On loan from Jack Tipton.
Cycles Gitane began bicycle production in Machecoul, France in 1930. An offshoot of founder Marcel Brunelière’s agricultural parts business, Gitane translates to Gypsy woman. A 30% shareholder in the company, Renault acquired the rest of the company by 1976. At this time Gitane had become synonymous with bicycle racing success. Gitane bicycles have won the Tour de France ridden by Jacques Anquetil (1963 and 1964), Lucien Van Impe (1976), Bernard Hinault (1978, 1979, 1981, & 1982) and Laurent Fignon (1983 & 1984).
This Victoire model was made with lugged steel tubing and has been modified with a more upright handlebar. This bicycle has been retrofitted with S & S couplers designed by Steve Smilanick. Named for Steve and his wife Shirley, the couplers were designed so that Steve’s bike could easily disassemble and fit in a suitcase for travel; re-assembly requires approximately half an hour. Not surprisingly, the most popular use of S & S couplers is on tandems, where it is typically a $1000 option. Although the couplers add 8 oz. to the weight of the bike, there is a negligible flex, play or noise in the system, so ride and handling are not affected.
Specifications:
Designer/builder: Renault-Gitane
Country of Origin: France
Weight: 10886g/ 24lbs.