Building a Gitane
 

Hey, ya'll. Greetings from Austin, TX.

I recently got a steal of a deal on a 1975 Gitane Tour de France with its original forks, Campagnolo hubs and a Stronglite crankset for $250. From what I understand, in 1975 it was a top-caliber, marquee racing machine that historically competed with the PX-10. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with the find. But I could use some expert opinion on suitable gear. The Reynolds 531 is lightweight and springy, and I want it to be equipped with proportional, high-end components that do justice to the bike. Does anyone have any comment on this process of customizing, and/or any recommendations on parts? Thanks in advance.

Have you consulted the catalogues at http://www.gitaneusa.com/ ?

Nuovo Record is always good; but I really liked the TdF I saw at Mel Pinto's back in the early 70's, although not seen in the catalogues, equipped with the Stronglight 93 crankset and Huret Jubilee derailleurs. I don't recall the brakeset, but NR would be nice. Tipo HF hubs with rims of your choice to finish it off.

I disagree. I would keep it French and use Simplex Super LJ derailers and Rerofriction shifters. They work much better than the Campagnolo NR and the Huret Jubilee. Your bike was probably originally equipped with Mafac Competition brakes and I like them a lot. That's why I have them on three bikes. Campagnolo Nuovo Record and Tipo hubs were optional on the TdF, but there's also Maillard 700, Normandy Luxe Competition and Pelissier. I have some later Mavic 501 hubs on mine and I love 'em.

Yes. Thanks for the reference. Much to my disappointment, the catalog does not showcase the '75 TdF. The H. Jubilee derailleurs, according to the late Sheldon Brown, are supposed to be some of the lightest, if not the lightest, in their custom class, and just totally gorgeous.

They are nice looking, they just don't shift very well.

If you have Simplex dropouts, neither a Campagnolo nor a Huret will fit without modifying the derailer hanger.

re: dirtdrop's suggestions
 

Thanks, Dirtdrop. I also like the idea of keeping the bike franco-centric. It's important the machine stay component-compatible. The H. Jubilee derailleurs are supposed to be incredibly light and elegant, but also problematic in shifting. The Simplex LJs sound like the right fit. The Mafac Competition brakeset also sounds like a good call if the original TdF was outfitted with such. Can't be sure if the Campies that come w/ are Valentino. Any advisement? Is it wise to retain the originals? What's best on the light-side of your hub-prescriptions?

Pics or it didn't happen.........I'll second the Simplex SLJ's and Mafacs.

kpug +1

re: TdF pics
 

Thanks, KPug. The catalog exhibits only non-'75 TdF's. Any parts-pics would be definitely appreciated. Good heads up. Plus #1 for sure, ozneddy.

Dirtdrop,

This was my suspicion. Sounds like I'd do best to avoid them.

hubs: you won't go wrong with the classics: Normandy Competition LUXE (note the luxe in capitals) large flange hubs which have (or had) a gold or red foil band in the center and sometimes red plastic dust shields: very smooth and correct for a French build. If you want to cheat just a little (might be cheating cause I don't know when they were intro'd) my favorites are *early* Mavic hubs, not the well-known 500 series but the ones with very conventional-looking hub shells...they are smooth as butter...on silk...but very rare.:D
Edit: oh NOW I see that Dirtdrop has already recommended the normandy luxe and the also-excellent pelissier and mailliard 700...probably all will be hard to find but the Normandys were the most common hub and likely cheapest when you do find them.