This is a mid 1970s Gitane Tour de L'Avenir. The frame is lugged high-carbon steel; this was an upper-entry-level bike at the time. The original equipment gears and shifters (plastic Simplex) have been upgraded to alloy Suntour. The bike has had a complete overhaul - stripped to a bare frame, everything cleaned and adjusted or replaced as necessary, then re-assembled with new bearings, cables, and tyres. Paint is original and very good, chrome is excellent.
This is a 56cm size frame, would suit someone 5 foot 10 inches to 6 foot. It's too big for me but I've ridden it a bit and quite like it. It has undeniable vintage bike cred, it is in unusually good condition (it's 50 years old), and it is light enough to be fun and reliable enough to be a daily driver.
Saddles and pedals are often personal preferences, if those shown do not suit I have other options.
As well, I have other bikes for sale, similar style, same level of preparation, various sizes:
Ready for sale:
Torpado - much chrome, $650
Torpado - (yes, two of them, this one less chrome) $650
Torpado mixte (step-through) - $750
Raleigh Supercourse - $500
Romet Sport - $450
Motobecane Grand Record - $850
Claud Butler Velox - $850
In preparation - ask for details:
Falcon Super Route
Falcon Super Route (yes, two of these)
Garlatti
Carlton (after Raleigh bought them) Cobra
Torpado
Torpado (yes, two more Torpados, one is another mixte)
Carlton ( pre-Raleigh) Flyer
Raleigh Super Course
Sold bikes:
Bennoto 850
Favorit F12
Gardin
Gitane
Mairag "two star"
Mercier mixte (step-through)
Miyata 110
Motobecane Jubile Sport
Norco Monterey SL
Peugeot Challenge
Peugeot City (three-speed)
Peugeot mixte
Peugeot PH9
Peugeot Sport
Raleigh Gran Prix
Torpado
etc.
