Originally Posted by
Sedgemop
Finally picked up a Gitane Tour de France. Got a super crusty example from flipper Mark in Milwaukee yesterday. Price was right, so I figured I'd finally get to see what the fuss was about. Pumped up the tires and took it out for a quick 15 miler last night. It needs a little work, but the ride feel is there. It's super comfortable, but will really get up and go when nudged. Got a a bunch of mixed components that seem to work all right together and the Ideale saddle is a nice surprise. I'm happy.
Nice find but...
The stem is DANGEROUSLY TOO HIGH!
Those PIVO cast aluminum stems were notorious for developing cracks at the bottom of quill where the expander split or splits end. Many of those stems were very poor quality castings that should have been thrown back into the melting pot but instead found their way onto bikes during the early part of the bike boom 1970-1973.
This is what happens. The bottom of the stem breaks off and the rider is left holding the unattached bars!
I suggest that you pull the bars and stem out and carefully inspect the bottom of the quill for cracks. Next, drill, grind or file a radius at the top of the expander slot or slots to help prevent stress risers from creating cracks. Also when you overhaul the headset check the treads on the steerer for cracks too.
Clean out the steerer and hone the inside or use some sandpaper on a stick to smooth things out. When reassembling, use a glop of grease on the inside of the steerer and the bottom of the stem to prevent electrolytic corrosion.
If you replace the bars and stem, look at Nitto parts.
Their stems are marked 22.2mm diameter but most measure 22.1mm. French steerers are spec'd at 22.0mm but many if not most are 22mm+. Also the original PIVO bars should be replaced. They're 25.0mm diameter and prone to sagging which can result in catastrophic failure. Nitto bars and stems are available in 25.4mm and 26mm diameters.
verktyg
