Robert J’s 1970s Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe

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Here is an entry from Robert J. of whom we haven’t heard from in over two years. Welcome back! This is his 1970s Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe.

1970s Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe This is another find from the local scrapyard.  Searching on the internet it turns out that this is the low-end Gitane, in spite of its glamorous name.  It was last licensed in 1979, and has a wonderful 1970’s color scheme, purple with white bar wrap.  I have white cable housings to install, as well.  A white seat would complete the look. The plastic Simplex derailleurs and shifters broke as soon as I touched them, so I replaced them all with some 1980’s Shimano equipment (of course, nothing too fancy). I never owned a French bike in my life, until I found this one and a Peugeot in just one week.

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  • Ryan Surface

    Love the Purple and with the white accents it will be -“Straight Pimp’n”- I think that is the term. Some white side wall tires would “piece de la resistance”. Nice

  • BeaterRezQ

    Robert
    Nice find, and what a beautiful color!
    Ryan Surface couldn’t have said it better; the purple with the white accents will only compliment the bike and add to the kool-factor.
    I had the same model/make of bike but of the early 70’s vintage, say 72.(if memory serves me?)
    My Sport Deluxe came with a full campy set up, along with Mafac centerpulls–and even though it was an entry level/lower end Gitane, it must have been upgraded or special ordered considering the components?
    The bike was donated, but the old campy derailleurs/shifters I kept…primitive but practical.
    Good luck piecing it all together!
    BRQ