french headset issues
#1
ride more faster.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: san francisco
Posts: 2
Bikes: 1963 gitane, 1982 austro-daimler vent noir ii, gary fisher big sur, old school bianchi fixed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
french headset issues
I have a 1963 Gitane Tour de France that I love to death. Unfortunately, the headset is shot. Since it's old and French, the headset has all those odd old French dimensions. I would love to be able to replace it, but am having trouble. Does anyone know where I can get ahold of one in good condition or have any other reccomendations?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,414
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
25 Posts
If you don't mind using a headset that is not correct for the Gitane, you can get a Stronglight A-9 from Harris Cyclery for $50 as I did. https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/headsets.html#french It's much lighter than the original P-3 and has needle bearings. A P-3 is extremely difficult to find and will cost you at least $100. I think the A-9 is much better looking, too.
Sheldon says that it doesn't turn as freely as a ball and cone headset. That's true on the workstand, but I can't feel it when I'm riding.
Sheldon says that it doesn't turn as freely as a ball and cone headset. That's true on the workstand, but I can't feel it when I'm riding.
#3
JRA...
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: philly
Posts: 839
Bikes: trek 520 & 736, DeRosa Professional, Fuji Professional, Raleigh International 3-speed, Saronni (any info people?), Humber 3-speed, Raleigh Sports, Carlton Grand Prix coming soon!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You should probably find out stack height and fork crown race diameter before venturing farther...