[CR]Gitane Club Special information request

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

From: "Charles T. Young" <youngc@NetReach.Net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 14:08:33 -0500
Subject: [CR]Gitane Club Special information request

Folks:

Recently picked up a Gitane Club Special track bike. I'd appreciate some feedback on the age and likely original componentry. It is orange with gold Cycles Gitane transfers on the seat and down tubes and a "Racing Team" transfer on the right chainstay. Normandy high flange hubs with Mavic sewup rims. Steel stem and bars, unbranded. Small diameter steel seatpin, tapered at top for a saddle clamp with a modern saddle fitted. Would this have been an Ideale leather or leather on plastic (200x) saddle? Can't find my calipers at the moment to measure the diameter. Currently fitted with a Gipiemme track crankset but will soon get a Stronglight 93 track crankset. Pedals are KKT Pro Victory track pedals. Would it have had Lyotards fitted and, if so, what model?

Front fork is undrilled and will stay that way but I'd like to hear if anyone has a nondestructive means to fit a front brake for light road/paved bike trail use without going the spare fork route.

Thanks,
Charlie Young,
Honeybrook, PA