Where Are The Serial Numbers On A Gitane Bike


Gitane Models

Little is known by the author of any Gitane models which pre-date the late 1960’s. There are few, if any, specimens in existence in the USA, and more information would be welcome regarding the bikes of the 1940’s, 50’s and early 60’s.

However, starting in the late 1960’s, Gitane began exporting large quantities of lightweight “racing” bicycles to the USA. Of particular note were the two high-end models, the “Tour de France”, a mid-level racing bicycle similar to Peugeot’s PX-10, and the “Super Corsa”, which ranked with many high end custom bicycles, but lacked the attention to detail and nice finish of the Italian racers. Below are some of the more popular models of Gitane in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with an emphasis on racing.

Gitane Tour de France – 1970s

What makes French bikes so difficult and “untidy”, for lack of a better word, is the fact that they were often sold with parts other than what was listed in the catalogs. It seemed that the company would build bicycles with whatever parts were on hand. That said, Gitane’s most popular racing model of the early 1970’s was the affordable but sometimes less than perfect Tour de France.

The Haro Serial number page will help you decode, or try to figure out the model of your Haro bike. The serial numbers change from the 90s, 2000, and so on. This will attempt to help you understand the 2000s serial numbers a bit better. Each serial number is made up of nine digits. The serial number is on the underside of the frame where the bottom bracket is, right underneath the bottom bracket. It is a 2002 Cannondale R400.

Made of Reynolds 531 tubing, Prugnat lugs, Vagner Fork Crowns, and Simplex dropouts, the workmanship was often sloppy. Although not pretty to look at, it was not necessarily poorly made, just poorly finished. Lugs are often off-center, welding on the dropouts looks to have been done by a three-year old. And the paint jobs were not the best. The paint itself was not clear coated, and the gold detail around the lugs was hand-applied by less than steady hands. The logos and other artwork were merely stuck on with stickers, instead of using decals with clear coat over them. It is for this reason that it is difficult to find older Gitane’s in pristine condition. Often, bottle cages and other clamp-ons were placed over the stickers and would mar them, forcing the owners to remove them entirely if they wanted the bicycle to look somewhat presentable.

But perhaps it is these imperfections that make the Tour de France a desirable bicycle. Selling for around $200 in 1970, these bikes were many people’s first “high performance” machines. They were outfitted with Simplex derailleurs, which worked reasonably well when new, the beautiful (if heavy looking) Stronglight crank set, Normandy hubs, Pivo stem, and Mafac Competition brakes, and Ideale leather saddle. Of course, these used the French threading that we are all so fond of.

The Tour de France name lived on in Gitane bicycles until around 1979. More information is requested regarding the late 1970’s models of high-end Gitanes.

Tour de France – Specifications (as listed in catalog):

Frame Sizes: 19.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5 (inches)

Frame: Reynolds 531 double butted

Lugs: Prugnat

Fork: Reynolds 531

Dropouts: Simplex

Bar/Stem: Pivo Professional

Brakes: Mafac Racer Luxe

Crankset: Stronglight Super Competition 93 52/42

Freewheel: 14/17/20/23/26

Pedals: Lyotard 460 Dural

Rims: Dural Mavic Monthlery

Hubs: Normandy Luxe Competition (Campagnolo Optional)

Tires: Dunlop Tubular

Seat Post: Simplex 26.4 (This varied a lot, so measure before you buy!)

Derailleurs: Simplex Criterium

Headset: Stronglight

Weight: 21.5 lbs.

Extras: Toeclips/straps, chrome rear stays, fork tips, & crown

Where Are The Serial Numbers On A Gitane Bike

Gitane Super Corsa – 1970s

Similar in many respects to the Tour de France, the Super Corsa was Gitane’s top-of-the-line offering in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Reynolds 531 tubing throughout, Prugnat lugs and Vagner Fork Crowns, it differed from the TdF in one respect: It was outfitted with Campagnolo Nuovo Record components, instead of the French assortment used on the TdF. The component packages could vary though, and it was not uncommon to find Stronglight parts on a Super Corsa. Of course, these to were French threaded.

Identifying a Super Corsa frame is done by examining the dropouts, which were Campagnolo instead of Simplex, as used on the TdF. Generally, the welds near the dropouts and the finish work was slightly better and “cleaner” on the Super Corsa. Another factor in differentiating between the two was the shape of the fork crown, which differed in design. While the TdF used a shorter, more curved Vagner fork crown, the Super Corsa was outfitted with a design which featured a long “spike” down the center. In some models, the “spike” was missing altogether. All fork crowns were chromed, with a bottom third chromed fork and partially chromed chain/seat stays on both the TdF and Super Corsa.

Unfortunately, the sticker system used on all Gitanes at the time was also employed on the Super Corsa. Even worse, is that some used stickers meant for the TdF frames and thus mislead owners as to the true identity of their framesets. For example, on the right fork blade of the TdF, Gitane applies a yellow and blue sticker in the shape of France, saying “Tour de France” on it. These stickers showed up on both Super Corsa and TdF frames, even though catalogs show that the Super Corsa should not have displayed that sticker. Also, head tubes, which in catalogs were shown to be completely silver on the Super Corsa, often were not, thus further confusing owners years later as to the true identity of their frames.

Super Corsa – Specifications (as listed in catalog):

Frame Sizes: 19.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5 (inches)

Frame: Reynolds 531 double butted

Lugs: Prugnat

Fork: Reynolds 531

Dropouts: Campagnolo

Bar/Stem: Pivo Professional

Brakes: Mafac Racer Luxe (Campagnolo Optional)

Free Serial Numbers

Crankset: Campagnolo (Nuovo Record) 42/52

Freewheel: 14/17/20/23/26

Pedals: Campagnolo

Rims: Dural Mavic Monthlery

Hubs: Campagnolo Record quick release

Tires: Dunlop Tubular

Seat Post: Campagnolo 26.4 (Nuovo Record – varied a lot, so measure first!)

Derailleurs: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Headset: Campagnolo (Nuovo Record)

Weight: 22 lbs.

Extras: Toeclips/straps, chrome rear stays, fork tips, & crown

Gitane Gran Tourisme – 1970’s

The Gran Tourisme was Gitane’s offering for the serious touring cyclist in the early 1970s. It came stock with racks, fenders and lights. Interestingly enough, pictures from the catalog showed that it came without any decals of any sort, except for the headtube Gitane logo, “handmade” sticker, and Reynolds 531 transfer. The Gran Tourisme is indeed a rare bicycle.

Gran Tourisme – Specifications (as listed in catalog):

Frame Sizes: 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5 (inches)

Frame: Reynolds 531 double butted

Lugs: Prugnat

Fork: Reynolds 531

Dropouts: Campagnolo

Bar/Stem: Pivo Professional/Pivo Dural Randonneur

Brakes: Mafac Racer Luxe

Crankset: Campagnolo (Nuovo Record) 36/46/52

Freewheel: 14-31

Pedals: Campagnolo (Nuovo Record)

Rims: Dural Mavic Clincher 27x1 1/4

Hubs: Campagnolo Record quick release

Tires: Michelin 50

Seat Post: Campagnolo 26.4 (Nuovo Record)

Derailleurs: Campagnolo Gran Turismo

Headset: Campagnolo

Weight: 25 lbs.

Extras: Front/rear racks, chrome rear stays, fork tips/crown, toe clips/straps, head/tail light, pump, kickstand

Gitane Interclub & Gran Sport DeLuxe – 1970s

The Interclub and Gran Sport DeLuxe were the bottom level Gitanes offered during the early 1970s, and don’t warrant much space here or in your collection. They do, however, make for great “city bike” converts. Stamped steel dropouts and “chromoly” tubing, they came with extremely heavy Stronglight steel cranksets and usually with Simplex derailleurs and Mafac Racer brakes. With a similar look to the Super Corsa and TdF, they can still look good, even if they weren’t the fastest bikes on the road!

Interclub – Specifications (as listed in catalog):

Frame Sizes: 19.5, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25.5 (inches)

Frame: Seamless lightweight steel

Lugs: Bocama

Fork: Chrome tips and crown

Dropouts:

Bar/Stem: Pivo Dural/Pivo Professional

Where

Brakes: Mafac Racer Luxe

Crankset: Durax 36/52 (40/52 Optional)

Giant Bike Serial Number Location

Freewheel: 14-26 or 14-28

Pedals: Lyotard 36

Rims: Dural Mavic Sport

Hubs: Normandy Sport quick release

Tires: Dunlop Tubular

Seat Post: Steel

Derailleurs: Simplex Prestige (Huret optional)

Headset: Bardon

Weight: 24.5 lbs.

Extras: Toeclips/straps, Zefal pump

Gitane Replica – 1983/84

Billed as the same bike used by the Renault-Gitane Team in 1983, this classic cycle was outfitted with Columbus Tubing, a departure for Gitane which lasted only a couple of years, before a return to Reynolds.

Finished in a beautiful metallic blue, the frames featured internally-routed rear brake cables, a braze-on for the front derailleur, and the ultra-sporty and very cool number plate peg under the top tube. They were outfitted with Mavic brakes, Stronglight cranks, Simplex derailleurs and Cinelli bars. In 1984, the bikes were outfitted with Campagnolo Super Record.

One disturbing story about these frames center around the Simplex dropouts on the drive-side stays. It is held by some that these had a high rate of failure on the bikes. One story is that a team which was outfitted in the USA with these bikes broke every one of them – and all in the same place. It may be for this reason that Gitane switched to Vitus dropouts on later frames (or perhaps another reason?)

Gitane Replica – 1984/85

Similar in many respects to the model years prior, the 1984/85 “Team Replica” was painted in the metallic blue of the years prior, but used Reynolds 531 Professional tubing and later came with 531c tubing. They also had internally routed rear brake cables and the number pegs, sporty extras which added to the class of the bicycle. Also features was a “hidden” seat post bolt, which used a fixed screw system which was tucked neatly behind the seat tube.

These bicycles came with Vitus dropouts and came with both painted and chromed forks, depending on the year. The chain stays were chromed as well. Interestingly enough, these bicycles used standard English threading, departing from the difficult to find and hard to work with French threading of the 1970’s models.

Other than routine maintenance, one of the best ways to ensure that your electric bike lasts you a long time is being up to date on your manufacturer’s various warranties. This can help immensely because if something happens to your bike that is completely out of your control, you’re covered. It’s not just the bike itself that can have a great warranty, but the motor and battery as well. Registering your bike with the manufacturer means that you’ll be set with all the warranties they offer. So how do you register your bike? Let’s walk you through serial Numbers, warranties, and getting the best out of your electric bike manufacturer.

Registering your Electric Bike

You should definitely register your ebike! These bikes are a huge investment that can last a long time if you treat them right and stay up to date on any recalls, common issues, and general news about your manufacturer. Registering with your serial number takes care of all of this. What do you need to register your electric bike? The serial number! Click on the links below to register your electric bike today!

Haibike Serial Numbers

You can find the serial on your Haibike easily. Simply remove the battery from the downtube on your frame. You should find the serial number engraved into the frame. It should start with a capital “HA” or “HC.” If you can’t find the serial number there, give us a call and we can walk you through it!

If you have a Currie-Electro Drive motor, you will likely find your serial number on the inside of a plastic plate on the motor itself. To locate it, start on the left side of your motor (the non-drive side). Carefully remove the two Phillips head screws on either end of the covering. Be sure not to mix these screws up as one is longer than the other. You can now pull back the plastic covering and find your serial number. You’ll find it in the same spot as in the picture below.

Alternatively, on their newer models, IZIP has the serial number on the backside of the seatpost where the post meets the motor.

Bulls has placed their serial numbers in one of two places. You can find the serial number on the bottom bracket or side of the seat tube of the frame. If you purchased your bike through us, make sure you know where it is before you leave the shop with it!

Raleigh Electric Bikes and Diamondback Electric Bikes Serial Numbers

Look for the serial number to these manufacturers on the bottom bracket underneath the crank.

EFlow has placed the serial numbers to their bikes underneath the bottom bracket near the crank. This is a common place for serial numbers if you are having trouble finding yours!

Now that we know where our serial numbers are and followed the links to register them, we’ll give you a brief overview of what your manufacturer’s warranty will cover. It’s important to note that these warranties do not cover “wearing parts.” This refers to things like brake pads, chains, cassettes, and the like. You should also note that making changes to the bike that could compromise integrity can void the warranty. For the specific details on your warranty, you should consult your owner’s manual.

Scope of Warranties

Giant Bikes Serial Number

Haibike: Two year warranty on the entirety of the electric bicycle. Five year warranty on the whole frame so long as the bicycle is retained by the original owner.

IZIP: They cover the frame of the bike for as long as it is retained by the original owner. Currie-Electro Drive motors are covered for two years and the batteries are covered for a year.

Bulls: Bulls offers a two year warranty on the motor and battery, five year warranty on the frame, and one year warranty on other components.

Gitane Road Bikes

Raleigh: They offer a lifetime warranty on your frame so long as it is retained by the original owner. The Currie-Electro Drive motors are covered for two years and the batteries are covered for a year.

EFlow: They cover the frame of the bike for as long as it is retained by the original owner. Currie-Electro Drive motors are covered for two years and the batteries are covered for a year.

We’ll continue to update this page as warranties can change from year-to-year. Check back for more info! Happy riding!

Author: Scott Nickley

Where Are The Serial Numbers On A Gitane Bikes

Scott Nickley is a writer, actor, cyclist, runner, and cafe loiterer living in Los Angeles. You can find his work on the Fly Rides website and find him in the flesh following all cycling laws in your nearest bike lane.