2010 Gitane Definitive - First Ride Review

[sandranian]

I set up the bike last night and took it for a spin this morning. Our Thursday group ride tends to be quite quick...but in the spring, myself and 3 other riders split from the group, go over a short climb...and then do sprint workouts (4 in a row...one lead out...three behind sprint for the line. Rotate and repeat 5-6 times). After the sprints...its on to another 2 hills (Newport Coast and Spyglass). About 38 miles or so.

I knew that the bike would have some "teething" issues which would have to be worked out, so I brought some tools just in case. None were needed.

The bike is seriously NICE. I noticed right when I took off from the driveway that it is very stiff in all the right places. The BB area is bulky, and with good reason: It is very stiff. Under way it was comfortable and handled well. In the sprints it was GREAT. Very stiff, very responsive, felt very comfortable at speed. The sprinting area is slightly downhill, so the leadout man can get the group to about 35mph. Our top sprint speed was mine...recorded at 43.1mph. Very nice and never felt "sketchy".

Uphill the bike works well too. It is pretty light...lighter than my old "Carbon" Gitane, but you can certainly buy a lighter bike (i.e. from Scott or Felt). But this bike isn't designed to be the lightest. It is designed for stiffness, and it delivers that in spades.

I haven't really had the opportunity to push it through the corners, so I will let you know when I do.

All in all, I love the bike, and am glad that the modest investment made such a huge difference in the ride.

[scozim]

Sounds like a blast!

[Gtane]

Stephan,

Sounds like you had a great time on a perfectly set-up bike and good to hear that the tools were not needed, that's a great sign.

Do you have any photos?

Thanks for the report.

Tim

[sandranian]

So I have signed on to do a road race this Saturday, which includes a lot of climbing. Ugh.

I put on my race wheels and took it out on the group ride. Regarding cornering, the bike is better than my last one, and the best cornering bike I have ever owned.

I cannot say enough good stuff about this Gitane. Really spectacular, and I would recommend one to all of you.

[Wisey]

PHOTOS!!!!!!!


Good to hear you are having fun.