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denimjeff

hey does anyone know if there is a modern crankset that will work with the 1978 grand prix gs 1403 touring frame. i found the bike in a free pile and am using it as a learning project as i'm new to bike building etc. any advice???

verktyg

Are you sure that the bike is a Gitane and not a Raleigh Grand Prix GS?

Chas.

denimjeff

nope i'm 99.9% sure its a gitane. here's the '78 catalog page i found it on.

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1978_pg8.jpg

2nd picture down is what i have. the decals and paint are all original as to the picture. i translated the text too and it matches up with most of the components. the frame has a lot of surface rust etc so i'm looking to use it as a fixed gear city beater (beer bike) and to learn how to build/fix bikes.

it currently has a cottered crankset that is constantly getting loose and is making nervous. i'm wondering if anyone could suggest a modern crank that might work...

thanks

verktyg

I did a quick look through the catalog section and didn't see a listing for Grand Prix GS.

My areas of experience with Gitanes is from the late 1960s through about 1976. I also learned a lot about Gitane bikes from the 1980s here in the Forum.

The first thing to determine is what are the threads in the bottom Bracket. Are they French (metric) of British threads.

French Metric threads are M35x1 mm and have RH threads on both sides.

British threads are 1.375"-24" and have LH threads on the right side - fixed cup side.

Once you determine the threads then it's just a matter of finding the proper bottom bracket and crankset.

Chas.

sandranian · Site Admin

If the cottered crankset is getting loose, it also might be a faulty cotter pin. Perhaps just replace the pin and you won't have to bother with replacing the entire crank.

denimjeff

thanks for the info!