Gitane Tour De France conversion?

[Brent Avery]

I understand this has been done successfully using 42mm tires though wonder if fenders are possible or perhaps with 38mm. Bike currently has 700C rims and as I would prefer to use fenders perhaps a 32mm in that size might work.

  I have been doing a search but not much information available.

Brent Avery

 Burnaby, B.C., Canada

[Brad]

No problem.  I have several.  Even better if you can get a low trail fork made to ISO standards which will allow more options for stems, but if you are already comfortable with what you have just switch. 

[David Cummings]

Gitane’s forks are notorious for being shorter than other French bike boom bikes. It’s frustrating because the rear has ample room for a 700x38, but the front tire will hit the bottom of the fork crown at about 34mm. However, the front fork can often be converted to 650b without even swapping out the MAFAC Competition front brake. I had to find a 750 or RAID for the rear. 

David in MT

[Brent Avery]

   Going with a 650b conversion and will also adapt a Nitto Technomics stem with V.O. 50 cm Rando handlebars. I noticed a couple of decaleurs are available as well and will be looking for a large Berthoud front bag. I have a Seller for wheels, fenders and front rack and plan on a TA Cyclotouriste triple crankset, Lyotard 460D pedals ( or Sylvan Touring ) and an Ideale 90 saddle. Also due to the design of the Simplex dropout will be fitting a Shimano Crane GS long cage derailleur though possibly just might go with a later Simplex long cage just to keep it French but the prices for those tend to be rather high.

Brent Avery

Burnaby, B.C., Canada

[Brad]

I took a look at one of the original Gitane fork's in my collection.  They used a boxy fork crown that was not investment cast.   The inner width is also tight- too narrow for 50mm wide mudguards.   My conversions have used purpose built 650B replacement forks which when measured are wider.  After all  these bikes were originally intended for racing with tubulars where narrow and tight clearances are not an issue.