Citytraveller

Hello- thinking about purchasing this bike from a local used bike store here in chicago. Does anyone know what model Gitane this is? And if $200 worth this purchase?

Thanks!

Prowler 

I'ma notta spert on these but I actually plucked mine from the dumpster at our recycling center. I've determined mine is a 1975 Gypsy Sport: wheels were dated and catalogs on line. Mine has components just like the one you're looking at: cottered steel crankset, brakes, seat, hubs, pedals, Symplex shifters, FD and RD. The Gypsy Sport was their entry level model, heavy, "sturdy" frame, probably not worth a lot today. Frame craftsmanship was plebeian (french), HS and BB was low end, steel bars, stem, post, etc.

I would not pay $200 for that one though I hear mixtes are selling OK. Does this have steel wheels? What basic service has the store done? Clean and re-grease everthing? New pads? New or relub'd cables? Tires n tubes? Road tested and adjusted? Shifted thru all the gears on a hilly road? IOW will it need to visit an LBS soon or not for 8 years?

What might this bike really cost you in the next year?

big chainring 

Right above the downtube sticker it pribably says Grand Sport Deluxe. Its THE classic Gitane bike boom offering. Great bikes outfitted with all the classic French parts of the day. The one pictured looks all original. Great find and $200 is a great price. Also in that beautiful orange color. Fantastic bike. Don't hesitate, go get it.

juvela

all original save for the front mech has been replaced with a parallelogram one, an upgrade. appears to be about 1972.

enjoy your bike.

Janotaking

+1 Can't see very well the components, the pics are too small, but looks like an entry level, if it fits you annd you like the ride its fine, Gitanes are very special bikes, even low entry bikes can have medium level componentes. 120 or 130 would be a good price!

big chainring 

Interesting. I have had several mixtes that I thought were just outstanding examples. Peugeot, Motobecane, Bottecchia - and if I can get $125 for them I'm doing well. It takes a lot of educating your buyer to get any money for them. They are somewhat of an oddity. Very appealing to cycling nerds, but sort of an ugly duckling to the average person looking for a bike.

But yeah, to me that Gitane is just super sweet. It's just a prime example of bike boom french goodness. Now to educate the buyer as to why the bike should remain as is with steel wheels, cottered crank, Simplex derailleur is a whole other bag. The components works well together. look good together, and if its lasted 40 plus years and looks that good, why change anything. Its an acquired taste I guess.

Ciyttraveller - Its a super bike. Hope you get it. Post pictures here if you do.

Citytraveller

Thank you everyone for your input! So helpful to hear from seasoned bikers, since this is my first bike purchase. I think I'm going to purchase the Gitane bike- comfortable ride and I do like the orange color- I'll post pictures too once I do!

Very excited

juvela

best of luck with it Citytraveller!

hope you two get along great.

thanks for visiting the forum.

rootboy 

I love this. So excited, first bike purchase and it's a forty year old bike. You're all right in my book CT!

I love my Orange bike too.

zukahn1 

I will admit that I don't get it but French mixte's do tend to sell at a pretty hefty premium so $200 is a fair price for one with nice paint in a choice color.