gitaneusa.com Forum Index » Vintage Gitane » ID Help    View previous topic :: View next topic  ID Help   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 3:45 am mattbru Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 3 Could anyone help ID this?   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 5:27 am greyhundguy Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 678 Location: South-Central VIRGINIA Welcome to the site. It appears to be a 1975ish "Gypsy" model in nice, clean condition. http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1975_pg1.jpg Jay _________________ Dance like nobody is watching.   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 6:39 am mattbru Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks for your reply. I was also thinking that it was close to the Gypsy, but wasn't sure about the colors. It is a bike on CL I am thinking of buying. I am just looking for a simple road bike to ride a couple times a week. Is it worth $125 assuming everything on the bike? Also, will it help me get the hot lady like in the catalog?   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 7:29 am vanhelmont Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 242 Location: Florida The Gypsy is a lower end bike, which means it's a bit heavier. Even on such bikes Gitane used lighter tubing than some other brand low end bikes, which makes it both a little lighter and a bit springy when the road is rough. It also has low grade components. Two things to be aware of are 1. the "safety levers" on the brakes, which are intended to allow use of the brakes while riding on the tops of the handlebar. They are not very effective, and Chas says to call them "suicide levers," and to take them off. 2. Unless it has been upgraded, it would have steel rims, which are not only heavier, but provide poor stopping in wet weather. Better brake pads will help a bit. If you do much riding, I think you will want something better pretty soon. If you use it for running errands, or just riding around the neighborhood, it's probably fine. For $125 I would think it should be in really good condition, not needing any repairs.   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:06 am mattbru Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Posts: 3 The seller gave me this information: "I got it to make a single speed but it has a threaded rear hub. So after completely cleaning the frame and rims, repacking the bottom bracket and rear hub, I abandoned the project, put a new quick release front wheel on, new rubber and bar tape, adjusted the derailleur and bailed. From a frame standpoint, it's a good build if you wanted to put a new group on. Gitane frames are notoriously light and responsive, that's why I wanted it for a single speed." I would just be using it for casual rides with friends. It is hard to find road bikes for less than $150-200 on CL that are in decent shape.   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:10 am greyhundguy Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 678 Location: South-Central VIRGINIA mattbru wrote: Also, will it help me get the hot lady like in the catalog? As vanhelmont said, it's a little on the heavy side so you won't be racing by the ladies, which may be a good thing. Jay _________________ Dance like nobody is watching.   Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:22 am greyhundguy Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 678 Location: South-Central VIRGINIA mattbru wrote: I would just be using it for casual rides with friends. Casual would be good as you can see in the catalog photo. Gitane makes no guarantees as to your actual results though. Jay _________________ Dance like nobody is watching. ID Help     gitaneusa.com Forum Index » Vintage Gitane You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours   Page 1 of 1   All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First  Select a forum Gitane USA----------------Vintage GitaneGitane RacingModern GitanePro Racing - Classics/Giro/Tour....Owner Gallery   Powered by phpBB © 2001-2004 phpBB Group Designed for Trushkin.net | Themes Database.