Updated: October 3/2021

Gitane is a French manufacturer of bicycles and was "associated with French bicycle racing from the 1960s through the mid-1980s, sponsoring riders such as Jacques Anquetil (1963–1965), Lucien Van Impe (1974–1976), Bernard Hinault (1975–1983), Laurent Fignon (1982–1988), and Greg LeMond (1981–1984)." To find out more about Gitane bikes, history, catalogues, etc., please visit the Gitane USA site (www.gitaneusa.com) THE BIKE Frame: Original paint Gitane Professionnal/Superbe frameset dated ca 1964 judging from the decals and finish of the seat stay caps. Campagnolo 1010 dropouts with spring hole and "fish-mouth" finish. Frameset made from Reynolds 531with Nervex Professional lugset and fork crown. Brazed-on pump pegs underneath top tube have been cutoff. Seat and top tubes are 58.5 cm c-to-c. According to the catalog from Wheels Good Corporation of Minneapolis, MN (www.gitaneusa.com/images/catalog/1964/Page_05.jpg) the only difference between the Professionnal and Superbe was the groupset, with the Superbe outfitted in a Campagnolo groupset, while the Professionnal was built up with a mix of Campagnolo and Stronglight. Brakeset: Mafac Dural Forge with no plastic washers on caliper pivots. Simplex brake cable clips with Roto tidy. Handlebars: Philippe Professionnel Stem: Philippe Headset: Campagnolo Pista (English thread) Shifters: Campagnolo Record (1014) Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Record with cable stop (1960-63) Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Gran Sport (1012) with tension bolt adjustment Crankset: Campagnolo Record 151 BCD Bottom Bracket: Campagnolo Record (English thread) Pedals: Campagnolo Gran Sport/Record Christophe Special toe clips and Alfredo Binda straps. Wheelset: Campagnolo no-Record hubs with Champion rims Chain : Wippermann Freewheel: Regina Gran Sport 5 speed Seatpost: Campagnolo Record milled down to 26.1 OD Saddle: Idéale mod. 88 Water Bottle Cage: TA steel