Gitane 1980's Racer - $750 (Cambridge)

bicycle type: road

frame size: 58 cm

wheel size: 700C

bicycle frame material: steel

brake type: caliper

handlebar type: drop

condition: excellent

make / manufacturer: Gitane

QR Code Link to This Post

I found this frame in the basement of a bike shop in France. The proprietor claimed that is was raced in the Tour but I cannot confirm. The original French Blue paint was faded around where the race number plate had been fastened back in the 70's and 80's. I had it painted Cannibal Orange and restored it with authentic French parts, mostly. I date it to the 1980's because the threads are English but the dimensions of the headset and seat post are French. Could be a team pro but Gitane usually used Columbus tubing for this model.

Details:
Frame: Vitus tubing (skinny) 58 CM
Recessed rear brake cable channel in top tube. Nice brazed on derailleur cable guides under bottom bracket.
Crank: Stronglight Competition 170 mm 52/39 with drillium rings. Pedal threads rebored for English threads.
Derailleurs: Front: Simplex. Rear: Huret Eco tweaked to accommodate 28 tooth large cog. Simplex LJ also available.
Huret/Sachs/ Spiedel retrofriction levers
Freewheel: Generic modern 14/28
Brakes: Grande Coupe side pulls. Period but not French. CLB side pulls also available (horse traded with Sheldon Brown) but gum rubber hoods no longer available.
Wheels: 1990's vintage Magic MA 4 tubular rims on Mavic sealed bearing hubs. 700C
Seatpost: Simplex micro-adjust (rare)
Stem: Pivo
Bars: Guidons Philippe
Headset: Stronglight roller bearing French dimension.
Saddle: San Marco
Pedals: Generic SPD but Time pedals available.

Quick and light for the period. Fun to ride or put up on the wall.

post id: 7883584027

posted: 2025-09-23 11:28

updated: 2025-11-10 10:36

♥ best of ^[?]

reading

writing

saving

searching

refresh the page.

Gitane 1980's Racer - bicycles - by owner - bike sale - craigslist