"Martin O. Walsh" wrote:
> Hello Jack, Wherever you live, A Gitane "Interclub" is a mid-level 1970's 10
> speed from the "bicycle boom" years of the early 70's."Mel Pinto" was at one
> time the US importer of Gitanes back then. Your bicycle in question has Durifort
> (sp ?) tubing, good but not great.Most all of the components on an early 70's
> Gitane Interclub would've been French (i.e.) Mafac brakeset,Simplex derailleurs
> and Normandy hubs and a steel Nervar cottered crankset.The Interclub came with
> sew up tires, a Pivo stem with narrow handlebars,steel seatpin and a saddle all
> hard plastic with no padding.Looking back at that bike with the all plastic
> saddle is reminescent of the "Graduate" where Dustin Hoffman is told "the
> future is in "PLASTICS".... It sounds like most of the parts have been changed
> if your Gitane is a 1970's Gitane.For me its a keeper....a good comfortable
> ride.The seat tube decals are foil and according to JB almost impossible to
> find.... (from a past thread). Ride it for a while!Happy New Years! Yours
> truly, Martin Walsh in Vienna,Va
>
> Jack McFarren wrote:
>
> > Another thrift shop mystery. I recently picked up a 70's era Gitane for $25
> > at Purple Heart. I'd like to know more about it. It's a well-worn forest
> > green with chromed crown and fork ends. It's lugged and appears quite light.
> > The decals are silver and barely readable. I can make out the words
> > "Interclub" and "Service" on the downtube. Also on the downtube decal, it
> > says "Champion" and I believe "Course." I can also make out the word
> > "Course" on the the top tube. It has Dura-Ace brakes, bottom bracket, hubs
> > and freewheel, plus
> > Suntour Superbe Derailleurs. The Suntour components are almost certainly
> > aftermarket. I don't know about the Dura-Ace stuff. The frame and components
> > are in good shape. I need help in deciding whether I keep it as is or strip
> > the frame for the components. Thanks.