Gitane TDF frame.
09-16-13, 05:31 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Gitane TDF frame.
So what I got here is a classic 531 frameset by Gitane. I don't get it. I have it listed for over a month on Chicago CL for all of $90. I mean even if you just want the headset and BB it's kinda worth the $90, don't you think? Give me some input if you would.
09-16-13, 05:48 PM
#2
weapons-grade bolognium
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Across the street from Chicago
Posts: 6,344
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 985 Post(s)
Liked 2,378 Times
in
891 Posts
French, September, Bikes Direct...
09-16-13, 05:50 PM
#3
Still learning
Can't find the cl ad, but if that's the photo, it's pretty piss poor. Bad angle, sitting on grass, looks unloved. Plus can't see the Reynolds decals.
09-16-13, 06:43 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
And really thats the problem. No one under the age of 50 knows what the heck a Gitane is. I'm gettin to old for this nonsense. I might just put it out in the alley for the scrap guys to take away.
09-16-13, 06:47 PM
#5
Still learning
Old Asian proverb, a (good) picture is worth a 1000 words.
Bike buyers, particularly those after something vintage, feast with their eyes! And so many are looking at micro photos on there smart phones.
Bike buyers, particularly those after something vintage, feast with their eyes! And so many are looking at micro photos on there smart phones.
09-16-13, 06:57 PM
#6
Constant tinkerer
I'd buy it if it fit me, sadly it's too big. It's a great deal on a really nice frame. Please don't scrap it! BTW I'm 23 years old...
09-16-13, 10:44 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
Well the frame is well worth $90 some better photos would help. But to tell the truth vintage road framesets are a tough sell on CL most people searching CL are looking for whole bikes. I Would suggest that you consider selling it on Ebay or getting a membership and listing here in classic & vintage Sales section. You should be able to get $130+ plus for this frame not including shipping.
09-16-13, 11:42 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
Yeah, on eBay it's a $90+ frame.
On CL? Who knows?
On CL? Who knows?
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
09-17-13, 04:48 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 1,977
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount P15, Fisher Montare, Proteus, Rivendell Quickbeam
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Agree with Bill, frames are a tough sell on CL. Post here or ebay. I sold a similar TDF frame on here a while back. I looked at completed auctions on eBay at the time and unfortunately they weren't as high as I would have liked. It seems that they were selling for $70 to $110. Gitane isn't as recognized a name as Peugeot which hurts the value. Maybe the fixie fad being over hurts the market as well.
09-17-13, 06:01 AM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Agree with Bill, frames are a tough sell on CL. Post here or ebay. I sold a similar TDF frame on here a while back. I looked at completed auctions on eBay at the time and unfortunately they weren't as high as I would have liked. It seems that they were selling for $70 to $110. Gitane isn't as recognized a name as Peugeot which hurts the value. Maybe the fixie fad being over hurts the market as well.
Here's a complete TDF thats been on Milwaukee CL for a long time.
Changing times. On the other end as a buyer some tasty bikes, like the Gitane, are just outright bargains.
09-17-13, 06:04 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,748
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
I don't understand why these don't get no respect. I mean, these weren't top notch frames or anything, but they were all 531 and decent riders. I have one and I think they're cool.
09-17-13, 06:54 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
Well having owned a couple of Gitane 531 bikes I would put them on par with PX-10, or better.
09-17-13, 06:57 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I guess my view is skewed when it comes to these bikes. I see a bike that is the equal to a PX-10 or a Raleigh Competition. And a Reynolds 531 frame is a Reynolds 531 frame, they're aren't bad ones.
Here's a complete TDF thats been on Milwaukee CL for a long time.
Changing times. On the other end as a buyer some tasty bikes, like the Gitane, are just outright bargains.
Here's a complete TDF thats been on Milwaukee CL for a long time.
Changing times. On the other end as a buyer some tasty bikes, like the Gitane, are just outright bargains.
Last edited by bikemig; 09-17-13 at 07:00 AM.
09-17-13, 07:28 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,435
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5888 Post(s)
Liked 3,471 Times
in
2,079 Posts
I think your ad is good, the pics are good, and the description of the bike is spot on: https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/4072205465.html.
Sometimes it takes a while for the right buyer to come along and the seasons are changing. It will sell in the spring more easily.
Sometimes it takes a while for the right buyer to come along and the seasons are changing. It will sell in the spring more easily.
09-17-13, 08:13 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,828 Times
in
1,995 Posts
Bent over seat stay tops. (I think this is a biggie, it just "feels" wrong for a full 531 frame) Tender foil graphics. French fear. Size matters too.
09-17-13, 09:02 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 115
Bikes: Fuji Giant
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I haven't had much luck selling frames on craigslist, full bikes are a different story however. If I was around your area, I would seriously consider buying it from you.
09-17-13, 09:18 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,760 Times
in
634 Posts
Yet the basic PX-10 was the cheapest original MSRP and the most mass produced. Basically the cheapest bike that was race worthy.
09-18-13, 07:31 AM
#18
Cat 6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mountain Brook, AL
Posts: 7,482
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
118 Posts
Looks one size too large for me, too. What's the TT c-c length on this one?
I had one that was a little too small. Sold it for that reason only.
I had one that was a little too small. Sold it for that reason only.
09-18-13, 07:42 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,444
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4232 Post(s)
Liked 2,947 Times
in
1,806 Posts
If it were in my area (and I didn't think my wife would be upset about me getting another frame), I'd have taken it off your hands by now. Unfortunately, we have a lot of housing stuff that takes priority so I'm finishing up one build on the cheap as it is and am not planning any new acquisitions for a while.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
09-18-13, 10:08 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,674
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1372 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,751 Times
in
938 Posts
Its not a bad photo. What does it matter? Its a 531 frame for $90. You have to see a 531 decal on a 40 year old bike? I mean its obvious its a TDF Service Course.
And really thats the problem. No one under the age of 50 knows what the heck a Gitane is. I'm gettin to old for this nonsense. I might just put it out in the alley for the scrap guys to take away.
And really thats the problem. No one under the age of 50 knows what the heck a Gitane is. I'm gettin to old for this nonsense. I might just put it out in the alley for the scrap guys to take away.
Will the bike sell? Probably not, because I live in an area that shows little interest in vintage bicycles, but at least I tried to market it well, knowing that not everyone knows enough, about an old bicycle, to seek out a special tube set, or drop-out features, or even if there are no dents. Before I got into vintage bicycles, I did not even know that they came in different sizes - honestly - have a look at my first vintage road bicycle, and pay attention to all the mistakes I made with it...
In closing, the seek out the biggest market that you can find, knowing that many potential customers have little knowledge, to support their wish to purchase an old bike - they just want one, even though they have no clue what owning a vintage bicycle entails. The picture the OP presented has minimal value to anyone without some knowledge of what makes a vintage bicycle a good quality vintage bicycle.
As for pitching the bike, that is another kettle of fish altogether.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
09-18-13, 11:04 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,444
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4232 Post(s)
Liked 2,947 Times
in
1,806 Posts
Oh yeah, don't pitch it whatever you do. I'm sure there are plenty of people here you'd take it off your hands for the cost of shipping. That's too pretty of a frame to be melted down to scrap.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
09-18-13, 07:40 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,444
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4232 Post(s)
Liked 2,947 Times
in
1,806 Posts
How big of tires do you think it'd take?
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
09-19-13, 12:53 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 34 Times
in
27 Posts
I think it also does not help that there's just not enough people here in the US know or remember that a certain American named Greg Lemond rode a Gitane to a first American championship in the TDF.....sad....
And most of the ones that do will only consider owning the one that looks exactly like the one that Greg rode.....
Heck!, If I did not already own a Peugeot PSV, I would most likely own an 80's Gitane TDF or Criterium, both of which sported a very similar Supervitus frame
And most of the ones that do will only consider owning the one that looks exactly like the one that Greg rode.....
Heck!, If I did not already own a Peugeot PSV, I would most likely own an 80's Gitane TDF or Criterium, both of which sported a very similar Supervitus frame
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
alexander55
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
13
07-19-19 04:46 PM
matthewayres
Classic & Vintage
13
10-15-11 07:49 PM
