I recently found a abandon Gitane frame with a handful of salvageable parts on my campus and got real excited about how I might be able to make myself a ss/fg out of it. That dream didn’t last long however when I quickly found out (I’m a little ashamed of myself for not realizing it sooner) that the fame is way to big for me. It’s a 56cm and as a real short guy at 5’5” I would need something like a 49 or 50. Is it at all likely that I will ever be able to scrounge up a frame that size that I could convert or should I just forget it? Any thoughts? Anyone want the frame?

Thanks,
Tom

A 56 is going to be too big for you to ride at 5'5", even Rivendell would agree. It's not hard to come by 48-52cm frames at all. They're common and inexpensive on eBay.

Gitanes can be awesome. Sorry its too big for you. Maybe there is a coop in your area who would fix it up for resale.

In case you're curious, here's a picture of the 56er I have.

Thanks bonechilling. I will check out ebay for sure. I can't believe I haven't already. I mean... isn't that ALWAYS the first place you go for ANYTHING!? Still... you can't bet free...

Tom

Actually, there is a setup you can use that might work. Get a short stem, and use inverted 3-speed or cruiser bars. That will put your hands low and back. The standover will suck, but that's the least important of bike measurements. Just remember it will hurt if you slip off the saddle.

what type of tubing does it have? You might be able to trade it to someone on here for some nice parts or even a frame of your size.

Unfortunately it's the "slipping of the saddle and hurting myself" that I'm worried about! Yeah, working out some sort of trade would be awesome. We'll just have to see what works out. I'm in no hurry. I was just hoping I could come up with a simple, dependable, and durable bike to have around campus and it seemed like this was the way to go. I really appreciate your ideas. Thanks!

Tom

Just out of curiosity, what is the most common frame measurement? C-C? C-T?

Edit: I guess a better why to ask my question would be: When you are given frames size options when buying a new complete bike. where are those measurements taken from?

Hope everyone had a happy Easter!
Tom

ill take her mail her my way

Hey nelzar13. Sorry, I somehow didn’t see that you posted.

It’s yours if you want it. Let me just clarify a few things. As it turns out it’s a 1984 Gitane Interclub frame with Vitus 788 butted Manganese alloy tubing measuring 56cm C-T. I haven’t looked at the headset. It seems pretty smooth but I can’t promise you anything. The bottom bracket doesn’t appear to be in the greatest of concisions but it’s certainly workable. The whole thing sat in the snow for a while before I saved it...


If your still interested, PM me with your address and I’ll get you a shipping cost.

Tom