Sounds like the bars and stem were changed out by the original shop. Technically, a TTT stem was 26.0 while GB bars were 25.4. But the Raleigh Pro was fitted with a TTT stem and the fancier engraved "Map of Britain" GB bars. They figured "what's 0.6 mm amongst mates?" they just tightened down the stem nose bolt.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
veterinary technician <thebiggoogster@hotmail.com> wrote: Thank you, the original stem is a "3ttt RECORD mm105" made in Italy. I maybe should have mentioned that the bike was built for a guy who never came and picked it up. My dad purchased it brand new from a cycle shop when him and mom were dirty hippies bumming around France. Mark Steinke Denver,CO USA
>From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos
>To: veterinary technician ,
>Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: Re: [CR]1972 Gitane Tour de France: Handlebars
>Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:22:28 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Most of the TdF's of that era I've seen (including my own 1972) have
>unmarked AVA bars. My guess is that English made bars would be unmarked
>(in the visible area) GB bars like came on the Raleigh International and
>models below the International. They would have looked very similar to the
>AVA's. However, French bars, or a French stem would have been 25.0 mm,
>while English bars would almost surely have been 25.4 mm. What is the
>stem?
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, TX
>
>
>
>
>veterinary technician wrote:
> So the one that I call "my baby" is my 1972 tdf. I love my all original
>bike
>but have always wondered about my handlebars....Although I have maintained
>it well, I had always resisted the urge to tear the original leather off
>because there was just something I liked about it. The other week I finally
>got the guts to eliminate the old wrap and apply some brand new cork. At
>the very end of the L side (where you would pop in the end cap) is a stamp:
>"England".
>I have always said that one thing you could never accuse Gitane of is
>consistancy. I believe that the guys grabbed whatever parts were in the
>shop
>that day. Can anybody offer a thought as to what the English bars may be? I
>like em'
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now!
>http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/
>
>_______________________________________________
>
_________________________________________________________________
FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now!
http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/