Recently I bought a 1980 Gitane ovalized tubes time trial bicycle frame, partly equipped with Shimano Dura Ace AX. It has a special narrow Mavic front hub laced with tied and soldered spokes, to a 24 hole Mavic Monthlery Legere. The oval seat post is of unknown make but looks like a modified Campagnolo 2 bolt Nuovo Record, Shimano headset, front derailleur and stem. TTT handlebar. All cables are internally routed.
Pictures in Mirroir du Cyclisme of the Renault team members using the bike, show it equipped with Campagnolo Super Record.
In a product release in another issue of the magazine it is displayed fully equipped with Shimano Dura Ace AX.
An annoying feature is the backward mounted front brake, dangerously limiting maneuverability of the bike in sharp left hand corners. When you change the brake to the normal front position the brake arms are too long and the brake shoes do not make contact with the rim. In 1982 pictures the brake position is normal frontal.
As far as I know this model was never officially for sale, or offered in their catalog, but limited to the professional team only.
Any technical advice and ideas about the equipment or info about the history greatly appreciated.
Rob Vermeer
Aruba, Dutch Caribbean