The bicycle is a Gitane Profil. It was originally introduced in 1979 and ridden by Hinault to win that year's Grand Prix des Nations, the worlds' premiere time trail event. Early samples used traditional drop handlebars. For the 1984 model year, the the front section of the head tube was cut out, allowing the stem and bullhorn style handlebars to be attached to the steerer tube of the fork. This system was actually long lived in pro terms, being used for at least five seasons, through 1988.

The Gitane Profil had an illustrious history, being used by winners of Tour de France in 1981-1984 and the Grand Prix des Nations in 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.