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gumby

I am new to this forum. I currently own a 1985 Gumby green Performance.

I am trying to ID this model Ebay Item number: 7249933756.

Any assistance would be great.

sandranian · Site Admin

I saw this auction a few days ago. There really is no way to tell what that is. It is a repaint, with decals made by someone because they didn't have either a pattern or other decal source. In other words, there is no telling what that is, or if it is even a Gitane. The paint job seems to be a bit cheap as well, or at least done by someone who doesn't normally paint bicycles (note the overspray into the bottom bracket shell).

That being said, it does appear to be at least a medium quality frame, as indicated by the internally routed rear brake cable guides, Vitus dropouts and Bocama lugs. No number peg, though.

Looks like one, but who knows! Maybe an early 1983 Tour de France? Perhaps a 1985/86 Record?

Anyone else with an opinion?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7249933756&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fws%2Fsearch%2FSaleSearch%3Fsofocus%3Dbs%26satitle%3D7249933756%26sacat%3D-1%2526catref%253DC5%26amp%253Bsspagename%3Dh%253Ah%253Aadvsearch%253AUS%26from%3DR7%26nojspr%3Dy%26pfid%3D0%26fsop%3D1%2526fsoo%253D1%26fcl%3D3%26frpp%3D50%26fvi%3D1

Paul Wiseman

Hi Gumby Gitane (cool name by the way)

The lugs look the same as my 85 bikes, and the indentation along the chain stay is the same as well. Of course, that doesn't proove anything. Does anyone state-side have an 83 - 87 bike that they can compare serial number format with? I notice the number in the pic begins with US. The Aust. bikes are a different format.

Re: the less than perfect paint job. At least it's accurate to the original finish quality....... Very Happy

If it is an 85, it's higher up than the Defi. The Vitus drop outs are better than the Defi which is the cheapest bike with internal cable routing. (course, it might not be an 85.....)

I think it probably is a Gitane. Gitanes aren't so well loved that someone would go to the effort of having fake decals made when you can buy better looking reprints of better known 'brands' from your local bike shop. But you never know, it just might be a colnago underneath..... Laughing

sandranian · Site Admin

The seller wrote the following:

"It was gray with yellow and black lettering that read Cycle Gitane. The tube material is 531 Reynolds. Not sure about the date. Thanks for asking!"

That would indicate a later 1980's frame, perhaps? I am guessing 1988, but then I don't remember if they had the Bocama stampt on the forks.

Paul Wiseman

Check out the specs page in the 85 catalogue on this site. Defi: Vitus drop outs, Bocama fork, internal brake cable, integrated seat clamp, silver, yellow/black decals - but it's made from reynolds 453 (main tubes only) and not 531. I went back to my Defi, and I was wrong about the rear drop outs. They are exactly the same...... so are the lugs......