re: [CR]For Gitane Fans-Ebay tandem outing

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:07:46 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
Subject: re: [CR]For Gitane Fans-Ebay tandem outing
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, leonarddiamond@verizon.net


Len Diamond wrote:

For you Gitane fans (and we know you're out there!), now listed on ebay , a 1970's tandem.

http://ebay.com/<blah> emZ120136901879QQihZ002QQcategoryZ56192QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Item 120136901879

No relation to the seller and I already have 5 tandems so I'll pass.

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With all due respect, in my opinion this Gitane belongs in the Gitane fan's collection in exactly the same way as the "Sport" and "Gran Turismo" derailleurs belong in the Campagnolo afficionado's collection: examples of worst of marque. However, it does have some additional value: takes much more space to store, and can be used to really turn off any novice presumptious enough to think that she should ride with you.

How do I begin to sing of its faults?

-> genuine pasta-grade frame, with fast-twitch dual lateral leg-locator rear stays. -> wheelbase too short, and stoker position like a British roadster (almost) -> "AutoBend" rear axle, with way oversized spoke holes for patented "quickFail" wheelchair spokes, matched with Rigida-class steel rims. And French FW threads, if I recall correctly.

Ok, ok, perhaps I'm beating up too much on this model, but it was never a good tandem, and its defects are built-in.

If your goal is to have fun with a tandem, I believe that the price of this is about twice as high as actual sales prices, and about what an early Cannondale tandem would fetch. We're just giving away our first year 'dale, it it is a much, much better tandem. If your goal is a vintage tandem, hang on. In my opinion, the contemporary Motobecane was a better bike (TA cranks, lovely 2-plate fork, etc). And Jack Taylors and such come along in this price range, too, if not perfect.

But remember: the design and construction of tandems has changed even more than singles in the past 30 years. Newer tandems have much more stoker space and much more rigid frames, and probably handle much better for day-riding.

We got our first tandem about 1970, a ~53 Schwinn Town & Country, and have never been w/o a tandem since. I love tandems, and would hate to have a bad experience with a bad bike ruin the opportunity for them.

I have no connection with buyer, and will not bid on this bike. My motives are pure (having fun at the expense of an innocent bike). Please do NOT use items from this message to post denigrating questions on the auction.

harvey sachs
mcLean va.