Can you all help me value this 1972ish Gitane?
10-15-12, 10:04 AM
#1
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Can you all help me value this 1972ish Gitane?
Hey,
A friend of mine has this bike and is thinking of selling it to me. I don't have alot of experience with road bikes or vintage bikes, and he hasn't cycled in 10 years, so neither of us know what a fair price for this bike is.
It'a 1972 Gitane Reynolds 531 frame (He thinks thats the right year)
Suntuor SuperBee Derailures
Sugino Super Mighty Cranks and Chain Rings.
Over all it's got just a little bit of rust, and needs a little cleaning but is in good shape.
Here's a link to the pic's.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1118870...KvUkuzHpuqi3QE
It'll need new tubes and tires, and break pads, tune up, ect.
Thanks,
Mark
A friend of mine has this bike and is thinking of selling it to me. I don't have alot of experience with road bikes or vintage bikes, and he hasn't cycled in 10 years, so neither of us know what a fair price for this bike is.
It'a 1972 Gitane Reynolds 531 frame (He thinks thats the right year)
Suntuor SuperBee Derailures
Sugino Super Mighty Cranks and Chain Rings.
Over all it's got just a little bit of rust, and needs a little cleaning but is in good shape.
Here's a link to the pic's.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1118870...KvUkuzHpuqi3QE
It'll need new tubes and tires, and break pads, tune up, ect.
Thanks,
Mark
10-15-12, 10:40 AM
#2
Still learning
That's a mighty fine Gitane with great frame and very good components. I would pay $300 for it and I'm cheap when it comes to buying vintage French bikes!
10-15-12, 10:52 AM
#3
Thrifty Bill
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+1 Some serious value there, maybe $400 or higher.
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
10-15-12, 11:05 AM
#4
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IIRC, angled "531" on the Reynolds TI decal means a full 531 tubed frame and forks. Very good frame. Must be one of their top line models from back then. I notice the wheels have very nice Fiamme Ergal rims too! Kinda odd mix of components on it though. Not bad stuff, but sort of Frankenbike. I'd slap a TA/Huret Jubilee or Camapagnolo Nuovo Record groupset on that baby without hesitation.....and an Ideale or Brooks saddle, of course, to top it off.
It's easily a $300+ bike, $400+ if it had a better put together and period correct component group on it.......but then you should really get a special "BFFL" (Best Friend For Life) discount on it......
Chombi
It's easily a $300+ bike, $400+ if it had a better put together and period correct component group on it.......but then you should really get a special "BFFL" (Best Friend For Life) discount on it......
Chombi
Last edited by Chombi; 10-15-12 at 01:47 PM.
10-15-12, 11:23 AM
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That's a top of the line Gitane (either TDF or SC), and in beautiful condition. The decals (and paint) on those usually didn't survive well. The component changes on it are nice ones. It's definitely worth $400. However, make sure that it's your proper size. And, if you don't have the tools or knowledge to rebuild it yourself, you could easily spend well $200-300 to overhaul it and replace cables, tires, brake pads, etc. Make sure that you factor that in to the cost.
FYI, I love the way the Gitanes ride...
FYI, I love the way the Gitanes ride...
10-15-12, 11:44 AM
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Thank you all so much for the info.
I was actually thinking of buying this to convert to a Fixie/SS, but I'm guessing this is probably to nice of a bike to do that with..
It's such a cool ride and I've been wanting to ride the road more, so this might be a good bike to get me on the road a bit more.
Couple more questions for you, some may seem a bit silly due to my inexperience with vintage french bikes...
I'm 6'2" 280lbs. Stand over height wise the bike is perfect for me, but weight wise, were these bikes built for that kind of load?
Also, beside tires, brakes pads, and cables, what else would need to be looked at before I ride it? Bottom Bracket or were they sealed bearings like they are now and how about wheel bearings?
Thanks,
Mark
I was actually thinking of buying this to convert to a Fixie/SS, but I'm guessing this is probably to nice of a bike to do that with..
It's such a cool ride and I've been wanting to ride the road more, so this might be a good bike to get me on the road a bit more.Couple more questions for you, some may seem a bit silly due to my inexperience with vintage french bikes...
I'm 6'2" 280lbs. Stand over height wise the bike is perfect for me, but weight wise, were these bikes built for that kind of load?
Also, beside tires, brakes pads, and cables, what else would need to be looked at before I ride it? Bottom Bracket or were they sealed bearings like they are now and how about wheel bearings?
Thanks,
Mark
10-15-12, 12:02 PM
#7
Still learning
If seat tube not 60cm or taller, it may be too small. Weight wise, just don't ride through potholes, ride around them and you will be fine. I am mid 200's and ride 531 frames alot. But since you are putting new tires on it, if 27" go for 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 for more cushion. If 700C, I would put 28mm or 25mm on them for the same reason. Super skinny tires aren't comfy at all for big dudes.
I would overhaul the hubs and bb. New bearings are cheap, less than $10. Wheels may need truing too.
I would overhaul the hubs and bb. New bearings are cheap, less than $10. Wheels may need truing too.
10-15-12, 12:37 PM
#8
Thrifty Bill
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It really depends what you plan to do with it. If you are looking for something to commute with, that can take your weight, a few potholes, etc., then I would look for one of the myriad of high end rigid frame MTBs. Read our various threads on converting them to road use. They are super strong, have stronger wheels, etc. The Gitane is a top of the line racing bike.
__________________
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
Please don't confuse ebay "asking" prices with "selling" prices. Many sellers never get their ask price. some are far from it. Value is determined once an item actually SELLS. Its easy enough to check SOLD prices.
10-16-12, 12:44 PM
#10
Still learning
Sorry it did not meet your budget, but there's always another deal around the corner!
IMHO, $350 is a fair arms length price, given it is very similar in spec to a Peugeot PX10.
IMHO, $350 is a fair arms length price, given it is very similar in spec to a Peugeot PX10.
10-16-12, 04:08 PM
#11
Constant tinkerer
That is a beautiful bike that I'd definitely pay $400 for if it fit me.
I missed out on a pair of those yellow label Ergal rims recently, they went for over $100!
I missed out on a pair of those yellow label Ergal rims recently, they went for over $100!
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