Ok so here is what I remember and maybe know.
I remember buying this baby in 1973, for a measley ten bucks, in bad shape over all but do-able to get me to work with a small investment.
When I bought this it had been repainted once, and the decals were then gone, but I was told this was a gitane tour de france.
Now what I know, which is almost nothing. THe ride was phenominal, ease in everything. The bike weighed in at 21 pounds with the original equipment. There is no serial number to be found on the frame. THe only markings are are on the headstock, letters B_M, Wheels are Rigada with Normandy hubs. Brakes are Mafac Racer, Stronglight Crank set, Simplex Derailleurs (red Labels), Hoyo cluster.... and ummm it was White. I did a frame paint job back then, replaced the Derailleur's with Shimano equipment, original seat was the square cross pattern vinyl, replaced with the velo gel racer.
Today I have stripped the bike down, to do a total restoration, or a revamp upgrade if this is not worth a restoration to as clost to factory as possible.
The Advice I seek is that maybe the guru's of the cycle world might recognize the frame marking, even help me place a birth year on this fine riding soul, and steer me in the right direction of how to proceed. I do not want to run to a bike shop and pick out a new ultra light with no history or memories for me. This bike may not be worth restoring, I wouldnt know, but is worth making road ready again for many miles of pleasure. I can upload pictures that would be worthwhile, and am going to make a web page for this project soon. I just think it would rather awesome to know the background of the bike, having some fun in this project, and sharing what I can that I might learn properly a bit of the bike world.
THanks for any help
HArlan