gitaneusa.com :: View topic

Gtane · Last edited by Gtane on Thu Jun 25, 2009 11:02 am; edited 3 times in total

Just found this 1988 Gitane for sale. Interestingly, the transfers are on the bike the incorrect way round (as has been noted before via the catalogue). Any thoughts? Are they actually correct, did they change styles from time to time? Nice machine though.

http://www.leboncoin.fr/vi/48072348.htm?ca=7_s

Tim

sandranian · Site Admin

That is a 1988 french model "Avenir", with Vitus tubing. You will notice that the "backwards" sticker placement was apparently common, as the "Replica" pictured in the 1988 US catalogue was similarly erred.

Gtane

Excellent Stephan, thanks for your insight.

So, this one - http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/f1988_pg3.jpg

I notice that the on sale machine has vertical rear dropouts and no mudguard eyelets, against the catalogue.

Tim

sandranian · Site Admin

That is a fun site, by the way. Check this out:

http://www.leboncoin.fr/vi/51329187.htm?ca=7_s

Gtane

Absolutely, now that's a bike! What a machine and a stunning find. In that condition, oily rag, nothing more. Just great.

It's probably got a back pedaling brake.

Tim

sandranian · Site Admin

Regarding the 1988, could that have been a respray? I did not know that any bike came with vertical dropouts in 1988...

Also, it appears not to be lugged.

Gtane

I definitely agree that vertical dropouts are unusual for the time and if they were the latest thing, they would certainly be on the top models. But who knows, perhaps they trialled an idea, perhaps a prototype is a possibility, but very remote. Maybe something else as you say.

Tim