Originally Posted by SoCalAl
I rode a blue Gitane "Gran Sprint" that was really nice; this was around '79. It was fairly light (not Reynolds 531 or 501) for a generically tubed frame. As I recall the components were Shimano Sprint (Gran Sprint,duh). and a mix of French stuff. Overall it was a solid ride.
I just saw a blue Sprint or Gran Sprint frameset (couldn't tell because of the decal condition-- it could have been "Gran Sprint," but all that I could see on the decal was "Sprint") today at a used cycle shop. I didn't get too excited because it wasn't Reynolds 531, but your post has got me thinking about it again. I'd like a bike that I can ride around as a commuter in the city, especially while I build up my other bikes, but still be a nice ride for when my other bikes are completed. A solid, nice-riding city bike. Plus it's nice to occasionally have a bike for use that's less attractive to thieves. I'm still tempted to find a 531 Gitane, but I wonder...
How did you Gran Sprint compare to higher end bikes you've ridden?