The frame is most likely a 1974 or 1975 Champion du Monde which was a European model. It was a step down from the Olympic and Super Olympic models which were Campagnolo equipped (Olympic had MAFAC brakes - Super Olympic had Campy brakes).

When Gitane Pacific took over importing and distribution of Gitanes in the US in 1974, the top models were dropped from the US offering. The Tour de France was dumbed down to the European 3 tubes Reynolds 531 model except for 27" clinchers instead of sewups.

A few of the Champion du Monde and Olympic bikes got into the US but they were very uncommon and I've never seen any advertising for them.

The difference between the Olympic models and the Champion du Monde was the components. The CdM's were all French equipped. They had Stronglight P3 headsets which used steerers that were 8mm shorter than the forks for the Olympics which had Campagnolo headsets.

Why do I think it's a 74' or 75'... The Reynolds 531 sticker on the fork: in 1974 Reynolds brought out new stickers.



The old style stickers were probably still used by many bike makers through 1974 and probably 1975 but by 1976 they all used the new style.

I had a 1974 CdM frame that I sold because it was a 60cm - too big for me. It was made of lighter gage Reynolds 531 that most other Gitane models.



It took a 26.6mm seatpost. The bike in question should take a 26.4mm or even 26.6mm if the seat lug is rounded out and reamed.


Note: until the 1980s, 122mm OLN (Over Lock Nuts) was the standard width for most French 5 speed rear hubs. Front hubs were 96mm wide.



BTW, the Federal was a French model. I've never seen one in the US. The were a touring model with mounts brazed onto the forks for a front rack. Also only the 3 main tubes were Reynolds 531.


verktyg

Chas.