I'm a tandem illiterate. I always wanted one to play with and now I've got it: a $30 Thrift Store special. It is a Gitane, a Made in France model. I'm guessing it to be late 70s or early eighties. Blue with white and read transfers. No model name. No indication of a tube sticker. What intrigues me is the hodgepodge of components. List follows.
Cinelli Front handlebar.
Japanese back handlebar.
Pivo Stem with a recessed allen head stem tightener.
Modolo Levers.
Shimano SLR cantilever breaks.
Suntour barcons, no indexing.
Suntour XCD rear derailleur.
Suntour Mountech front derailleur.
Dura Ace front and rear cranks and chain rings.
Triple chainring in rear.
Aluminum seat stems with recent gel seats.
Rear Wheel: Wolber Super Champion Model 58 27" rim, Malliard hub, Shimano six speed cassette, Maillard QR skewer.
Front Wheel: Mavic red label Model 3 27 x 1.25 with Normandy hub, Maillard QR skewer.
Was cobbled together componentry typical of this era of Gitane tandems?
It rides quite nicely. And the Dura Ace/Suntour Drive train is light, accurate and responsive.
What have I got here? Something heavily modified later in life, or was this the way tandems were ordered sometimes? No sign of a crash in the frame.
Thanks in advance.
Don Wilson Los Olivos, CA
D.C. Wilson 805.688.8696 dcwilson3@yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Note: This message may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the addressee or authorized to receive this for the addressee, you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or any information herein. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this message. Thank you for your cooperation. -------------------------------------------------------------
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