The MAX

Hey guys,
Saw this in the local classifieds. Seems ridiculously over priced and I think his claim is bogus. However I don't know enough about pre-80's to make a judgment call.

What do you guys think?

PS: I'm not thinking about buying it lol, just curious.

https://novascotia.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-sports-bikes-COLLECTABLE-GITANES-1970S-TOUR-DE-FRANCE-RACING-BIKE-W0QQAdIdZ299245577

Mike Mills

It's a very nice bike. It would clean up beautifully.

I would not believe for a second that this exact bicycle was ever used in the TdF unless some proof was offered.

The price seems a bit high but it is a nice bike.

The stem is up dangerously high and is susceptible to breaking off. Hopefully there's no fatigue damage on the stem as a result of this set up.

ciocc_cat

That's a Sugino crank - common on TdFs exported to the US in the 1970s (my Tdf came with a Sugino Mighty Competition - this appears to be the drillium version which was available from Bike Warehouse/Nashbar.) Paint/decals suggest mid-to-late 1970s.

TdFs were raced by some promising French amatuers - including a young Bernard Hinault.

OldsCOOL

History aside, the bike seems to have been very well cared for. I was looking at the tape under the cable clamps on the top tube. Somebody cared.

As for being a tour bike....and correct me if I'm wrong....were there many bikes in the days of centerpull brakes used them in the TdF? I was under the impression they all used something more substantial in the sidepull arrangement.

Flying Merkel

Provenance. If the seller doesn't have one, the story is worthless.

The line I use when fed a historical tale is thus: I believe you sir, for you appear honest. However, the guy I want to sell the bike to won't believe me.

ciocc_cat

IIRC, by the late 70s the team frames used in the Tour and other pro races had a small tab (which this frame doesn't have) brazed to the underside of the top tube near the head tube where the race number was displayed. That may have not occurred until the 80s though - not sure.

Regardless, I don't recall Sugino cranks being ridden on any bike in the Tour in the 1970s.

SteveSGP

It almost seems that he's just trying to say it's a Gitane Tour de France and not an actual tour bike.

Regardless it's not a Gitane TdF as they had chrome chrome rear stays.

My TdF was a bit older but it had a Stronglight crank and Huret Jubilee DRs and originally would have had Mafac Competition brakes, not that they were all equipped the same way.

SteveSGP

double post.

Scooper

This. Without ironclad documentation (like a notarized statement from the TdF rider with the serial number of the bike and a photo of him riding it during Le Tour), it's just a story. It's a nice bike, but not a $1k bike.

Mike Mills

I read itt earlier and just re-read it now. I even copied the text below. To me, he is clearly trying to say this bike was used in the TdF. I suspect it was not. Without proff from the Seller, the claim is meaningless.

"This bike is now a collectable antique bike.
It's a sprinter bike that been use in the tour de France in the 1970's.
Hand made in France with a England Reynold special frame. 700 Wheel by RIGID. $950.00."