Gitane Espoir? help!

[abo]

Gitane Espoir

Spotted on eBay and local to me, I've asked if I can go and have a look. The picture they have used is useless lol

I know almost nothing about vintage road bikes and google didn't really help me. So can someone tell me a little about this bike?

 

[rowan 46]

Can't help with the model I am afraid back in the 70's I used to cycle a lot I had a dawes road bike and my mate had a gitane it was a nice bike a little lighter than my Dawes with better components. I recently saw a new gitane. like many makers now I think they buy their components from taiwan and assemble them under their own brand not what they were but in their day they did some good bikes.

 

[abo]

Cheers mate I'm off to have a look at it tomorrow anyway. They don't even know the frame size so chances are it'll be no good. Worth a look though

 

[biggs682]

see what you mean re pic , its amazing how people list bits with use less pics and details

best of luck with viewing

 

[abo]

I like Austro-Daimler too but I think the frame is going to be an inch or two too small. I reaslly should get my inside leg measurement...

 

[abo]

And I'm strangely attracted to this POS too

 

[abo]

Just been to look at the Gitane, it's more of a youth bike, should have guessed from the wheel size I suppose. The frame was a bit scruffy but nothing was damaged on it, needed new tyres though.

 

[biggs682]

keep looking

 

[abo]

keep looking

Indeed. I'm in no hurry (ish... lol)

Thing is, I want something that I can molest and not feel guilty about doing so, yet isn't completely fooked. Knowing my luck some lovely old thing in original condition will drift my way for buttons (please...) and I'll grab it, yet my quest will still be on.

I just wish I knew people who had old racers tucked away in sheds etc. who 'just want them to be used', or 'need the space' lol

 

[smokeysmoo]

The seller sounds clueless. The listing is contradictory in places, and someone has asked what size frame it is, their reply is, "I'm not too sure what size the frame is, sorry."

Inexcusable

 

[abo]

The seller sounds clueless. The listing is contradictory in places, and someone has asked what size frame it is, their reply is, "I'm not too sure what size the frame is, sorry."

Inexcusable

That was me It was a similar story when I went to look at it TBH

 

[smokeysmoo]

That was me It was a similar story when I went to look at it TBH

No need to for asking the question. If the eejit can't be arsed to know about what he's selling he doesn't deserve to sell it in the first place.


Have you educated him in how to measure a seat post now?

 

[smokeysmoo]

And I'm strangely attracted to this POS too

That's very similar to my current n+2 project

 

[abo]

That's very similar to my current n+2 project

Looks tidy. Tyres are a bit low profile

 

[smokeysmoo]

Looks tidy. Tyres are a bit low profile