Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1980's Gitane

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/2854372716.html

Don't know much about this grade of material - Reynolds 453 - says it's a manganese/titanium alloy - but I have no idea if it's any good. Frame is a perfect size for me - not looking for an investment piece but a fun, comfortable distance rider that I can build.

Anyone have an opinion on this?

Thanks!

The frame looks to be good quality being fully lugged with a full chromed fork and semi sloping fork crown. I would say it's a mid level model bike, similar to Peugeot's 501 framed PGN of slughtly later model year. Considering it's very good looking condition and the decentl looking components on it, I would say it's a good buy at that price but you should negotiate anyway to see if you can get it down to 125 - 100 bucks even......It certainly would not hurt to ask....
The 453 frame material might be the same or very similar to the "Mangalloy" tubesets that came out at that time. I have not heard anything negative about them, except that they might be heavier than other more popular/establised at that time tubesets like the 531 which was a higher spec tubeset.
One thing good with Gitanes is they do give you a bit more quality compared to Peugeots of the smae model level when it comes to the quality of the frames, in terms of details and lug types. Notice the nice windows on the lug points? I would suspect it also had diamond shaped reinforcements at the brake and chainstay bridges too.

Chombi

Good price on that frame + extras. If you are looking for a project, there it is. You won't find much else in that size in the vintage market.