Found an old Gitane
 

Hello

Looking for something to ride around town and maybe some longer rides, I started shopping for an older road bike a couple weeks ago.

Today I found an old gitane that was my size at the thrift store, 40 bucks. A very good price considering the Seattle Craigslist prices, so I bought it and would like to fix it up and get riding.

I really don't know anything about bikes and I have no idea what year or model this bike is. Guessing mid 70s based on what I have found but absolutely no certainty. Weighs 25+ lbs.
Suntour derailer
Suntour stem shifters
Im guessing the crank is also Suntour
Weinman/mafac brakes
BCM stamped on the lugs
Wheels say Rigida or something, I think they are 27 (as opposed to 700c?)
Pivo stem
10 speeds
"cycle gitane" sticker on the downtube and on the front and a "made in france" sticker under the seat

Hoping to find out what model this is (I am guessing one of the lower end ones?) and year.

Also I would like to know what upgrades I should make to have a solid bike for daily use.

Pictures:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215041http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215042http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215043http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215044http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215045http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215046http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215047http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215048http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=215049

Haven't ridden it yet because tires are flat. But it looks like the right brake lever is kinda turned at a weird angle and the tires and tubes will need replacing.

Thanks for any advice, help, information!

Honestly you could just clean it up, grease it and freshen up anything it needs and ride it.

Alloy wheels would be a big improvement but it'll work with the parts it's got, looks to be in good shape.

Should weigh more like 30 pounds. Date bikes by looking up component codes. Low end, but a find at that price. Do a basic service, and keep an eye out for alloy wheels.

Looks real nice! Clean/lube and ride her as is.:thumb:

Awesome. Yeah it looks to be in great shape so my friend is going to help me get it cleaned up a bit.

Thanks for the tip about the component codes I will try and find some.

Still no idea as to what model this is though, none of the models from the 70s have the stem shifters.

And will be on the look out for alloy wheels, any idea how much weight would be lost if I switched them out? I understand the braking is much more effective as well.

Oh and I put it on my home scale and it read 29.5 lbs so good guess!

Alloy wheels would drop 2-3 pounds, depending on the size and tire choice.

Put some air in the tires (which are not in that bad of shape, not as old as the bike for sure). Adjusted the front brake so it doesn't rub. Adjusted the seat post to a much better position. Took it for a spin and it rode great. Shifting works find and the brakes, while a little squeaky, were not bad either. Grip tape seems to be almost new. Wheels are not 100% true but seem close enough.

And from all the pictures I've seen, I am going to guess this is an Interlude from the mid 70s.

All in all, happy with my new bike :)

You can date your bicycle, by applying the information contained in How Old Is My Bike?