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Wanting a Vintage Gitane 
PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 4:20 pm Reply with quote
bikester1
Joined: 14 May 2015
Posts: 4
Location: Oklahoma
Hi!

I'm new to the forum and to cycling. I have recently discovered Gitane bicycles and would like to have a vintage Gitane. I found one online that I like but I was told on another forum that I would never find this model in a small enough frame for my 5' 4.5" height.

http://www.classicrendezvous.com/France/bicycles/Gitane/Gitane_early70sTdF.htm

Can someone steer me in the right direction and tell me which Gitane model(s) might come in my size, please?

Thank you!

Gail
Muskogee, OK
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Early 70s Gitane Tour de France 
PostPosted: Thu May 14, 2015 7:55 pm Reply with quote
verktyg
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 2814
Location: SF Bay Area
Gitane unlike many other European bike manufacturers made frames from 50cm to 64cm measured from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube.

The sizes were "nominal" (close enough) especially the inch size conversions.

50cm, 54cm, 57cm, 60cm, 62cm and 64cm

19 1/2", 21 1/2", 22 1/2", 23 1/2". 24 1/2" and 25 1/2"



50cm (19 1/2") Gitanes show up frequently on eBay. You might also check Craigslist.

I'd suggest that if you find a bike or frame from the 1970s through early 1980s, that it's made with all Reynolds 531 tubing. There are other good brands of tubing too - see below.

There were a lot of bikes made with only the 3 main frame tubes Reynolds 531. Many sellers see a Reynolds 531 sticker assume that the whole frame in Reynolds tubing.

All Reynolds 531 stickers - before 1974:



Post 1974 Reynolds 531 stickers:



Pre 1974 3 main tubes stickers:



Post 1974 3 main tubes stickers:



The 3 main tube Reynolds 531 frames are adequate but... WOW! I could hav had a V8!


In the late 70s and early 80s Gitane started using Super Vitus 971 and 980. In 1984 they used Super Vitus 983 which was similar to 971. These were very good too.

SV971



SV980 - lightest and best riding



SV983 - in between 971 and 980




In the 80s Gitane started using Columbus SL tubing on their top models.




The frame and wheels are the most important part of a sporting bike. A bike or frame made of those premium alloy steel tubes would be my first choice.


Gitane also made mid range bikes with Durifort and Vitus tubing plus some in the 80s with lesser grades of Columbus tubing.


A frame with an integral rear derailleur hanger is usually a sign of a better quality model.








Lastly look for alloy rims on the wheels.

good luck... Wink

_________________
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: Mon May 18, 2015 5:54 pm Reply with quote
bikester1
Joined: 14 May 2015
Posts: 4
Location: Oklahoma
Thank you very much for all of the info. I'm going to start looking for a Gitane. Very Happy

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Bikester1
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Looking For A Gitane 
PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2015 12:40 am Reply with quote
verktyg
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 2814
Location: SF Bay Area
What size do you ride?

_________________
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
View user's profile Send private message
 
PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2015 6:11 am Reply with quote
bikester1
Joined: 14 May 2015
Posts: 4
Location: Oklahoma
I’m riding 16” and 17” bikes now. I’m hoping I can get a Gitane in the 19 ½” and adjust the seat down. I’m 5” 4.5”. Do you think that will work or do you think the 19 1/2" will be too tall for me? I'm a beginner at this bike fit thing. Smile

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Bikester1
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Wanting a Vintage Gitane 
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