My new (to me) Gitane Trophee De france 1848

[talldude]

Hello all!

I had Gitane as my first bike as a kid and decided to relive my youth as such so i bought a 'project bike'.

The bike cost a grand total of $10 so I couldn't pass it up.

I have measured it and it is 62cm seat tube.

I just have a few questions as I plan to rebuild it, after I have rebuilt it I will repaint it in a year or two.

Just want it sorted before I spend money on a paint job.

Can anyone tell me if this is a 78 model Trophee De France 1848, I have looked it up and have guessed it to be so. Or it could be a European Tour De France bike?????

It has Campagnolo drop outs so I want to put Campagnolo nuovo gear on it. Even if it not original I just like the look of it.

also can anyone tell me what headset I need for it?

Plus I am planing a Cinelli stem and handle bar set up, do I need a 22mm stem or a 22.2mm stem?

[verktyg]

Not many Gitanes were imported into the US between 1975 and the early 1980's. During that time, most bikes were "European" models.

Judging from the 1978 catalog, Gitane used the same basic frame on about 4-5 different models: 1837, 1838, 1847, 1858 and 1859.

The 3 main tubes were Reynolds 531 "3 TUBES RENFORCES". The forks and stays were made of some light gage carbon steel tubing.



http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1978_pg3.jpg

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


Gitane used 3 different headsets on that range of bikes. The model 1959 Trophee de France had Campagnolo Nuovo Record headsets. The next lower priced model probably used a Stronglight P3 headset while the rest had standard Gitane headsets.

Here's how to measure the stack height to fit your frame:





Read the details below the pictures on Flickr:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/28267220@ ... 5424641013


Campagnolo Nuovo Record headsets have ~41mm stack height.

Stronglight P3 headsets are ~33mm and standard Gitane heasdsets are ~31-33mm.


All of the components should be French metric size:

It's going to take a 25mm x 1mm headset, 22.0mm stem, 26.4mm seat post and a 35mm x 1mm bottom bracket.

[talldude]

Thought I'll update the project









Not exactly orginal, but it is what I wanted.

Kinda want to replace the seat any suggestions?

[verktyg]

Kinda want to replace the seat any suggestions?

Saddle fit is a very personal thing... everyone's anatomy is different.

I recommend avoiding cushy foam or gel saddles because after about 5 miles you sink into them and they apply pressure throughout your "groinal region"!!!

The saddle you have is an olde round top style that for many (most) that puts a lot of pressure in the middle of your "personal" zone...

Many modern saddles are flat across the back and have a groove or slot in the middle that reduces the zone of contact.

For years I rode Brooks Pro saddles. About 6-7 years ago, I started having "male" problems after riding over about 25-30 miles. My urologist said "stay off the bike"... That ain't gonna happen!

About 5 years back I spent a whole lot of money trying different saddles. The ones that I found that worked for me were the WTB Silverado and Devo models, also the Pure V saddles... but the Silverados work best for me.

They're very thin with minimal padding but they fit my butt!

ARGH! the new system wont let me upload any pictures...

[talldude]

Good point about the old Saddle.


Will get a newer saddle when I can't take the pain anymore if there is any.

With the new system I could only attach by using the Img button then going to the website hosting get the url pasting it then pressing /Img button.

Long way to do things really