Originally Posted by
MRT2
OP back. Thanks for the information. Still doing some research. Based on decals, it looks to be a 1980 - 82 model. My guess now is the Vuelta, as the Cranks are marked Shimano 600, and the seatpost, which looks very old says Sugino, though again, it is hard to know for sure what is original to the bike and what may have been replaced later.
I may post some more pics later this week. I replaced the huge platforms in favor of an SPD pedal/platform on the other side, and I replaced the cheap saddle with a Brooks Cambium I had on hand. Looks pretty good and hopefully, will ride even better. (makes me wish I were a few inches taller so I could take it for a ride).
MRT2, as I pointed out it's an early 80's frame that someone has put some mid to late 80's components on. It could have been parted out or maybe it's been "updated"...
Trying to match an old bike with a model name that's had the components changed is difficult, especially without better pictures - otherwise it's just guesses.
The bike could have been a Tricolore, Vuelta, Sprint or Criterium. From a distance they all look the same! You can't judge a book by it's cover just like you can't judge a 35+ year old bike without the original components by a fuzzy photo.
I'm not trying to criticize you, just giving suggestions on how to ID a classic bike. Been messing with Gitanes for over 40 years!
BTW, those "low profile" aerodynamic Shimano 600 crank arms with Biopace chainrings didn't come out until around the mid 1980's or later.
verktyg
Chas.