I first seen this bike on ebay. After the auction ended, it appeared on Craigslist. I had an interest in the bike, but the price wasn't good for me. A day had passed since the initial posting, and I decided to look and see if the bike was available. Much to my surprise, the bike's price had reduced by half. I made the necessary calls, and now the bike is mine.

Unfortunately, the bike is too small for me. I could make it work for me, but with two other nicer touring bikes in my garage, I've decided to sell it. If the geometry and/or size were different, I would be very tempted to keep it.

At the request of Auchencrow, I would like to give a ride report:

Interestingly, the bottom bracket is higher off the ground. I measured from the ground to the center of the cranks and the distance is 12" (as compared with my Schwinn Circuit which is 10 1/2"). So the standover height feels right, but the seat tube feels short.

Also, I like a long top tube, but this bike felt too short. The short stem only added to feeling crowded in the cockpit.

As to ride, the longer wheel base felt very good, and the bike handled very well. Although the frame is Hi Tensile Steel, I weight difference is barely noticeable.

As to lug work, the bike is beautiful. The Suntour components required minor adjustments and now work wonderfully.

Thanks for the low-down on the Gitane, Bikeman -

I was pretty curious about it myself after seeing another identical bike posted (though not necessarily selling) for $1399 on eBay. (You read right: $1399. )

-And from the looks of it - yours is in nearly the same incredibly well preserved condition.

But 12" from the ground to BB?!
What were they thinking?
I'm not a wiz at frame geometry so I really have to wonder what this high CG would have bought for them.

Wow, it looks almost perfect.