Gitane
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Cycles Gitane |
| Founded | 1925 in Machecoul, France |
| Founder | Marcel Brunelière |
| Headquarters | Machecoul , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Bicycles (aluminum, steel, carbon fiber frames) |
| Owner | Grimaldi Industri AB |
| Website | www |
Gitane is a France-based bicycle manufacturer headquartered in Machecoul, France. From the 1960s through the mid-1980s, the brand was closely linked to French competitive cycling, endorsing prominent cyclists such as Jacques Anquetil, Lucien Van Impe, Bernard Hinault, Laurent Fignon, and Greg LeMond. Currently, it operates under the ownership of Grimaldi Industri AB.
History
The origins of Cycles Gitane trace back to 1925 when Marcel Brunelière established a repair shop in Machecoul. Initially focused on bicycle repairs, the business soon progressed to manufacturing components and assembling bikes for other labels. By 1930, Brunelière began producing bicycles under his own brand, Gitane—French for "gypsy" woman. The company diversified into lightweight motorcycles during the 1950s. In 1960, the parent organization was renamed Micmo but continued marketing products under the Gitane name. Renault acquired a 30% share in Micmo in 1974 before taking full control two years later.
Gitane made its entry into the American market in 1958 through Mel Pinto Imports, becoming one of the earliest European racing bicycle brands to be regularly distributed in the United States.
To raise funds, Renault divested Micmo in 1985. Subsequently, in 1992, Micmo merged with Peugeot and Spanish firm BH to create Cycleurope, aiming to strengthen their position amid rising competition from Asian manufacturers. Eventually, BH sold Gitane, Peugeot, and Cycleurope to Sweden’s Monark group.
Sponsorships
Gitane initiated professional cyclist sponsorships in 1948, supporting distinguished riders such as Jean Stablinski (1953–1955) and Rudi Altig (1960). Teams backed by Gitane secured Tour de France victories in 1963 and 1964 with Jacques Anquetil leading.
During Micmo’s period under Renault ownership, Gitane co-sponsored professional squads featuring Tour de France champions including Lucien Van Impe, Bernard Hinault, Laurent Fignon, and Greg LeMond. Subsequent sponsorships involved teams headed by Laurent Fignon (SUG), Charly Mottet (RMO), and Jean-François Bernard (LVC).
In the 1990s, Gitane supported mountain biking teams before returning focus to road cycling sponsorship with FDJ and AUB teams starting in 1997. By 2010, Gitane was sponsoring the SOJ team to promote its Definitive "The One" ISP model range.
Gitane bicycles are distributed exclusively within Europe. Production of aluminum and steel frames takes place at facilities in Machecoul and Romilly Sur Seine (formerly Peugeot’s factory) in France, while all carbon fiber frames are manufactured in Asia.