I am FINALLY getting there on the Gitane. The wheelset (tubular) is just a fill in until I decide what direction to go.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d7f0c0b7_k.jpg
Untitled by irishbx4th, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c87a8986_k.jpg
Untitled by irishbx4th, on Flickr

Nice job on the paint; those brakes aren't going to work, are they?

Not sure yet. I just put them on as placeholders for now. I would like them to but not sure.

Wanted to post up pics of what the hardware looks like in case it helps Tom with location or others reading the thread for the future.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dec8d6ffe1.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2c6d30ff37.jpg

Thanks again for this!

That ended up coming with the mystery SC/TdF I bought off eBay - it had no brake bridge, but clearly brazing material in that spot, and the bag of stuff that came with the frame had the part. No bridge means I won't be using it, so I'm happy to help on any French build with the exact OEM part if I've got it on hand! :D

I will say, I'm starting to wonder wtf USPS has against small French bike parts. I had a similar USPS delivery failure to the one we experienced when I sent a dropout spacer to [MENTION=43632]top506[/MENTION] for the PX-10 he picked up off me. I've learned my lesson about not sending Priority or paying the extra buck for tracking!

I decided to try out a SS/fixed flip flop build for a change. It may not stay like this for that long but I want to give it a go for the first time. The saddle and tires are placeholders until I HOPEFULLY finish this tomorrow.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f58a389f6.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...89d7911d1.jpeg
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About to follow you down a very similar rabbit hole!
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b79a55bfb3.jpg

should be fun !

If you haven't ridden fixed much, I recommend riding it in the winter as much as possible. You learn a lot, or, your legs learn a lot.

I was FINALLY able to finish the build and went on a 18 mile shakedown spin yesterday. I tried riding fixed for the first time but quickly switched back to SS since the trailway was covered in wet leaves and acorns and I wasn’t comfortable learning on that surface. A big thanks to [MENTION=413240]francophile[/MENTION] for providing me with the rear brake bridge cable stop thingy" and [MENTION=358081]Sir_Name[/MENTION] for the saddle trade which landed me the Selle Anatomica Titanico.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...617b10329.jpeg
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https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a9d3d7fad.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...87b62f95f.jpeg

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Well done, Greg!

Thanks! It took me long enough to complete and fill the SS/fixed void.

...and maybe also those chromed steel Campy pedals vs alloy french ones?

Looks awesome, [MENTION=384048]greg3rd48[/MENTION] !

Very tastefully done, I like it. Where'd you end up scoring the Simplex TT clamps? I'd been poking around watching the 'bay to see if anything popped up. There's a good looking set of Huret clamps that went up in the last 48 hours at a fair price, but nothing Simplex.

I forgot to get back to you about those clamps. After digging through the parts stash I found this set of Simplex clamps that I had from a parts bike a few years back. Luck!

Ends up the brakes fit and work great with room to spare.

The bike came out great and that's cool that the brakes worked. I have a Peugeot PR 10 that I really should turn into a single speed . . . .

Nice job Really like the color.

The shop that I have used for my powdercoating work twice now does meticulous work and the result is exactly what I had hoped for. Thanks!

Which powdercoating shop?

What are your tooth counts?

Are you up for a game of bicycle polo? There are two times per week. I think it's Thursday in Bushwick and Saturday in Chinatown. I went once, and I had a blast. A low-gear SS or FG is ideal.

Archanemoto in East NY, Brooklyn. They do great work at very reasonable expense. 44-16 tooth count. I would be up for it Tom. Let's touch base.

Looks great [MENTION=384048]greg3rd48[/MENTION]! Thanks again for the saddle trade, I’m loving the Pro. We’ll have to find a way to get in a French fixed ride at some point with your Gitane and my Motobecane!

greg3rd48 Looks fantastic! I just got my dad's old bike, the same as yours but perhaps a couple of years later - it has the MAFAC competition braking system. the state of the frame is OK btu many of the decals damaged & some rust here and there. I'm thinking of re-painting but I am wondering where you found all the decals/transfers. I was looking online but can't find it all. Thanks a lot!

Gitane Foil Decals
 

There are several sources for replacement Gitane foil decals.

Greg Softly at Cyclomondo in OZ makes the best... $45 + shipping. I helped him design them about 10 years ago so they are correct.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...329a4ef497.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9586b8cb8.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c200b5440c.jpg
On eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Gitan...IAAOSwm2ddaMuE

Select A and D on the second page for Super Corsa down tube and fork decals.

You can also order directly from him:

https://www.cyclomondo.net/gitane?li...tem-kbjfevff11
https://www.cyclomondo.net/gitane?li...tem-kbjfevff10

To order send him an email:

https://www.cyclomondo.net/contact-and-how-to-purchase

gtsoftley@ozemail.com.au

Delivery from overseas to the US is currently running up to a month due to the covid pandemic.

verktyg :50:

+1.
Greg's graphics grace my Super Corsa as well.

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