Track
Gitane has produced bicycles specially made for track racing
throughout its history. Not much is known about the early
cycles, however there are a few examples of Gitanes from
the 1960's which can still be found from time to time.
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Circa 1950's Gitane 6-Day racer |
Circa 1960 Gitane track bike. Note
the old logo |
Old logo track bike. Note the old globe
headtube badge |
1984 Gitane Kilo track bike. Still
in use |
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Fignon's hour attempt bicycle. It was
never used |
Track frame circa 1965 |
Gitane Track frame, 1976 |
The Kilo. Classic Gitane track |
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Laurent Fignon during the Paris 6 day
in November of 1984 |
1984 Gitane Kilo |
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During the 1970's and 1980's, Gitane track bicycles were
popular throughout the United States. In the 1970's, Gitane
had two popular models: One higher end bicycle with Reynolds
531 tubing, and another “budget” model with steel
tubes (bocama?). They were found in various colors, but most
examples around today are French racing blue with yellow
decals.
Bernard Hinault used to stage exhibitions on the track during
his days with Gitane. While other Tour champions would make
some money riding post-tour criteriums (which Hinault did
as well), he was able to further cash in on his celebrity
by filling velodromes and riding on the track, which took
far less time and effort, and netted huge gains financially
(he would pocket a high percentage of the ticket receipts).
In the 1980's, Gitane’s standard track bike was named
the “Kilo.” The bicycle was built with Vitus
tubing. Components varied, and little information is known
about what came stock on these bicycles.
In the 1990's and even as late as 2004, Gitane produced
track bicycles.
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