1970 (?) Gitane 10 Speed Review

I bought this Gitane for $40 to fix up and "flip". I was told by the seller it is a 1967 but I have since discovered that Gitane used the font on the bike in the early 1970s. So, at this point it's anybody's guess as to the age.

[@cefnonn]

Nice bike, full of retro character! Mine is a bit later - I like its rigidity; it goes where I point it! I like your bike's purple paintwork which looks in quite good condition.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I absolutely agree! I really like my 2018 Nishiki, but the ride feel is entirely different between aluminum and steel. Luckily, I've got both!

[@MrMaury1965]

love it. restoring a 70''s Gitane to

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

This is definitely on my project list. :)

[@FFSDenny]

My father built me my first “adult” sized road bike with this frameset. Mine was built with SunTour, Sugino, and SR components.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Nice first bike!

[@Caperhere]

I still have my candy apple hred 1974 Peugeot 26” ten speed. Still have the book that came with it, with $159. written on it. I love the bike because my father went shopping for it, and gifted me the best he could find. Because we moved a lot to hilly towns, I didn’t use it much after 1976. It has Tour de France written on it. I enjoyed babying it, and admiring it, for it’s sentimental value. Not sure where to advertise it. Any pointers on finding a market would sure be appreciated. It was bought in New Brunswick, Canada.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

That sounds like a sweet bike! I have bought my used bikes via Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You might look into those.

[@Caperhere]

Jim's Obsessive Cycling Disorder Thank you.

[@markbattista6857]

The shifters , if you look closely are Simplex

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Yes indeed. And they are fancy looking too. The rear derailleur is also Simplex, but the jockey wheels were worn down to nubs. I'm going to hunt around for replacements eventually.

[@johnwheeler4681]

Nice bike I want a 1970 road bike,you have a cannondale seat on it

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Good eye. Sadly the bike had been left outside too long and both the seat post and fork were so seized they were unsalvageable. I ended up stripping what parts I could and use the frame as a wall hanging.

[@johnwheeler4681]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder at least its a wall hanger I'm a little passionate over bikes I've lost 135lbs in just over a year and cycling has played a big part in me getting my weight under control,I use to love riding,between injuries depression and weight gain I thought I'd never be able to ride again after loosing my first 50lbs and was able to start riding again now I ride a lot and never want to loose riding a bicycle again

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

@@johnwheeler4681 Congratulations! Great accomplishment!

[@markhale5312]

Jim, this bike is much newer than 1967, dating to the mid-1970s or later (Gitane used an all caps font in 60s and into early 70s, switching to the all lower case lettering in 1973 or so. You can try and find your model in any of the various Gitane catalogues you can find online: www.gitaneusa.com/catalogues01.asp

[@CoachJimJacobsen]

Hi Mark, Thanks for the info and the resource. This one is on my "to do" list for a light restoration this spring.