1985 Gitane Professionel seat post size? Tubing? Dent in fork...

[SteelNipple]

In the 1985 Gitane catalog the seat post size for Professionel is stated to be 26.4 and mine came with 26.4mm(SR laprade, not original) but it's little loose and the clamp bolt ears were clamped together. I don't have a 26.6mm and 26.8mm is too large. Also what gauges the tubes would be for metric Reynolds 531 Competion? 28.0mm-26.6mm=1.4mm so 0.7mm and 0.9/1.0mm butt at the bb?

 

[pigman]

Sorry if you've already thought of this. But is the 26.8 too tight because the ears have been bent inwards. Releasing these outwards a bit may prove 26.8 to slide into the tube

 

[Canuk]

26.4 and 26.6mm were the most common seat post diameter for french steel frames. Fortunately there are quite a few 26.6 posts available from Campagnolo and Simplex on your well known auction site.

 

[SteelNipple]

Sorry if you've already thought of this. But is the 26.8 too tight because the ears have been bent inwards. Releasing these outwards a bit may prove 26.8 to slide into the tube

Yes, I did, but thanks anyway.

 

[SteelNipple]

The frame was probably repainted when it was new and has been stored in garage since late 90s.
A teaspoonful of rust mainly from bottom bracked and stays, three dents and some surface rust. Any expert opinions about the roadworthiness of the frame? Does the dent on the fork look bad(structually)?

 

[SteelNipple]

Frame weight was 2150g with head bearing cups and fork was 690g with crown race.

 

[SteelNipple]

Frame weight was 2150g with head bearing cups and fork was 690g with crown race.

Size 57cm c-c

 

[SteelNipple]

I tried another 26.8mm seatpost and it went easily in. Serial is E03xx86 so A=81 B=82 C=3 D=4 and E=85 and based on that I made the conclusion it would be 85' Professionel as it has a hanger for race number and professionel is the only model made with hanger that year.

No opinions on the fork?

 

[Canuk]

I tried another 26.8mm seatpost and it went easily in. Serial is E03xx86 so A=81 B=82 C=3 D=4 and E=85 and based on that I made the conclusion it would be 85' Professionel as it has a hanger for race number and professionel is the only model made with hanger that year.

No opinions on the fork?

It doesn't look too bad, so long as it hasn't put the blades out of alignment. If they are chromed I would just leave as is. If painted I'd probably fill the dent and repaint the entire fork.