Gitane Stem question
 

Hi everyone, as you all probably know by now I have a 72 gitane TdF i'm working on.

I know on some older bikes you can raise/lower the stem, is there any way to do that on this bike?

and if so, how do you do it?

I did not know you had a Gitanes TDF.

Quill stems are raised by loosening the bolt on top of the stem and giving it a good whack with a mallet. When the bolt drops down, then the stem will loosen and you can adjust the up/down...side to side all you want.

While it is loose, pull it out and give it a little coating of grease. Prevents seizure.

If seized, report back.

Good luck!

On all older bikes you can raise and lower the stem, but only if it is not stuck. Stuck stem and seat post are both pretty common on old bikes, particularly those that have been ignored for years (which is the case for most of them).

I love my leather mallet for giving stem bolts a solid tap without damaging their finish. Do not use a hammer, if you do, use a block of wood between the stem bolt and the hammer. Also, do not remove the bolt all the way! You are trying to get a wedge to release that is at the bottom of the bolt. Pull the bolt and there is no way to release the wedge.

+1. Pay close attention to Bill's advice above.

Here is the stem in my 1971 Gitane. It's not the original, but you should note that should you seek to change, the stem is also French.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...pspo0rag3q.jpg

You should also know that the bolt in all my French stems is 7mm, an odd size that may require a trip to your local auto parts dealer.

I also didn't recall your TdF project. Photos?

FWIW, the inside diameter of Gitane TdF steerer tubes WILL accept a conventional 22.2 mm quill stem - thanks Chas.! - but you may have to work some on the headset locknut. On my bike, a previous owner replaced the Stronglight headset locknut with a Zeus unit, which nicely accommodates the Nitto Technomic Deluxe I am currently using.

Add me to the chorus wanting pix!

man, are you out of the loop.

I'm good with that.

72. It's a PIVO, if original. While you have it out, inspect it closely for small cracks near the wedge slot.