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dbr

I should also mention that I live in the Netherlands, and I found the frame here. Thanks!

Rixtir

Looks like an Interclub.

sandranian · Site Admin

An interclub wouldn't have full 531, which that decal seems to indicate. but there is something "amiss" there: the decal doesn't appear original. It is in English (although you are in the Netherlands...perhaps that one was originally meant for England or export anyhow?). Also, the decal appears too nice to be part of that frame: It doesn't appear to have the same wear and tear. Rear dropouts and stays are not chromed either....

In my opinion, the decal isn't original with the bike, and it is likely a "3 tubes" Reynolds frameset, making it a late model (short point lugs) Tour de France model (or its equivalent).

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1974_pg1.jpg

verktyg

Greetings,

As Stephan said, this is probably a Tour de France or similar model and I agree about the Reynolds decal. They were much more fragile than the Gitane Mylar foil decals.

In mid 1974 Gitane switched from foil decals to yellow or green plastic film decals. They also adopted the Huret honeycomb rear dropouts on all of the sporting models. It was not uncommon to find Simplex fork ends on these bikes.

In addition, the TdF frames were no longer all Reynolds 531 tubing, only the 3 main tubes, the forks and stays were made of less expensive tubing.

I've seen a number of pictures of Gitanes with honeycomb Huret dropouts and the older foil decals. My guess is that Gitane started using those dropouts in late 1973 and/or they still had a ton of older foil style decals left over! A centime saved is a centime earned!

My guess is that what we're calling 1974 models were actually 1975 models produced after mid 1974.

If you are having it repainted I'd consider using the original style foil decals to keep it unique. You can buy them on eBay from Cyclomondo, search Gitane decals.

I have a "1974" TdF that's been through several Forum members hands before I got it. It came from Australia (probably via the UK) to the 'States.

It too has British thread with metric sized tubes. Here's a link to pictures with details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28267220@N05/sets/72157623536286985/

Enjoy your "new" bike.

dbr

Thanks for expertise. The paint was in such a bad state I decided to have it powder coated, unfortunately they do not have Gitane metallic racing blue. It's going to be an everyday commuting bike, so I don't want to make it too attractive to someone with bolt cutters, just practical and hard wearing. I'll post some photos when she is finished....

David