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scozim

Saw this on Ebay tonight. The seller suggests it is a Gitane - ideas on the year, model?

http://tinyurl.com/ybuyn6l

sandranian · Site Admin

Gitane 1984 Team Pro

scozim

Based on the Simplex dropout? Paint color? I obviously still have a lot to learn about the different models.

verktyg · Last edited by verktyg on Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:58 pm; edited 2 times in total

In 1983 the Super Corsa appears to be the top dog. The Professional was the "team replica" bike in 1985-86. They both had chrome forks.

The 1984 Team Pro had painted forks and was made of Columbus SL tubing. This frame appears to me a 52cm Center to Top nominal size as listed in the spec sheet.

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1984/Page_08.jpg

My 1984 Team Pro frame that I got from another Forum member is a 55m C-T or 54cm Center to Center (yes Stephan, you got first dibs). Wink

Built up the eBay bike could or should look like this:

...or this:

...or even this:

I saw that frame earlier on eBay. I asked the seller about the darker paint at the top of the down tube and around the bottom bracket. Those kinds of things throw up a red flag that require an explanation especially since the rest of the paint looks good.

I'm not out to bust sellers chops but I figure if I spot something that can come back and cause them problems after the auction, I'll usually contact the seller with that information.

BTW, they also have a 60cm C-T 1972-72 TdF listed. I've bought items from this seller and they are very reputable.

scozim

Got it - I was missing the chrome on the chain stay vs. the Criterium not having that. Both have the integrated cable guides. Interesting there's no decals on the bike. The seller mentioned something about spray paint in those darker areas - but I agree it looks a little suspicious.

verktyg

Scott,

In 1984 all 5 of the top Gitane "racing" models had the same frame geometry and dimensions.

Team Pro - Columbus SL tubing
Super Corsa - Super Vitus 983 tubing
Tour de France - Super Vitus 983 tubing
Criterium - Super Vitus 983 main frame, Vitus 181 forks and stays
Sprint - Vitus 181 tubing

http://www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1984/Page_02-b.jpg

They should all handle pretty much the same. The Super Corsa and Tour de France frames are the same except for the colors. They may be slightly smoother riding than the other models because of the lighter Super Vitus 983 tubing.

Do your TdF and Sprint handle about the same?

sandranian · Site Admin

That frame appears to have had some rust problems, which is what the spraypaint is covering up. And other identifyers for the Team Pro:

- Lugs
- Number tab
- BB shell (even though it is not visible here)
- Fork crown
- Fork blade tips (not visible here)
- Double bottle bosses
- Seatpost binder bolt (on a bunch of Gitane models, but the seller here doesn't even know if it is a Gitane)

The lack of decals really isn't unusual for Gitane, seeing as they didn't clear coat over the decals. After the stickers were marred, some people just removed them.

scozim