Gitane Cyclocross bike
11-22-14, 06:44 PM
#1
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
Gitane Cyclocross bike
Picked up this little guy today.
50cm seattube c-c and 54cm top tube c-c.
Vitus XO double butted tubing.
Nice window lugs
Mix of parts as it seems its had a hard life.
Mistral by Ofmega Crank
Campagnolo headset
Bianchi ITM stem
Shimano 600 FD
Suntour ARX RD
Suntour bar-end shifters
Shimano XT Cantilevers
Suntour SuperbePro BB with Campy spindle
Maillard hubs on mixed rims
And hey, got some new Bell tires
Darn it... I can make it fit me.... Why do I always want to keep them!
Rough spots in the paint but no dents.
I'd love to give it a new paint job and new decals if I could find them but will probably try to ust minimize the damage on the pearl white and leave it.
SO... anyone have any links to info on these bikes? The XO tubing "Made in Europe" etc?
50cm seattube c-c and 54cm top tube c-c.
Vitus XO double butted tubing.
Nice window lugs
Mix of parts as it seems its had a hard life.
Mistral by Ofmega Crank
Campagnolo headset
Bianchi ITM stem
Shimano 600 FD
Suntour ARX RD
Suntour bar-end shifters
Shimano XT Cantilevers
Suntour SuperbePro BB with Campy spindle
Maillard hubs on mixed rims
And hey, got some new Bell tires
Darn it... I can make it fit me.... Why do I always want to keep them!
Rough spots in the paint but no dents.
I'd love to give it a new paint job and new decals if I could find them but will probably try to ust minimize the damage on the pearl white and leave it.
SO... anyone have any links to info on these bikes? The XO tubing "Made in Europe" etc?
Last edited by thenomad; 11-23-14 at 06:47 PM.
11-23-14, 09:43 AM
#2
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
Can't find out much about these. I'm going to give it a spina nd see how it feels though.
No eyelets or bottle brazeons. I like the geometry and the fork on it.
No eyelets or bottle brazeons. I like the geometry and the fork on it.
11-23-14, 10:52 AM
#3
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Interesting bike looks to be a early Cyclecross racer based on the fact that it has basically no mounting points or holes on the frame and fairly tight geometry. These where sold mostly in Europe and aren't common in the US so info is likely to be limited.
11-23-14, 11:14 AM
#4
Have bike, will travel
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I have a Simoncini Cyclocross Special that is a lugged frame built from Columbus CROMOR.
A lugged Cyclocross bike is very hard to find. Considering the strong interest in older steel bikes, gravel road cycling and vintage events like L'Eroica, the bike is valuable. My bike gets considerable attention.
It's selling price is impossible to determine. It will depend on connecting with a buyer who wants it and is willing to pay $$$.
A lugged Cyclocross bike is very hard to find. Considering the strong interest in older steel bikes, gravel road cycling and vintage events like L'Eroica, the bike is valuable. My bike gets considerable attention.
It's selling price is impossible to determine. It will depend on connecting with a buyer who wants it and is willing to pay $$$.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 11-23-14 at 11:20 AM.
11-23-14, 02:38 PM
#5
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
The sad thing is the paint condition but it is "patina" and heck its a crosser.
From 10 feet it still looks good and I'm deciding to keep it as is, just maybe a coating of something oil/waxy to prevent surface rust to knicks or something.
The parts are an absolute mismatch. I'm going to sell the crank for what I paid for the bike and then build it up with a matching set of period components.
Still looking for catalog of 91-93 Gitane to see the original specs. I think the stem is a french size.
From 10 feet it still looks good and I'm deciding to keep it as is, just maybe a coating of something oil/waxy to prevent surface rust to knicks or something.
The parts are an absolute mismatch. I'm going to sell the crank for what I paid for the bike and then build it up with a matching set of period components.
Still looking for catalog of 91-93 Gitane to see the original specs. I think the stem is a french size.
11-23-14, 02:50 PM
#6
Have bike, will travel
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I wouldn't worry about the paint or components too much. Cross bikes were ridden hard and components could be anything. I put Deore derailleurs on mine, no regrets.
The narrow post centers on the fork was a major issue, braking performance was very poor. I also dislike cable hangers mounted above the head-tube, this can cause brake shudder.
The narrow post centers on the fork was a major issue, braking performance was very poor. I also dislike cable hangers mounted above the head-tube, this can cause brake shudder.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
11-23-14, 06:27 PM
#7
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
It certainly has its drawbacks but that comes with vintage. It has XT cantilevers on it now, need some lower profile Kool Stop pads.
11-24-14, 08:13 AM
#8
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The sad thing is the paint condition but it is "patina" and heck its a crosser.
From 10 feet it still looks good and I'm deciding to keep it as is, just maybe a coating of something oil/waxy to prevent surface rust to knicks or something.
The parts are an absolute mismatch. I'm going to sell the crank for what I paid for the bike and then build it up with a matching set of period components.
Still looking for catalog of 91-93 Gitane to see the original specs. I think the stem is a french size.
From 10 feet it still looks good and I'm deciding to keep it as is, just maybe a coating of something oil/waxy to prevent surface rust to knicks or something.
The parts are an absolute mismatch. I'm going to sell the crank for what I paid for the bike and then build it up with a matching set of period components.
Still looking for catalog of 91-93 Gitane to see the original specs. I think the stem is a french size.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
11-24-14, 08:19 AM
#9
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That bike is great. Vintage CX machines are pretty rare. As others have said, I would not waste time trying to get a "matched" group but rather focus on getting the parts that work for your needs.
11-24-14, 09:10 AM
#11
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
I have some parts in my bins for the rebuild and may start with SSCX to get it on the road (old wheelset is toasty) then if its good switch to fully geared with brifters.
Anyone use Cyclomundos decals? He has the basic pack of modern Gitane and I know I can throw a clean paintjob on it.
Anyone use Cyclomundos decals? He has the basic pack of modern Gitane and I know I can throw a clean paintjob on it.
11-24-14, 10:44 AM
#12
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I don't see the need for a repaint, I would overhaul it, give it a good waxing and ride it.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
