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Request for ID Help 
PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 9:41 am Reply with quote
SpacedInvader
Joined: 31 Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Location: UK
Hi all. I have been riding this bike for about a year now using it for daily commuting and occasional longer rides. I believe the previous owner purchased it in France. My research so far suggests to me that this is an entry level light touring bike from the mid seventies, possibly a Paris-Roubaix. I would be really grateful if anyone good confirm this. I would be interested to know more about the quality of the steel tubing as well.
Thanks
















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1976 Gran Sport Deluxe 
PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 4:27 pm Reply with quote
verktyg
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 2814
Location: SF Bay Area
Looks like a 1976 Gitane Gran Sport Deluxe, possibly a Paris-Tours GS European model.

The bars and stem have been upgraded. The stem is a forged alloy Phillipe Course Forgee and the bars are alloy too (the original bars were probably steel).

Someone changed the original MAFAC brake levers to Weinmann or Dia-Compe.

The wheels have been changed too. The original wheels would have had large flange hubs and maybe chrome plated rims. Your wheels look like they have better quality small flange hubs plus the Wolber alloy rims are from the 1980s.

The saddle has been upgraded from a plastic "ass-hatchet".

The frame is made of standard low carbon steel. Gitane used a little thinner wall thickness tubing so it will be a pound or two lighter than many lower priced models from that era.

While those Huret derailleurs are not fancy, they shift very well (when lubricated).

_________________
Chas.
SF Bay Area, CA USA
==============
1984 Criterium
1969 TdF
1971 TdF
1974 TdF
1984 TdF x 2 Bikes
1970 SC
1971 SC
1972 SC
1984 SC
1984 Team Pro
1985 Professional
1990s Team Replica
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PostPosted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 3:57 am Reply with quote
SpacedInvader
Joined: 31 Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Location: UK
Thank you very much for the quick and informative reply. I changed the saddle and brake levers (now Dia-Compe) myself, both of which I found uncomfortable on the original. I didn't realise the bar and stem were changed, thanks for pointing that out. The bottom bracket / crank has started creaking but they are hopefully serviceable. The shifters do indeed work well.

Thanks
Duncan
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Request for ID Help 
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