If it's any consolation, those Frecnh bikes, while being definitely cool …I have three French bikes including a Gitane from the era…. can be a pain sometimes. The threading on most of the parts has long been obsolete and finding replacement parts if you need them can sometimes be a challenge. If those plastic rear derailleurs break it can be tricky to fit a newer, more modern version.

They're neat bikes, for sure. But in my opinion, you didn't miss out on a whole lot. Except of course, that it was orange.

Good luck in your search, CT.