gitaneusa.com :: View topic - "Gitane Special Edition" ??? Does it exist ???

voncarlos

Anyone know what model this is?
Seller claims it's a "Gitane Special Edition", but I don't think they know what their talking about.
I think decals place it in the '80s, but the reflectors make me think it's a lower end model.

Thanks,
Carlos Olivares
Salt Lake, UT, USA

lofter

its definately eighties 84 or 85, it looks like the gitane vigorelli with what looks like it has a aero down and seat tube, unless its just the way the pic looks . all bikes that come from shops have reflectors installed on them , its a liability issue. check for eyelets on the dropouts , higher end racing bikes dont have them.

verktyg

The bike looks like an entry level model with lugless construction, "suicide" brake extension levers, nutted rear hub and a pie pan spoke protector.

Lofter is probably right that it's about a 1984 model.

In the early 80s Gitane, Peugeot and Motobecane started producing lugless frames on their bottom tier models. The tubes were mitered and special brazing material forms were placed between them. Everything was held together in a jig and placed in an oven for brazing.

A lot cheaper than hand brazing a lugged frame.

A lot of manufacturers have used euphemisms like "Special Edition" for bottom of the line products. Rolling Eyes

lofter

maybe its just the way it is in the picture,it looks as if the tubes are bent in the middle like the vigorelli . i was going to say its a allure , at least thats what it looks to me but without clearer pics its hard to tell
. alot of these have the model name next to the "fabrication frances"sticker on the top tube by the front . i gotta remember to call it like its in the catalog ....... a 85

verktyg

Lofter,

This is one of those Special Time Trial bikes with stem shifters for easy shifting in the tuck position. Laughing

Also notice the early clipless pedals.