For sale is a made in France Reynolds 531 tubed Gitane Interclub frame. 62cm frame size with a 60cm top tube length. brilliant emerald green paint with the lug shoulders highlighted in gold pinstriping.
Traditional Bocama long point lugs with 'B' and 'M' in squares embossed into the upper and lower head lugs. The seat lug looks like a Hayden Concorde; the points and tang windows on the head lugs are the same as the seat lug but there are no windows in the shoulders, like Bocamas other styles.
Really cool looking Simplex 'spider web' dropouts with integral hanger that is threaded to accept modern 10x1 rear derailluers. The dropout's also have a set of unthreaded eyelets for fenders. The design of the axle slot - short and vertical does not lend it well for a fixie conversion. You can try of course, and it's been done before but you really have to be flexible with gearing choice.
The frame was built around 27" wheels and had MAFAC Racer centerpull brakes so a long reach brakeset would be a safe bet.
There are no shifter or bottle bosses, but there is a locating tab brazed for clamp on downtube shifters.
The frame is in very good condition with hardly any rust. The finish of the paint is pock marked with scratches and paint chips. The stickers are not clearcoated and most of them are wrinkled. The 531 decal is worn off from too many idiots clamping a workstand claw around the frame instead of the seatpost. It's seen some use! It's a good project for a daily rider.
I've done a bit of research on the exact model year and the best I could pinpoint is 1975, give or take a year or 2 in each direction. It's a fascinating marque with a long history of Tour de France wins. A definite classic 'vintage' bike brand with a very good reputation throughout their peak in the 1970's. For more info on Gitane, check out: http://www.gitaneusa.com/catalogues01.asp
I will include the original seat binder bolt and a gnarled up 26.4 alloy seatpost to the buyer. Verified frame specs are as follows:
Seat Tube Length: 62cm Center to Center
Top Tube Length: 60cm Center to Center
Chainstay Length: 440mm
Seat Tube OD: 28.2mm (a 28.6mm or 1 1/8" dia front derailluer will fit). Seat Tube ID: 26.2mm (but it's a really tight fit- it might be better to use a 26.2)
Head Tube Length: 195mm Head Tube ID: 30mm (you'll need a 1" headset- since the fork is not included, BSA headsets will fit)
Bottom Bracket Width: 68mm FRENCH (35x1mm clockwise threading on left and right sides)
Rear Axle Spacing: 122mm (good for 120 and 126mm rear hub OLD )
I do not have access to an angle measuring tool to confirm the head and seat angles.
Seller Information: I love to tinker with bikes and have amassed a large collection that is overflowing my shed and spilling out to other parts of my house. I need to make some room! There are trashmos, townies, beaters, burner and playa bikes in addition to vintage road bikes, mountain bikes, singlespeeds, cruisers, fixie conversions, hybrids, and associated parts.
Other Details: I am flexible with a meeting time and place. You can view it at my house or I can meet you at a mutually convenient location. I am 3 blocks from Macarthur BART- an 11 minute walk or a 5 minute bike ride. The 88 bus stops on the corner.
