GITANE

Updated 4.23.2014

Gitane (“Gypsy”) bicycles played an important role in the early 1970’s “bike boom” in the USA, who, along with manufacturers like Peugeot, introduced the first truly affordable lightweight racing bikes to the American public. Many racers remember their first race bike as a Gitane – sometimes even fondly! Although the company declined on American scene and in Europe in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, it remains one of the “classic” brands with a long and storied history in bicycle manufacturing and racing.

A great web site devoted to Gitane by Stephan Andranian: www.gitaneusa.com

The model "Tour de France."

Early 1970s bicycle

Jay Dubiel's original 1976 model "Tour de France"

Late 1970s bike as featured in Bicycling! Magazine.

Greg LeMond's bike as on display at Cupertino Bike Shop

Tandem with curved seat tube

Youth racing bike with 500x28C wheels