I'm taking a look at a Gitane Champion that appears to be dated 1985.
Question: Would a Gitane of this vintage have transitioned to english threaded BB vs the old skool french? Also can't seem to find if they were standard with 27" wheels or 700C

hoep someone can help

Mark

A 1984 Gitane Criterium I just picked up is English threaded if that helps.

very likely it's BSC threaded by '85...but check with
www.gitaneusa.com
to be sure and for a peek at their catalog scans which might include wheel specs...but remember that Gitane did things ad-hoc, a lot.
Quick look there says that the '85 Champion did come with 27" wheels...

I just now found the catalog scans and they say 27" wheels
to be honest, I'm looking for an 80's or early 90's steel crit bike to do a (gasp!) 650B wheel conversion... this one actually has a mish mash of non original wheels so it might work - if the clearances are right and the brake reach is not too great.
the Brit threading makes the upgrade easier
cool blue bike

The brake reach may be too much if it was originally equipped with 27" wheels. You never know with French bikes. My Peugeots have huge clearances, but my Gitane is so tight that a 27 X 1 1/4" tire won't clear the fork.

arrgh... oh well. I may take a look and measure. Tektro R556 will go up to 73MM - which is pushing it. From some pics I found on line, the clearances look promising. We'll see.