The replies to the old Gitane track bike models is "ride" on. These bikes were sold as entry level models and many cyclists bought them for winter fixed gear training and training on the track for bike handling and interval sprint and speed work to augment their road riding without busting the budget. We sold quite a few in the'70's. Ted Ernst Palos Verdes Estates, CA
> I'm sure someone descibed this before.
>
> In the 70's Mel Pinto from D.C./Virginia area imported Gitanes fior the
> east and midwest regions. One model was a low end fixed gear. It was
> comparable in build to the "interclub" model. It had a hi-tension steel
> frame, steel cottered crank set (nervar, solida), wheels with Normandy
> hubs and Mavic rims, a Pivo stem and bars, and a plastic saddle with a
> conventional steel seat post. Can't remember the pedals, probably low end
> lyotard
>
> It sold in the mid 100's. It was a good value for the young racer who
> wanted to try track without spending a fortune to do so. It was also good
> as an early season trainer. We were told to start the season riding a low
> fixed gear. It was cheap enough so that you didn't worry about chipped
> paint, corrosion and other deteriorating aspects of riding in cold/wet
> parts of the country.
>
> Todd Teachout
> Hercules, CA