gitaneusa.com :: View topic

ru26rider

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq10/ru19rider/IMG_20120330_121253.jpg

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq10/ru19rider/IMG_20120326_223912.jpg

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq10/ru19rider/IMG_20120330_121229.jpg

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq10/ru19rider/IMG_20120326_223934.jpg

verktyg

It's a 1977 Japanese made 600 leger model.

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1977_pg3.jpg

These were made for Gitane Pacific for the US market.

ru26rider

thanks!!!! i want to build it up! do you know what its value? and is it worth the build?

verktyg

This model sold for well under $200 and was only offered for a year or so.

Because it's not "really" a French Gitane but a Japanese made bike imported by Gitane Pacific it's value is probably just as a rider.

It came with first generation Shimano components. Looks like you will need front and rear derailleurs plus levers and a large Chainring.

The chainring was probably a 52T with a standard 130mm bolt circle. You can find Sugino double chainring bolts for ~$12 if you need longer bolts.

Also, you will probably need a new rear wheel and freewheel. It's probably a 5 speed with a 120mm wide hub. 6 speed rear hubs will be easier to find and are 126mm wide which means you may have to spread the rear triangle 6mm.

Mid to late 70s Shimano parts are always listed on eBay and they are usually reasonably priced.

Bikes like this can be found for under $125.

Clean it up and enjoy riding it. Wink

verktyg

Another suggestion, check out the local charity outlets and CraigsList.

You may be able to find a complete donor bike that has all the parts you need for your Gitane.

Sometimes you can find these for ~$25. Take what you need and scrap the rest.

ru26rider

so pretty much your telling me the bike is cheap,leftover french/japanese made.is it even worthy to show off and ride? i got plans but not shure if i want to move on from what your telling me so far..sounds like its a huffy to me... Sad

sandranian · Site Admin

Looks like a fun bike to me. Just not a French built one...that's all.

verktyg

It's much better than a Huffy! Laughing

It was made for the US market by some Japanese bike maker around 1975-76 for Gitane Pacific.

This was about the time that Japanese bikes were starting to become much better quality products.

There was never much of a tradition of sporting road bike riding in Japan. Most of the bikes were 50 Lb. 1 or 3 speed clunkers for around town transportation.

Most of the Japanese bikes before the late 70s were built to the US importers specifications Many of those folks were just out to turn a fastbuck and had no idea about bike ride or handling qualities. They told the Japanese builders "Make me a bike that looks like this."

Back about 1975 someone brought a brand new top of the line Centurion into or shop to have it assembled. It had a Chrome Moly frame and all of the top quality Japanese components. The frame was made of such heavy gage tubing that the bike weighed 32 Lbs. Rolling Eyes

A standard Gitane Gran Sport DeLuxe with all steel components weighed about 27-28 Lbs. Confused

Needless to say, the Centurion rode like a tank!

Here's a picture of me taken in Japan in 1964 on my Japanes made Bridgestone randonneur bike. It only weighed about 27 Lbs. with steel racks and fenders, lights and steel rims! The bike was a copy of French randonneur bikes.

So, your bike has a decent frame and is probably worth fixing up if you can get the parts you need cheap. It's not worth putting $200 into a bike that can only be sold for $120 unless you have a special attachment to it! Shocked

ru26rider

thanks chas for helping me understand Very Happy

i will keep you updatded on the build!