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GT

sandranian · Site Admin

Very nice example of a rare bike indeed! Thanks for sharing these photos. I love the brake levers....really haven't seen that setup before, which is great (and no doubt comforable). I wouldlike the extra hand position that the standard levers would give, but the convenience of those levers would be great for touring. Are you the original owner, or did you restore that bike?

GT · Last edited by GT on Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:42 am; edited 1 time in total

I got the bike a few years ago. She was moslty all there but with a few wrong parts as is typical after all these years. Full Campy kit except I sustituted the TA pedals as they are a favorite of mine. Note the Merz 32t inner chainring. Full 531db frame too. She is a very nice riding bike. I considered putting tandem handlebar stubs on for more hand posistions but have not found it to be necessary.

greyhundguy

GT,
Exceptional!!!

Do you find that the Brake Booster Plates make a big difference? Are you using S-M/Kool Stop pads?

Jay

GT

Yes the combination of Kool-Stop pads and the booster plates make for a
QUIET and strong braking system.

greyhundguy

GT,
I noticed the Map. Where do you live in CT? I grew up in Avon. My Brother still lives there. I've been in VA since 1970.

Jay

smilingroadrunner

Wonderful care & refurbishment of an early '70's Gitane. As Stephan mentioned this is a rare model. I've always liked the Champion Blue paint scheme. I noticed the small additions of ??? wire to the rear spokes----is this a balancing scheme to offset weight of valve stem and/or tire tube weight??

I Like Steel !!!!
_________________
C.A.
Salina, Ks.

GT · Last edited by GT on Sun Aug 30, 2009 6:56 am; edited 1 time in total

I'm up in the Northwest hills which has some great riding!

That is actually solder wrapped around the spokes/nipples. This is an old motorcycle trick used on spoked wheels. I don't usually bother for a slight imbalance but for anything more it makes a difference you can feel as speed goes up on the downhills.

A few more pix

greyhundguy

If you are in the Canaan, Norfolk area, you DO have some great areas to ride. Perfect for this Bike.

Jay

MRussell

GT,

Great work!

I've recently begun restoring the same model Gitane Gran Tourisme. You can see my first post on this forum here: http://gitaneusa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1421

I'm using this opportunity to learn about road bikes - something I know nothing about. I'm in the process of breaking it all down, cleaning everything, and seeing how it works. Then I'll put it all back together.

I'm curious what kind of RD you have on this extraordinary job. Is it the Campy Rally? Do you like it? Worth seeking out?

My bike has the original all steel Gran Turismo RD that I'd like to replace and I want to know what's a good alternative (that's era appropriate and high quality).

Did the RD come with the bike? If not, how did you pick it up?

Also, in your restoration project, did you come across any unexpected frustrations specific to this model? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

Mike