I haven't done a build thread on this Gitane TdF yet, as I'm trying to decide what my plans for it will be. I'd like to build one of these bikes into a keeper.

I know French bikes aren't renowned for having great chrome, although the Jeunet 630 I own is pretty decent. This Gitane didn't seem to have very much rust on its chrome, just a bit of greenish corrosion that scrubbed off with foil and polish. A lot of black speckling remains that seem to go through the chrome, especially on the rear dropouts.



I know it really isn't that bad, so for those of you who've owned these bikes, is this typically as good as it gets? The small frame size is hard to find, that being said this particular frame needs a bit more work than expected.