Gitane Mach 2300

Great but complicated – I would describe this bike as - Great but complicated I picked this bike up, used, on Gumtree a few months ago. I ride it about 24km a few times per week for commuting as well as going for a few weekend rides. I am a novice rider and got this bike for $500 used so it was a good deal for me despite the complications I have outlined below. Knowing then what I know now, I'd still have bought it, but knowing these things would have saved me a big learning curve (for better or worse) so hopefully others can benefit from this review.

Pros:

- Very light full carbon bike (lighter than my friends Azzuri and Cannondales which cost a lot more)

- FSA CF stem and seat post + Aluminium handlebars

- Full Ultegra Groupset and Wheels (see cons)

- Well put together

- Comfortable Geometry

Cons:

- Externally routed cables (not necessarily a con as it makes maintenance much easier)

- Ultegra Wheel Set:

- From 2004-2007 Shimano made deep spine free wheel hubs from aluminium (nice and light and on the whole a great technology)

- After 2007 they went back to standard splines due to complaints of incompatibility.

- As a result you will NOT be able to buy any new cassettes for this wheel set.

- So if you buy this bike as it was sold in 2007 you will need a new wheel set if you want different gearing (the factory set is 10 speed, 11-23T - hope you're in shape)

- Rear Wheel Frame Arch:

- this bike accommodates 23mm tyres ONLY and even then you'll need a lower profile tyre to sneak through.

- Consequently if you are buying used take the back wheel off and have a close look at the frame arch for wear.

- Provided it hasn't worn into the carbon you might still be able to patch it with epoxy but buyer beware!

Since buying it I have changed the wheels to Mavics (11 Speed) with Conti 4-Season tyres (25mm-front, 23mm-rear) and the 23mm barely squeaks through (1-2mm clearance). I have played around with putting a couple of very small washers in the dropout and locking it in tight to build another 1-2mm of clearance but this is a bit dicey and I don't recommend it.

Obviously changing to an 11 speed cassette meant changing out my rear derailleur and shifter. All of these changes/upgrades mean extra costs (value of changes ~ $500)

I'd recommend buying this bike used for <$800 if you can.

Hope this is helpful to people