic, by any means. The ride quality will be just fine and the vintage appeal will be, well, appealing.

I have owned a couple of these old French steeds and found them to be just fine even though neither proved to be a good fit for me...

223446 223447

Hope this is a help.

Good luck with the bicycle and send us some more pictures once you have cleaned it up.