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thebuddhist

Missing brakes & seatpost/seat

Non-original bars/quill stem

I assume that period correct Shimano 600 brakes will fit the bill as all the other componentry is 600.

What about bars & stem? Were they fairly generic or would they have been Gitane specific? I assume a fluted seat post is in order.

Looking to make it more original and turn around & sell it. I neglected to measure it when I bought it as it was fairly cheap, 52cm, too small for me, I ride a 56.

I work at a bike shop so I have access to parts from all major vendors.

Thanks!

vanhelmont

Here are the specs from the '84 catalog:
http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1984/Page_08.jpg

The Shimano 600 seems not to have been original, but it's good stuff, and if I was interested in the bike I'd be happy with it. Since it's already got non-original components, I suppose any nice period-correct bars and stem are appropriate. And you'll lose your shirt on it if you try to make the thing all original!

Dave

thebuddhist

Hey thanks for the info! I didn't find that specs page earlier so I assumed 600 was OE spec.

I'll just do it up right into a nice piece of road machinery and make some shorty happy. Should be a fun refurb.

-Tom

thebuddhist

More here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodgnus/sets/72157624560311506/

verktyg

Nice bike. I like the blue color on that year Criterium better than any other Gitane color... except for early 70s orange and gold and...

In 1984 the Criterium had the same frame geometry as the Team Pro, Super Corsa and Tour de France models.

I've been doing some comparison riding between my favorite bikes and my 1984 Super Corsa is still the best riding and handling bike I own.

The forks and rear stays on the Criterium frames were made of Vitus 181 tubing which was slightly heavier gage than Super Vitus 983 used on the main tubes on that model. The Super Corsa and Tour de France used the same frames but different colors. They were all Super Vitus 983 tubing.

Scozim has a 1984 Criterium and a 1984 Tour de France. Maybe he can tell us if there is any difference in the ride between the two models.

My 1984 Tour de France bikes ride the same as my Super Corsa, just smaller tires.

BTW, you can get replacement decal for your bike on eBay fro $40.

Gtane

Tom,

Great bike and I'm sure a great ride too. Enjoy the restoration and thanks for posting.

Tim

scozim

I actually own a '84 Sprint with Vitus 788 tubing. I believe this was one model below the Criterium. Per the catalog it should have been Vitus 181 tubing, but that's not what the sticker says. The Super Vitus frame is clearly the lightest but also needs a fair amount of focus because it handles so well. The Sprint is much more planted but still a blast to ride.

Weight with the Mavic Module E original wheels is right around 22.5 lbs. I'm going to put some tubulars on it this afternoon and see how the bike feels with that change. I got the Sprint essentially with all original components with the exception of the bar tape and tires. I have since switched to a NOS Suntour Edge rear derailleur for better shifting, new housing, tape, thicker aero Tektro levers for more comfort and an Avocet 02 Air saddle. I had it out on Tuesday for a total of 77 miles - 50 in the morning and a fast group ride in the afternoon.

Too bad I don't live closer to you as I could be interested in the Criterium as it sits.