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TIMCHESHIRE

Hi, I have the opportunity to buy a Gitance 531 @ 1980, details are

GITANE 10 SPEED LIGHT WEIGHT VINTAGE FRENCH RACING BIKE

55cm frame,
Mavic alloy wheels
Brevetti strap pedals / toe clips and seat post
Weinmann 605 levers and brakes
Challenge Pro saddle
Huret Gears
Super Maxy Alloy crank
Reynolds 531 tubing
3TTT Bars and stem
Normandy Lux Competition Quick release alloy hubs

I have done some research and the gearing looks like Huret Challenger but I cannot find any with 'drilled groupsets'

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-ROAD-RACER-BIKE-GITANE-REYNOLDS-531-TUBING-VERY-GOOD-COMPONENTS-/121151713329?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c35347031

The price is @ $90

In essence is it worth the money?

Cheers

verktyg

Welcome to the Forum.

Looks like a 1978 or 79 Gitane Sprint #1837.

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1978_pg4.jpg

55cm frame, Is the frame size a good fit for you?
Mavic alloy wheels OK
Brevetti strap pedals / toe clips and seat post Pedals are nothing special, seat post isn't original.
Weinmann 605 levers and brakes OK
Challenge Pro saddle Looks OK?
Huret Gears These are the original Huret Challenger derailleurs and levers. They shift quite nicely.
Super Maxy Alloy crank OK
Reynolds 531 tubing Only the 3 main tubes are Reynolds 531.
3TTT Bars and stem Not original but top quality. The stem is up too high.
Normandy Luxe Competition Quick release alloy hubs (beautiful!!!) OK

It appears that the frame was too small for the owner. The seat and bars are up too high for the frame size. Both should be inserted at least 3" (80mm).

The bike is worth maybe $150 - $200 USD max (£ 100 - £ 130 GBP).

Figure on overhaul and re-greasing hubs, bottom bracket and headset plus new cables and maybe brake pads.

Good luck! Wink

TIMCHESHIRE

Thanks Chas,

As with all things ebay the price has now increased to £90 so we are getting near to your price point. Not much sell on profit in it but good to keep.

Cheers