Good on ya, I'd advise you to keep all the options open so go back and get those wheels! The Gitane guy is
Stephan Andranian
Email: general@gitaneusa.com
he can probably answer any questions about this bike. if you were looking to make it a "period correct" rider you'd probably want a Brooks or Ideale saddle, the Stronglight 99 crankset and then be prepared to replace the plastic Simplex stuff as it breaks. Better yet, put that stuff in a box and stick some metal derailleurs and shifters on this. That Sugino Mighty crank is probably a replacement, but a nice crank and about the same era as the bike. Maybe a SS conversion while saving the parts really IS the best approach to take...Nice Bike! One question: does the nondrive Simplex dropout have that little "finger" on the bottom edge?