Gitane Interclub

Frame check

Tubing, threads, wheels and paint

Tubing

Gitane's 1970 US catalog lists a lightweight racing frame of Durifort tubing. Collectors say most Interclubs used no-name steel, so don't expect a Reynolds or Vitus decal. A listing that claims Reynolds 531 on an Interclub needs a photo of the decal.

The frame

It's a lugged entry-level racer, so check it the same way as a better frame. Look for dents in the top and down tubes, rust at the bottom bracket and seat cluster, and straight dropouts.

Threads and standards

Like other 1970s Gitanes it has French threads, with a 35 x 1 mm bottom bracket and a right-hand fixed cup, a 22.0 mm stem, and French bars that clamp at a different size than standard ones. Plan on French-thread cups or a Phil Wood or Velo Orange fix if the bottom bracket needs work.

Wheels

The 1970 catalog bike came on Dunlop tubulars with Mavic Dural Sport rims and high-flange quick-release hubs. Collectors say the mid-1970s US bikes moved to 27 in clinchers, including Mavic Module E rims with Michelin Elan tires by 1975. With a five-speed freewheel, expect 120 mm at the back.

Parts it came with

The 1970 catalog adds dural bars, a Super Coureur saddle, toe clips and straps, a Zefal pump and chromed fork ends. Collectors report cast alloy three-arm Nervar cranks, a Pivo stem and Huret honeycomb dropouts from 1974, and Huret Challenger derailleurs by 1975. Expect swapped parts on a bike this old and this ridden.

Dating it

Collectors date 1974 to 1976 frames by the head tube decal. Tubulars and a 1970-catalog spec point to the early years, and Huret honeycomb dropouts point to 1974 or later.

Paint and decals

Gitane used stickers with no clear coat on its 1970s bikes, so worn logos are normal. A full set of crisp logos on a faded frame usually means reproductions.

Safety jobs

Old tubulars should not be ridden, and old glue won't hold one on the rim. Replace hard brake pads and check the stem for cracks, since 1970s French AVA stems and bars have a name for failing.

Hard to find if missing

• Original Gitane stickers
• French-thread bottom bracket cups
• Huret honeycomb dropout adjusters

Check the listing photos against these lists, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. Swapped or missing original parts should come off the price if originality matters to you. For replacements, see our vintage components guide.