gitaneusa.com :: View topic - Please tell me how to modernize my old Gitane!

xtsquintx

Sorry for the lack of a better picture, but I'm sure you all get the idea of what I'm working with: most likely a late 70's Gran Sport Deluxe or something similar.

As of right now everything is original and "works", but between me slightly bending one of the rims (and bending it back into place), breaking two spokes, the derailleurs operating poorly (noisy, shaky, etc) and the whole thing just weighing a ton... I'm thinking of rebuilding it. Ideally I would just keep it as-is and buy a new complete bike, but I don't see myself ever saving up the money to do that. I also figure that I can always put the original parts back on it once I do get a new bike.

I've spent many hours trying to research how to go about this, but when it comes down to it, I'm not 100% which parts need to be "French". Basically it's only the stem, seat post and bottom bracket, right? Mainly I'd like to replace the shifting system (derailleurs, shifters, crankset and pedals) and the wheels (most likely including new hubs and gears as well). From what I can tell everything else seems OK, but I'm no mechanic... I also don't have access to any proper tools, let alone French-sized tools.

So my question is which parts need to be vintage/NOS French and which can I buy new?

Frenchbuilt

As you have seen from many posts on the same subject there are just a few things to do to your already nice bike. Change cables, regrease EVERYTHING, put on modern brake pads. Before your high mounted Pivo stem breaks off or falls out find one of many better alloy
stems cheap on e bay. (Atax, Belleri etc.)
Change the chain. Change tires and check spokes and true up wheels.
Wash down rear cog with WD40 and then tip over to saturate inside with new oil. (Loose Lyotard pedals can break if you are heavy)
Suntour VGT lux are still one the best ever made and almost free for the rear derailleur replacement. For the front who cares, anything works.

If you are really worried about the weight, take off the 5 pound chain and lock, pletcher rack and look into a new 700c alloy wheel set on Maillard/Atom/Normandy hubs of which Millions were sold in the US.

Like this, your bike will outlive everyone on this forum.

CragM

I have a '73-74 Gran Sport Deluxe that needs a new chain. I'm not sure what to use. Suggestions?

Craig

verktyg

There are lots of inexpensive chains available. Most are going to be made for 6 to 8 speed cogs.

I like SRAM PC850 chains. The PC830 is almost the same but a few dollars less.

They shift very well.

CragM

Thank you.

jakenok

I am with the others, improve what you have. regarding losing weight, lose the sidestand, the rack and the chain guard. Personally, I'd ash can those wheel reflectors too, but that is just a matter of personal taste. Tons of wheel sets out there as mentioned, if yours are done.

Talk to a COMPETANT shop about maintenace, you'd be amazed at what some new cables grease and such will make that bike feel like.

peazweag

another upgrade I do on all my vintage bikes is to put on a shimano HG freewheel they shift SOOO much better than anything else Smile