I have often said the same about my 1967 Peugeot PX-10 as you say about the Gitane TdF. It is simply a joy to ride. I think there was something magical about the combination of metric gauge 531 used by the French builders and the typical French high end bike geometry of the late 60's/ early 70's. Probably nothing anyone consciously designed, just sort of a chance alignment of the stars. But it produced bikes you cannot ride without smiling.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
SherryB <catlover@ii.ca> wrote:
>>Let talk about the ride quality. So what is the best >riding bike that you
>>have ever been on?
Another vote here for the 70's Gitane TdF. I don't know what it is....it's not the lightest bike in my stable, but it just rides so well, hour after hour after hour. It feels like it becomes part of me; I feel a little pang of regret when each ride is over, and a little flutter of the heart at the prospect of the next ride. Something I have found surprising, the late-60's Falcon I just acquired also has an amazingly comfy ride, given that it is some unknown (to me) straight-gauge frame and heavy old chrome rims. The angles are really laid back, which probably helps. But ooh la la,....the Gitane.... :)
Sherry Buttnor
Metchosin BC Canada.