Gitane Bicycle

SurfAndFish said:

I've got an old Gitane "Tour de France" model cycle from early to mid 1970's. Is it worth restoration?

I rode a Gitane 600 Leger for about 20 years until a guy ran a red light and hit me. It was a touring bike.

I have a feeling you have one that was made in France. The one I bought was made in Japan. A Japanese company bought Gitane and then put Shimano parts on it in the late 70's. I think mine was a 1977 model.

I don't know if this helps at all, but I bet yours is more likely to have value for collectors because it was built while Gitane was still a French company. If you are going to fix it up to sell it rather than keep it, I'd probably try to find out if it would have restored value first before you do all that work. If you want to ride it yourself, I'd say go for it. I bet it's still a pretty good bike.

The Tour de France wouldn't be particularly valuable even when in top nick. It's worth it, though cause it would be a completely endearing bike to actually ride.🙂

The original brakes were "Mafac Racer" model. I don't recall any shimano equipment on it.

gntlmn said:

I rode a Gitane 600 Leger for about 20 years until a guy ran a red light and hit me. It was a touring bike.

I have a feeling you have one that was made in France. The one I bought was made in Japan. A Japanese company bought Gitane and then put Shimano parts on it in the late 70's. I think mine was a 1977 model.

I don't know if this helps at all, but I bet yours is more likely to have value for collectors because it was built while Gitane was still a French company. If you are going to fix it up to sell it rather than keep it, I'd probably try to find out if it would have restored value first before you do all that work. If you want to ride it yourself, I'd say go for it. I bet it's still a pretty good bike.