Show off your Gitane!
07-23-15 | 02:09 AM
#151
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 27,576
Likes: 5,456
From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Handlebars are odd, but it does have the Mafac brake levers and calipers. I suppose I'll probably just install drops. Cranks seem good, except for middle ring wear on the rear.
The dual brake lever had two cables stuffed into it. I think I'll try to make a new custom dual cable. There is one on E-Bay, but they want an arm and a leg for it.
Unfortunately I have severe pitting on the rear cones, and a bad pit on the rear DS race. Well, the life of dealing with non-standard, hardly supported old stuff.
07-23-15 | 03:52 PM
#153
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 51
From: Work in Asia, now based in Vienna, VA
It would appear that I previously posted a photo of my 1971 Super Corsa, but not one of my much loved war horse, a 1971 Tour de France that I bought new and still love to ride.
Only the seat post bolt and the small chainstay clip are original. The grips and bar tape desperately need to be refreshed. New wheels include a 5-speed 600EX cartridge hub with a 13-28 cluster and a Phil front hub on M13II rims and Pasela tires. Zeus pedals and Powergrips. Modolo pro brakes.
That’s a Sachs Quarz RD, just to stay French. The chainrings are 51/38. The Suntour Cyclone FD has been on the bike since that FD was released. This bike is very stable and tracks utterly true. This is a Gitane at its best! imho, of course.
Only the seat post bolt and the small chainstay clip are original. The grips and bar tape desperately need to be refreshed. New wheels include a 5-speed 600EX cartridge hub with a 13-28 cluster and a Phil front hub on M13II rims and Pasela tires. Zeus pedals and Powergrips. Modolo pro brakes.
That’s a Sachs Quarz RD, just to stay French. The chainrings are 51/38. The Suntour Cyclone FD has been on the bike since that FD was released. This bike is very stable and tracks utterly true. This is a Gitane at its best! imho, of course.
Okay. A bit of blasphemy here, but on a spur-of-the-moment whim I decided to throw a set of 650B wheels (and Tektro long-reach brakes) onto the beloved War Horse. I am more than a bit surprised, but it rides like such a dream, and those 38mm Col de la Vie tires are both swift and truly comfy!
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
07-24-15 | 02:49 AM
#154
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 403
Likes: 6
From: south of France
Bikes: MBK mirage,PEUGEOT PSN10,PEUGEOT competition 7000,LA PERLE course, PEUGEOT pulse,L.AIMAR course
07-24-15 | 02:58 AM
#155
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 403
Likes: 6
From: south of France
Bikes: MBK mirage,PEUGEOT PSN10,PEUGEOT competition 7000,LA PERLE course, PEUGEOT pulse,L.AIMAR course
And a more recent 1998 GITANE "Mach" 700 or 800...also with a triple crankset and pretty colour; GITANE "Bassamo" saddle ; it is all in original condition.
Servimg.com - Free image hosting service
Servimg.com - Free image hosting service
07-26-15 | 07:27 AM
#157
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 403
Likes: 6
From: south of France
Bikes: MBK mirage,PEUGEOT PSN10,PEUGEOT competition 7000,LA PERLE course, PEUGEOT pulse,L.AIMAR course
Curiously , the first is 800 grs lighter (frame made withe EXTRALITE tubes probably TANGE origine, cromoly double butted for the second)
08-14-15 | 01:04 PM
#158
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 51
From: Work in Asia, now based in Vienna, VA
I don't ordinarily "out" auction site listings. . , BUT this is a VERY SMALL (50cm) 1971 Gitane Super Corsa in fine, fine condition.
I really hope someone here snags this. I got no one of the right size who'd be interested. Otherwise, I'd say nothing!!!
1971 50cm Gitane Service Course Full Campagnolo Group | eBay
Or, item # 121725785343
I really hope someone here snags this. I got no one of the right size who'd be interested. Otherwise, I'd say nothing!!!
1971 50cm Gitane Service Course Full Campagnolo Group | eBay
Or, item # 121725785343
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
09-15-15 | 01:51 PM
#159
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Deutschland
Bikes: '81 Concord Pro II, '74 Moto, '81 Raleigh 3-spd, 2015 BBF "Retro Style", '86 Gitane Champion, Trek 800 Antelope
Picked up this 86? Gitane Champion at the university bike sale over the weekend. Yes, I chopped the bars, and for that I am sorry. Pretty sure they weren't original anyway. Even though these were the bottom of the line, it is still the smoothest riding bike I have ever owned. This thing is awesome! Gonna keep it like it is I think...
geez, I just realized you can't see any of the original decals in that pic...I'll try and upload another one sometime
09-15-15 | 02:36 PM
#160
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 598
From: Baltimore MD
Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
I don't think I've posted my Gitane tandem here yet. And I need to take a more recent picture - I've since added a Phil/700c wheelset.
__________________
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
09-15-15 | 04:10 PM
#161
Ellensburg, WA
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 706
From: Lewiston, ID
Bikes: See my signature
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1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
09-16-15 | 06:47 AM
#162
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 51
From: Work in Asia, now based in Vienna, VA
That's a really handsome tandem. I wasn't a great fan of Gitane tandem bikes, but you got this one looking truly fine.
Nice mix on sizing, too!
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
09-19-15 | 07:27 PM
#163
tantum vehi
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 1,314
From: Flathead Valley, MT
Bikes: More than I care to admit
This is my father's 1973-ish Tour de France. It came with some upgrades like a Campy seatpost and Brooks Professional saddle. The rest was OEM (ie - whatever Gitane had available). I set it up for my wife and this is what it looks like after the Cino Heroica (105 miles over two days, 65 miles of gravel/dirt). I'll let you play the "what's changed between the two pictures" game.
Drive-side before:
Drive-side after:
Non-drive-side before:
Non-drive-side after:
Drive-side before:
Drive-side after:
Non-drive-side before:
Non-drive-side after:
09-19-15 | 10:57 PM
#165
tantum vehi
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 1,314
From: Flathead Valley, MT
Bikes: More than I care to admit
"Harlequin Wrap" is a four letter word now... but thanks. I'm shooting for three colors when I get better.
Good eye! All correct with one slight exception: RD is unchanged. (FD is a more modern Simplex triple.) There's still one more switch you missed!
Good eye! All correct with one slight exception: RD is unchanged. (FD is a more modern Simplex triple.) There's still one more switch you missed!
09-19-15 | 11:05 PM
#166
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 247
From: Midwest
Bikes: See the signature....
Brake levers. Glad you managed to get the back wheel to quit slipping in the dropouts.
__________________
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '84 Trek 770, '85 Centurion Cinelli
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '84 Trek 770, '85 Centurion Cinelli
09-19-15 | 11:06 PM
#167
Elitest Murray Owner
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,657
Likes: 3
Bikes: 1972 Columbia Tourist Expert III, Columbia Roadster
Brake levers!?
09-20-15 | 04:34 AM
#168
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 161
From: Capestang, France
Bikes: Lots of French, some British and a couple of Italian
09-20-15 | 05:32 AM
#169
tantum vehi
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 1,314
From: Flathead Valley, MT
Bikes: More than I care to admit
09-20-15 | 06:54 AM
#170
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 51
From: Work in Asia, now based in Vienna, VA
This is my father's 1973-ish Tour de France. It came with some upgrades like a Campy seatpost and Brooks Professional saddle. The rest was OEM (ie - whatever Gitane had available). I set it up for my wife and this is what it looks like after the Cino Heroica (105 miles over two days, 65 miles of gravel/dirt). I'll let you play the "what's changed between the two pictures" game.
Drive-side before:
Drive-side after:
Non-drive-side before:
Non-drive-side after:
Drive-side before:
Drive-side after:
Non-drive-side before:
Non-drive-side after:
Very nice, indeed.
__________________
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
09-20-15 | 11:43 AM
#173
tantum vehi
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,619
Likes: 1,314
From: Flathead Valley, MT
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Thanks for the kudos. Indeed my dad was very psyched. I was almost able to keep it secret from him until he walked into my garage with the frame in the stand. Regardless, he was like a kid getting his first bike when I brought the finished product over and he took it for a quick spin.
I normally eschew repainting/powder coating vintage frames, but what looks like "dirt" on the frame in the before pictures is actually all surface rust. There would have been more touchup paint than original paint by the time I got done. Some decals were toast too. I'll post over in gitaneusa... eventually. It took me a while just to get these together. The build kept me very busy recently... it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but it was worth it!
I normally eschew repainting/powder coating vintage frames, but what looks like "dirt" on the frame in the before pictures is actually all surface rust. There would have been more touchup paint than original paint by the time I got done. Some decals were toast too. I'll post over in gitaneusa... eventually. It took me a while just to get these together. The build kept me very busy recently... it wasn't all sunshine and roses, but it was worth it!
09-21-15 | 03:41 PM
#174
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 7,002
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Hi @jellyfishhh. Is there writing on the right hand chain stay? It's the spitting image of mine, but I can't make out what it says. I also have whats left of a cadre et fourche 531 sticker on the DT.
09-21-15 | 03:55 PM
#175
TdF's say Email. Go figure.