Hi Ed,
Like you suspected, those numbers do refer to the angles of the lugs. Several lug manufacturers (Bocoma comes to mind) stamp the angle in the lug so the builder can choose the right one. Not every model comes with a variety of lug angles to choose from but some do. Often times that number is filed off if the lugs are thinned.
Doug Fattic Niles, Michigan USA
Hi All
Recently purchased what I believed to be a 1976 Tour de France, for my next re-paint. It is chromed part way up the forks and has chromed honey comb vertical droup outs, which looks just like the 76's shown in the Gitane web site. What has me puzzeled is there is a tiny 73 stamped at the top of the head tube and at the top of the seat tube. Would this be the head tube and seat tube angles, or did the 73's have chrome drop outs, and is this in fact a 1973 Tour de france?
Any info and or any detailed photos of decals, and their position would be appreciated..
Thanks
Ed Busch
Vonore Tennessee USA