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1976 Racer for children 
PostPosted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 10:30 am Reply with quote
gitane15
Joined: 11 May 2015
Posts: 22
Location: Paris, France
Here's a junior Gitane (24" - 600A) that I'm currently restoring for my kids. The frame size is 49 and the top tube is 51. It has 10 speeds and no mudguards/dynamo, so it looks like the model RACER as seen in the catalogues of '75 and '78. Mine is a late 1976 or early 1977 model, judging from the dates I found on the derailleur.





Even here in France, it's uncommon to see small Gitanes, esp. 10-speeds. I plan to clean it well and upgrade some components. To be continued..
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 8:48 am Reply with quote
gitane15
Joined: 11 May 2015
Posts: 22
Location: Paris, France
Here's some little challenges when upgrading junior bike components. While replacing the Weinmann 730 brakes with Mafac, I noticed that the vertical bracket of the latter is not wide enough. The bridge diameter is 13mm and the bracket is probably for 12. It'll hold when tight, but it is kinda strange.



Would have liked to use Mafac brake levers too, but I've never seen any for sale for children bikes or even a photo. They must exist because they're referenced in the Mafac catalogue. So it'll have to wear then a pair of thin and light Weinmann ones.

The second upgrade is a short 70mm Atax stem in lieu of an ugly Pivo it had. But the handlebars are smaller and thinner on this bike, and the stem won't compress enough. I will have to add a discreet spacer of some sort underneath so that it grabs the bar tight.

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PostPosted: Fri May 13, 2016 7:34 am Reply with quote
gitane15
Joined: 11 May 2015
Posts: 22
Location: Paris, France
Finally finished the bike for summertime Wink Here's the specs and pictures:

http://www.gitaneusa.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3006
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1976 Racer for children 
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