vintagerando

Can you offer your opinions on this bike?
I did a bit of quick research but cannot figure out model yet. There is a headbadge but no sticker indicating model.
Per the original owner, this was made at the Nantes, France Gitane shop in 1973 or 1974. The original owner was measured and the bike made to his specifications. The original owner was visiting France and went to the shop....so the story goes
Components: Campagnolo Record FD and RD, Campy record shifters, Stronglight Double, Stronglight headset, Dura-ace Brakes (1st gen?), Dura-ace brake levers, PIVO stem, and two sets of wheels.
Both sets of rims are Rigida (model?). One set is laced to Shimanos (Dura-ace?) and one set to Campy Record. Also included is a NOS Rigida rim, still in the box. So, there are two sets of wheels and one extra rim.
The frame has a Reynolds 531 sticker. Drop-outs are Campy.
I am still researching model. But if its custom, is it possible there is no direct match?
I appreciate your opinions. Also, if you see any components that I have indicated with a (?) and can identify, I would be very appreciative.
Thank you.

vintagerando

More photos.

howsteepisit

Model is tour de France. Nice bikes. Workmanship is a bit sloppy, but the ones I rode rode nice. I believe in 73 they still had Mafac competition brakes, at least in the US imported versions. No clue what they were doing in France at the time.

TakingMyTime

Clean it up, lube everything, check the headset and start riding it. Nice Bike

vintagerando

I did some more research.Could also be a Super Corsa. Possibly?

gbi

Hello vintagerando,

The telltale difference between a TDF and a Super Corsa was the Campagnolo headset on the Super Corsa.

The Stronglight headset in your photo looks oddly overstacked.

Super Corsa steerer tubes were longer than TDF steerer tubes.

Check the stack height on the steerer tube, a Super Corsa would have a height of about 40mm or so (estimate).

big chainring 

With Campy dropouts I think that makes it a Super Corsa.

vintagerando

Yes, I checked the forks and rear drop out, both marked Campy.

vintagerando

Any ideas on value? Thanks

FastJake

In its current state - dirty, needing an overhaul, and with a somewhat odd mix of parts, I'd say about $200-300 depending on your market.

ghosttree

This was my first road bike! Bought new in 1970. Even the same color. I rode this bike 1000s of miles in college. Somewhat heavy due to steel frame, but very durable. Unfortunately, now sitting in my ex's garage... No chance I'll get it back.

vintagerando

Was it a Super Corsa or Tour de FRance?

Phil_gretz

Does she have a security system?

zukahn1 

I think you could get $300 for the bike pretty much as is with some clean up, with the one set of wheels with the dura ace hubs. Then another $100-150 for the other campy wheel set and nos rim if you sell the seperately maybe a bit more if you want to do ebay on those. I wouldn't sell the extra stuff with the bike you will pretty much end up giving it away if you do.

juvela

the extra spacer to there to take up the space formerly occupied by the mafac centrepull hanger.

ghosttree

Tour de France

gbi

Juvela, it looks like there are more spacers than necessary to compensate for the hanger.

The steerer tube may be longer than the standard TDF steerer tube.

Best way to tell if it is a TDF or Super Corsa is to measure the stack height.

Also, if it was purchased in Europe, it could be something like a Super Olympic or Olympic model.

There is also the story about it being custom made/built, perhaps that could explain the headset and component mix?

vintagerando

TDF had Simplex dropouts....my bike has Campy. Its Super Corsa

vintagerando

Owner claims he was in France after graduating from college. He went to a few bike shops; the shops were selling what he called "3 speed touring bikes." He said he was disappointed so he went right to the Gitane factory/shop and was measured for a bike. He was told to return in 7 days. The bike was made and he picked components. Story goes something like that.....

rootboy 

Most closely resembles the Super Corsa. Bought in France? Could be something else. The extra stack height on the steerer is because the stock headset was Campagnolo Record. Stock brake set was MAFAC Racer. With Record optional. Pivo Professional bar and stem. Record hubs laced to Mavic Monthlery rims. Record crank set. Although if he only ordered the frame, then bought parts, he could have opted for the less expensive parts.

Looks to be in fairly nice shape. I'd say it is worth more than three hundred bucks. Especially if brought back to stock.

Color is called Match Blue.

Edit: Oops. Brain fade. Of course, the "SC" on the seat tube decal stands for "Service Course" , which means , roughly, racing model.

Right you are, GBI.

vintagerando

rootboy, rootboy....good eyes! I have looked this bike over 10 times and didn't notice the "SC". Although not a complete Campy Groupset, I was still pleasantly surprise with a few of the components. I love the early Dura-ace brakes and levers. The Stronglight P3 headset isn't Campy, but still very nice. No posters seem impressed with the Dura-ace. I love them. The two sets of rims are Rigida; seem to be of higher end quality. The NOS rim sparkles; 40 years and fresh out of the box. I love the Campy Record Hubs, this is the first pair I ever owned. I am surprised that you quoted a number around $300. But, who am I to say....I am still new to vintage bike world. The magic number: I paid $100 cash for the bike, second set of wheels (shimano hubs/Rigida rims), the NOS Rigida, and a San Marco "Roll" seat. The seat is not pictured; it was taken off the bike and never used. So, I think I did alright. I plan to keep/ride for now.

howsteepisit

Thats a deal

gbi

Similar seat tube decals with the SC came on the TDF model also.

Sometimes TDF models came with campy dropouts.

I don't think you have a TDF, but I would not base my decision on the dropouts and decal alone.

For the price you paid you got a great deal no matter what it is.

rootboy 

I goofed on that one. See my note above. SC means Service Course.

I sure would like to see a close up of what's on the decals below that, however.
What does it say under the star with the red banner?

gbi

Logical mistake rootboy.

So many bikes, so many parts, so many details, I don't think it's possible for any of us to keep it all correct all the time.

I think the decal you are curious about is a fabrication guaranteed decal applied over the foil decal.