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Greenmachine

Hi, folks.. Just got a bike and joined your forum.Alot of great info!!! Here are some pics of my bike. Cool

Greenmachine

I was wondering the year of the bike. I think it's a TDF.. not sure though. I picked it up at an estate sale.

sandranian · Site Admin

Nice bike, and welcome to the forum. That appears to be an early 1970's Gitane Tour de France.

You can get replacement stickers for that bike on ebay, if you are interested, for about $45. It will make it look like new, as the finish appears to be in great shape!

Greenmachine

Was it a top end bike for the day? I know nothing about road bikes.Also what do you think its worth... I payed 60 bucks for it.

sandranian · Site Admin

Yes, it was a top end bike...second from the top of the line. You can see it in the "catalogue" section of the GitaneUSA site.

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1970_pg5.jpg

If you paid $60...you got one heck of a deal on that!

Greenmachine

Thanks for the info.The only thing different with mine is it has campagnolo derailleurs... Not sure of the size, how do you measure that?

sandranian · Site Admin

The size is measured along the seat tube, from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the tube. It is measured in centimeters, not inches. Be sure to indicate that the measurement given is "center to top", or else there may be confusion.

Here is a chart so you can make a reference. Look at the "A" measurement:

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1987_pg6.jpg

Keep in mind this is for the 1987 catalogue, so the angles and measurements won't match up. It is just to show you how to measure your bike.

Greenmachine

It's 23.5 inches....seems just right for me.raised the seat alittle, but would like to raise the neck. Is it the bolt in the center of the neck?

sandranian · Site Admin

So...60cm.... Like I said, bikes are measured in centimeters, not inches.

I am not sure what you mean by "neck"...do you mean the stem? (the stem holds the handlebars)

Greenmachine

Ya... what the bars are atached to. Been awhile since i work on a bike.I know you said cm's but the add you showed me.. they used inches.. lol.And the old tape measure i used is inches only.. i had a feeling you'd know how to convert it. Can you get new leather for the toe clips?

sandranian · Site Admin

The old catalogue...an attempt to make things understandable for the USA. But in general, bike measurements are metric...unless you are talking about Schwinn, Huffy, or Murray....

Wink

And shouldn't be a problem to get leather toe straps....
http://harriscyclery.net/product/zfal-christophe-leather-toe-straps-463.htm

Regarding the stem, yes...it is the bolt at the top. Loosen it to move up and down. Sometimes, after loosening it, you have to give it a tap with a hammer to "unstick" the wedge. take it out all the way to see how it works, add some grease, reinsert...and then tighten it up. Be sure not to exceed the "minimum insert" line.