| | | | | | | | | Another for the experts | | | | | |
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:15 pm |
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scozim |
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Joined: 26 Sep 2008 |
Posts: 629 |
Location: Ellensburg, WA |
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:38 pm |
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sandranian |
Site Admin |
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Joined: 27 Feb 2006 |
Posts: 2701 |
Location: Southern California |
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:32 pm |
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scozim |
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Joined: 26 Sep 2008 |
Posts: 629 |
Location: Ellensburg, WA |
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Based on the Simplex dropout? Paint color? I obviously still have a lot to learn about the different models. |
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| | | | | | | | | 1984 Team Pro | | | | | |
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:43 pm |
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verktyg |
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Joined: 14 Jan 2007 |
Posts: 2814 |
Location: SF Bay Area |
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In 1983 the Super Corsa appears to be the top dog. The Professional was the "team replica" bike in 1985-86. They both had chrome forks.
The 1984 Team Pro had painted forks and was made of Columbus SL tubing. This frame appears to me a 52cm Center to Top nominal size as listed in the spec sheet.
http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1984/Page_08.jpg
My 1984 Team Pro frame that I got from another Forum member is a 55m C-T or 54cm Center to Center (yes Stephan, you got first dibs).
Built up the eBay bike could or should look like this:
...or this:
...or even this:
I saw that frame earlier on eBay. I asked the seller about the darker paint at the top of the down tube and around the bottom bracket. Those kinds of things throw up a red flag that require an explanation especially since the rest of the paint looks good.
I'm not out to bust sellers chops but I figure if I spot something that can come back and cause them problems after the auction, I'll usually contact the seller with that information.
BTW, they also have a 60cm C-T 1972-72 TdF listed. I've bought items from this seller and they are very reputable. |
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Last edited by verktyg on Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:58 pm; edited 2 times in total _________________ Chas.
SF Bay Area, CA USA
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1984 Criterium
1969 TdF
1971 TdF
1974 TdF
1984 TdF x 2 Bikes
1970 SC
1971 SC
1972 SC
1984 SC
1984 Team Pro
1985 Professional
1990s Team Replica |
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Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:52 pm |
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scozim |
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Joined: 26 Sep 2008 |
Posts: 629 |
Location: Ellensburg, WA |
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Got it - I was missing the chrome on the chain stay vs. the Criterium not having that. Both have the integrated cable guides. Interesting there's no decals on the bike. The seller mentioned something about spray paint in those darker areas - but I agree it looks a little suspicious. |
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| | | | | | | | | 1984 Top of the line Gitanes | | | | | |
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:56 pm |
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verktyg |
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Joined: 14 Jan 2007 |
Posts: 2814 |
Location: SF Bay Area |
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Scott,
In 1984 all 5 of the top Gitane "racing" models had the same frame geometry and dimensions.
Team Pro - Columbus SL tubing
Super Corsa - Super Vitus 983 tubing
Tour de France - Super Vitus 983 tubing
Criterium - Super Vitus 983 main frame, Vitus 181 forks and stays
Sprint - Vitus 181 tubing
http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1984/Page_02-b.jpg
They should all handle pretty much the same. The Super Corsa and Tour de France frames are the same except for the colors. They may be slightly smoother riding than the other models because of the lighter Super Vitus 983 tubing.
Do your TdF and Sprint handle about the same? |
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_________________ Chas.
SF Bay Area, CA USA
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1984 Criterium
1969 TdF
1971 TdF
1974 TdF
1984 TdF x 2 Bikes
1970 SC
1971 SC
1972 SC
1984 SC
1984 Team Pro
1985 Professional
1990s Team Replica |
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Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 4:37 am |
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sandranian |
Site Admin |
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Joined: 27 Feb 2006 |
Posts: 2701 |
Location: Southern California |
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That frame appears to have had some rust problems, which is what the spraypaint is covering up. And other identifyers for the Team Pro:
- Lugs
- Number tab
- BB shell (even though it is not visible here)
- Fork crown
- Fork blade tips (not visible here)
- Double bottle bosses
- Seatpost binder bolt (on a bunch of Gitane models, but the seller here doesn't even know if it is a Gitane)
The lack of decals really isn't unusual for Gitane, seeing as they didn't clear coat over the decals. After the stickers were marred, some people just removed them. |
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| | | | | | | | | Re: 1984 Top of the line Gitanes | | | | | |
Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 6:38 am |
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scozim |
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Joined: 26 Sep 2008 |
Posts: 629 |
Location: Ellensburg, WA |
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verktyg wrote: |
Scott,
Do your TdF and Sprint handle about the same? |
I'd have to say no - but it's not because of the geometry. If you remember when I first got the Sprint we were trying to determine if that's truly what it was because the frame tubing is Vitus 788 vs. 181. However, all the other components on the bike matched the Sprint model so that became the consensus.
The Sprint is a 52 cm with a 90 cm stem while the TdF is a 54 cm with a 120 mm stem. They are both a blast to ride but have different purposes. I'm more compact on the Sprint because of the stem so have it set up with clip on aero bars and like to do short time trials with it.
The TdF, on the other hand, allows me to stretch out and is more comfortable with the tubulars. However, I also describe the front as "twitchy" when riding because the bike 2-3 pounds lighter and feels more responsive. I use this one for my serious hill climbing and longer distance rides.
I suspect a longer stem would allow the Sprint to handle similarly except that it would feel more planted in the front because of the Mavic Module E clincher vs. Mavic GL 280 and Sprinter tubular set up on the TdF. |
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