gitaneusa.com :: View topic

sunchew

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67184050@N07/

hi, i recently acquired an old gitane tdf from a neighbor and i need help on getting it into working condition so i can feel the wind in my hair while getting a good workout..

This will be my first attempt to fix a bike so any tips would be appreciated!

currently, i don't even know what to put on it in terms of bbs+crank and cassettes

i know that the bbs have to be french threaded and some manufacturers are phil wood and velo orange but what about cranks? would modern cranks work or do i have to scour the interwebs to seek out a sugino or a stronglight? Furthermore, if modern cranks would work, how would i know which bb to match it up with?

finally the cassettes, will any speed work for an old gitane? i still have the old dt shifters + the campy nuovo record derailleurs... so i don't know if i should mix and match modern and vintage parts.

also, more info about the gitane tdf would be appreciated.

photos are found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67184050@N07/

THANKS!

verktyg

Greetings and welcome to the Forum.

You have a 50cm Tour de France from about 1972-73.

Do you ride a small size frame? If not you may find that the frame is too small for you to ride comfortably.

If you do a search on verktyg and Tour de France you can find a lot of the info you are looking for.

One last thing, feeling the wind in your hair is great but I'd suggest that you invest in a modern cycling helmet.

Helmets have saved me from being a vegetable at least 3 times in the past 35 years! Shocked