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MrVelo

Dear Experts,

I need help for identify my bike.

I have had this mystery bikes couple of years in my carage. There is no any decals or sign of those, so I believe that it is re-painted, but long time ago.
There is place for number plate, so I assume that it is(has been) serious race bike.
Parts what was attached when I get it:
- Mavic 631 cranks, with sr pedals
- Gear levers like in picture
- Mavic rear brake, Weinmann front brake and Weinmann brake levers
- Mavic stem and Cinelli criterium bars

Seat tube is 57cm, but top tube is 58,5cm, which is different than in the geomethry pics of Gitane from 80's. In the frame there is Vitus dropout and Vitus cable guide under bb. Under bb there is also serial number EO39886 and below them 02.

I strongly believe that bike is French and I'm pretty sure that it is not Peugeot.

More pictures available here

Best Regards
Mikko from Finland

sandranian · Site Admin

Looks a lot like a Gitane, based upon the fork crown, lugs, rear brake routing, 'fastback' seatpost binder, vitus dropouts, etc. Mid to late 1980's. Unsure of the model though.

MrVelo

If more detailed pictures are needed, just ask.

MrVelo

With help of Verktyg I'm convinced that my bike is Gitane Professional 85-86.

For restoration I would like to get some help. Which were colour options ? Is it big mistake to paint for example Systeme U colours ?

sandranian · Site Admin

Check the catalogues on GitaneUSA.com.

You are respraying the bike. In my opinion, you really can't do any wrong...so if it is Systeme U colors you want, then go for it.

verktyg

The 1985-86 Gitane Professionals sold in the US had chrome plated forks or at least all the ones that I've seen did.

The 85-86 bare frame that I had did and the full 50cm bike that I have does.

1985-86 US Catalog photo.

Gitane and the 2 other large French makers produced bikes equipped for different markets. Sometimes they had the same model description but different components and/or features. They sometimes even made different versions for the US and Canada!

Here's a picture of a bike from Switzerland with a painted fork. It was dressed out for a local Pro or amateur team with Tarantella and Mavic decals.

The 1985-86 bare frame that was too big for me. I traded to a Forum member for a 1984 Team Pro frame in my size. This frame was supposed to be from a spare bike for a Gitane sponsored team in the US midwest.
When the sponsorship ended, someone stripped off the Gitane decals.

My 50cm 1985-86 Professional that I rescued from becoming a FIXIE! It's almost all original with a campy Victory gruppo.