gitaneusa.com :: View topic - Mystery vintage cyclocross-- is it a Gitane?

Rixtir

Sorry for the cross-posting from Modern Gitanes, but I am hoping that somebody will recognize my bike, and it's right on the cusp of vintage/modern...

I recently made the winning bid on an eBay bike that was advertised as a Gitane. It's a cyclocross bike, although I doubt the seller knew that (it wasn't mentioned in the listing). It was alleged to be a Gitane by the original owner (from whom the eBay seller acquired it), but has been repainted, so there are no decals of any kind on it. Can anybody recognize it, whether as a Gitane, or another make? It looks a little different from the Gitane XO I've seen online here (click on the picture for an enlarged view). I'm guessing it's a '91, based on the hi-wire cable routing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2874071585_db01d98698.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2874901502_f9c7a050a1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2874071713_e7f223dc95.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2874096391_a7b27cb8aa.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2874096225_27d054cb9a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2874096289_f844ab5391.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2874926138_3cf24c2f06.jpg?v=0

Does anybody here recognize the bike?

Rick,
Portland, OR

sandranian · Site Admin

That is going to be a tough one, seeing as that era of Gitane is rare in the USA.

Rixtir

I asked the eBay seller for more information. He says he bought it at a garage sale, and that the original owner bought it in Europe. I'm guessing it's a European cyclocross model-- an XO, specifically-- circa 1991. Has anybody ever had any luck asking Gitane about their bikes?

sandranian · Site Admin

Generally, Gitane in France has no knowledge about their older models. I would imagine that someone there does...but finding that person has so far proved to be impossible.

I wonder when the industry changed the rear dropouts? I would imagine that you will be able to at least get a ballpark figure from that, although I believe your estimate is probably acurate.

Paul Wiseman

yup. vertical rear tips became popular (again) in the early 90's. By the mid 90's we were all subjected to aluminium and carpet fibre frames.

Nomad

For the sake of history and future searchers, I can confirm this is a Gitane. Same exact model and I just picked up.

My blog shows photos and any other info I find will be posted.

http://ridesgoneby.blogspot.com/2014/11/gitane-cyclocross-bike-bit-of-french.html

I'd love to see a euro catalog from 91-93. I may do an all out paint/decal parts resto on this. "Patina" is cool and all but...