1971 Gitane Interclub. Yes, it's cro-mo. Yes it is the least desireable of Gitane's imports of the time. She'll make a good fixie. She looks very similar to the 70's Gitane that was my 1st road bike. Here she is as I got her. I'll use the front hub for the front wheel and lace it to open pro's or something similar. Got to get a fixed hub and a crank, perhaps. Otherwise, she'll be good to go, soon! I'll post pics of the finished project.

1971 Gitane Interclub. Yes, it's cro-mo. Yes it is the least desireable of Gitane's imports of the time. She'll make a good fixie. She looks very similar to the 70's Gitane that was my 1st road bike. Here she is as I got her. I'll use the front hub for the front wheel and lace it to open pro's or something similar. Got to get a fixed hub and a crank, perhaps. Otherwise, she'll be good to go, soon! I'll post pics of the finished project.


Glad to see it's another French bike. Between the two of us, there aren't going to be any 70-80's French bikes left :)

That bike will make a great looking fixie

Yeah, I've got to rid my garage of that Italian bike (my present fixie). It's ruining the pedegree of my stable:) That Gitane is going to take some mods to get her going. I'll have to have the crank arms tapped out to accept modern pedals and if I choose to keep the crank (which I'd like to do), I'll have to go with a 52 x 20. Fortunately I've found a place that has 20 and 21t fixed cogs. Just need a pr of rims, seatpost and a saddle, preferably white.

AAACCCKK!!!! Another person who doesn't know that you should never clamp the top tube!!!!!

Question. I just brought a old motobecane mirage that I'm going to convert to a fix gear that has the same type of brakes. Are going to keep them, update, or go with the front only. I really don't like the rear brake for some reason. Any advice would be appreciated.

1971 Gitane Interclub. Yes, it's cro-mo. Yes it is the least desireable of Gitane's imports of the time. She'll make a good fixie. She looks very similar to the 70's Gitane that was my 1st road bike. Here she is as I got her. I'll use the front hub for the front wheel and lace it to open pro's or something similar. Got to get a fixed hub and a crank, perhaps. Otherwise, she'll be good to go, soon! I'll post pics of the finished project.

Question. I just brought a old motobecane mirage that I'm going to convert to a fix gear that has the same type of brakes. Are going to keep them, update, or go with the front only. I really don't like the rear brake for some reason. Any advice would be appreciated.

Brakes: I have a frame even lower on the food chain I think (a Moto Nomade), and the brakes are Moto-branded centerpulls (that look like Diacompes). At first I thought they would have to go, but now that I have adjusted/toed it properly (by bending the arms -- ack! ), it seems okay. If you can get them to work, keep 'em. But unless you'll run a freewheel flipflop, toss the rear and use your legs.

Question on cranks: I've been looking for a set of TA or Stronglight cranks/ring to tap for modern pedals, but it seems like the way the rings attach, I'll be forced to use a 52t (standard outer) ring. Is it possible to connect a smaller (say 42-46t) ring on these types of cranks?

Porrick

Question. If you were going to update/upgrade the brakes , what would you upgrade/update too.

Brakes: I have a frame even lower on the food chain I think (a Moto Nomade), and the brakes are Moto-branded centerpulls (that look like Diacompes). At first I thought they would have to go, but now that I have adjusted/toed it properly (by bending the arms -- ack! ), it seems okay. If you can get them to work, keep 'em. But unless you'll run a freewheel flipflop, toss the rear and use your legs.

Question on cranks: I've been looking for a set of TA or Stronglight cranks/ring to tap for modern pedals, but it seems like the way the rings attach, I'll be forced to use a 52t (standard outer) ring. Is it possible to connect a smaller (say 42-46t) ring on these types of cranks?

Porrick

Question. If you were going to update/upgrade the brakes , what would you upgrade/update too.

I'm pretty new at this stuff and haven't upgraded, but have been researching this myself.

I'd probably start by upgrading my levers and only do the calipers if I really needed to. Go to Sheldon Brown's site (Harris Cyclery) and pick up Shimano Tiagra Aero levers. According to Sheldon, modern levers really help improve the performance of old centerpulls. If that's not enough, maybe pick up a front Tiagra dual-pivot caliper (or maybe the A55/RX-100 if you are switching from 27" to 700cc wheels and need long reach) for a full modern front brake at relatively low cost.

YMMV

Porrick

Whatever, you do, first replace your old (vintage?) brake cables and housings and also lube your calipers well. It will make a huge difference in feel.

P

AAACCCKK!!!! Another person who doesn't know that you should never clamp the top tube!!!!!It's a $50 cro-mo frame. It can take it;) You wouldn't catch me doing that to my cf Look.

I'm keeping the 52t ring. I found a site that has 20t cogs. Works out almost the same as a 42 x 17, which I have on my other fixie.

I'm keeping the 52t ring. I found a site that has 20t cogs. Works out almost the same as a 42 x 17, which I have on my other fixie.
NMNMNM

Right here: http://fixedgear.americancyclery.com/ nm