Anyone have any experience and point of view regarding the Gitane Gran Tour? Is the worth the hassle of taking on a french threaded bike?

I've been looking for a touring bike - and had hoped to find a higher end 80's Miyata or Trek tourer at a reasonable price - but this just popped up on local CL.

I'd be all over it if the price is reasonable, but I'm used to dealing with French bikes and I love Gitanes.

If it were my size I think I would have bought it already - I'm working in Waltham right now. But it's not. I imagine he'd come down since I think he said it was in his way... Though the picture is small, so you'd have to see it in person.

edit: You could always have it rethreaded. I'm sure Harris would do it.

+1 It really depends on price and condition. At the right price, go for it. If you ever find the Miyata you are looking for, you should be able to get your money back out of it. I routinely swap bikes out of my "keeper" fleet. Anymore, keeper just means what I am keeping for now.

As far as finding a good deal on a Trek or Miyata, you will either have to be really lucky, or look really aggressively. There is a really good market out there for Treks and Miyatas, so you will have to move lightning fast if one pops up.

Agh - I was in a hurry and didn't see the frame size in the listing (56cm). I'm 6'0" so it's just a little too small for me too. I spoke with the seller who seems like a very reasonable guy and I suspect you're right in assuming he might be willing to work something out. But not for me. I'll have to keep on looking...

If its cheap enough, flip it to build a bike fund. A size 56 is a very popular size. The deals I find on bikes that are not my size fund the purchase of bikes that are my size.

It listed for $165 though I'm guessing he would take $150. Seems to be little ridden and in nice condition.

I hear you on the funding proposition, but to me it seems priced in the 'makes sense if you will ride it, but not to flip category'. But maybe I'm wrong?

I think you're right, but I'm not a big time bike flipper.

i have one its great , that a eighties bike so might not be french threaded

How many Gitanes do you have?

right now ,7. ive taken a long break from buying bikes and bought a harley . have been dumping my $$ into that for awhile.its about where i want it . ill get back into the gitanes ,but i only want certain ones ie delta wing ,penny farthing ,folding,track etc.
havent visited this place for a long time too.