How to electrify a Gitane bike with an electric kit ?

In 2023, France reached a new milestone with over 700,000 electric bikes sold, demonstrating a growing enthusiasm for this eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, many cyclists remain attached to their classic bicycles, particularly high-quality models like those from the Gitane brand. With nearly a century of history, Gitane is a renowned French brand known for the robustness, comfort, and longevity of its bikes, combining tradition and technical expertise. These cyclists often want to keep their bicycles while benefiting from electric assistance via an electric bike kit.

This practice, called electric conversion or retrofit, is both an economical and ecological solution. It allows you to transform a traditional bicycle into an electric bike (e-bike) using an electric bike kit, offering an attractive alternative to buying a new bike, which can be expensive and have a greater environmental impact.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through electrifying your Gitane bike with an electric bike kit. We analyze the advantages, compatible models, recommended kits, and installation steps. We also share concrete examples and user experiences. This content will help you confidently complete your electric bike conversion project.

Summary

1. Why convert a Gitane bicycle into an electric bicycle?

2. Which Gitane models can be electrified?

3. Which electric bike kits should I choose for a Gitane bike?

4. How do I install an electric bike kit on a Gitane bicycle?

5. Conclusion

1. Why convert a Gitane bicycle into an electric bicycle?

What are the environmental and financial benefits?

Electrifying an existing bicycle rather than buying a new one significantly reduces its carbon footprint. According to a study by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), manufacturing a new electric bicycle generates approximately 270 kg of CO₂. Retrofitting with an electric motor kit eliminates this production step, as only the kit is manufactured and installed, thus considerably reducing the environmental impact.

The financial advantages are also clear. A quality electric assist kit typically costs between €600 and €1,500, including battery and installation. In comparison, a new, high-performance electric bike often costs between €1,800 and €2,500. Converting to an electric bike kit therefore saves nearly 50 to 60% of the budget.

Furthermore, many local authorities and regions in France now offer specific financial assistance for electric vehicle conversions. These subsidies can reach several hundred euros and can be combined with national grants (MaPrimeRénov', sustainable mobility bonus). This makes conversions even more accessible.

What is the exact role of the Electric assistance kit?

A An electric assist kit includes several essential components. The motor is the heart of the system and can be located in the front wheel, rear wheel, or at the bottom bracket (mid-drive motor). Each position offers a different feel: the front wheel is lighter and quieter, the rear wheel provides more traction, while the mid-drive motor offers very natural and powerful assistance.

The battery, usually lithium-ion, powers the motor and attaches to the frame or luggage rack. Its capacity determines the range, often between 50 and 110 km depending on the model.

The torque sensor detects the force you exert on the pedals and adapts the assistance in real time, for optimal comfort.

Finally, the electronic controller manages everything, often with a screen or handlebar control to choose the level of assistance.

For example, the Virvolt 900 kit, An electric mountain bike kit offers a bottom bracket motor with 80 Nm of torque, which allows for very powerful assistance, ideal for difficult terrain or sporting uses.

Why are Gitane bikes a good choice for electrification?

Gitane bicycles are renowned for their sturdiness and comfort. Their steel or aluminum frames are robust, with technical standards largely compatible with most electric bike kits on the market.

Furthermore, Gitane has been producing models with classic geometries for several decades, using universal components such as BSA bottom brackets, which are easy to install with a mid-drive motor. The majority of models use standard wheel sizes (26, 27.5, 28 inches), simplifying the choice of conversion kit.

Finally, there's a strong sentimental aspect. Gitane is a historic brand in France, synonymous with quality and cycling tradition. Converting a Gitane bike to electric means extending the life of a bicycle steeped in history and memories, while also modernizing it.

2. Which Gitane models can be electrified?

At Virvolt, we've electrified numerous Gitane bikes, both recent and vintage, thanks to the compatibility of their frames and components with our electric assist kits. Here are the most frequently converted models, along with their recommended configurations.

The Gypsy Salsa, A more versatile bike, easily accepting a Virvolt 900 mid-drive motor kit, suitable for more demanding terrain or long distances. Its rigid frame and ample clearance allow for clean battery integration.

The Mississippi Gypsy This trekking or all-terrain bike represents an excellent base for an electric conversion. Designed for long rides, it combines robustness, comfort, and stability. Thanks to its upright geometry and standard bottom bracket, it's perfectly suited to a Virvolt 750 or 900 mid-drive motor kit. This type of configuration allows you to fully exploit its potential on roads, bike paths, and trails, with progressive and consistent assistance. The frame accepts a battery on the downtube or on a rear rack, depending on your needs. Once electrified, the Mississippi becomes a high-performance e-bike, ideal for cycle touring, commuting, or nature rides.

THE Gitane Verso, This modern and comfortable urban bike is also very well suited for electrification. Its aluminum frame, internal cable routing, and standard components allow for easy installation of an electric bike kit, including the Virvolt 500 front wheel kit. Lightweight and discreet, this system is perfect for city riding. Its water bottle-sized battery can be mounted on the frame, providing ideal range for daily commutes.

THE Gitane Brunch, With its elegant design and open geometry, this city bike is built for simplicity and comfort. Thanks to its low frame and 700C wheels, it easily accommodates a mid-drive or front-wheel drive electric bike kit. The Virvolt 500, in its front-wheel drive version, is particularly recommended for maintaining the bike's lightness and maneuverability.The smooth and progressive assistance makes it an ideal solution for urban cyclists looking for a reliable e-bike without changing their ride.

THE Gitane Pliant, Designed for urban mobility and space saving, it's an excellent base for conversion to an electric bike. Thanks to its compact frame and small-diameter wheels, it can accommodate a suitable electric bike kit, such as the Virvolt 500 front wheel kit. This type of electric bike kit is particularly recommended for folding bikes, as it combines lightness, compactness, and ease of installation. The battery, often positioned near the water bottle cage, allows the bike to retain its folding function. Once electrified, the Gitane Pliant becomes an ultra-practical electric bike for multimodal journeys (bike + train, bus, or metro), without sacrificing riding comfort or performance.

What points should be checked before conversion?

Besides the frame and wheels, compatibility with the braking system is essential. Most Virvolt kits are compatible with V-brakes (rim brakes) and mechanical disc brakes. For hydraulic brakes, a specific check is required.

You also need to ensure the routing of cables, the available space for the control screen on the handlebars, and compatibility with the existing crankset (dimensions and shape).

A Virvolt certified distributor can carry out these checks in the workshop to avoid any unpleasant surprises and optimize the assembly.

3. Which kits should I choose for a Gitane bicycle?

What is the purpose of a front wheel kit?

The front wheel kit, like the Virvolt 500, is often chosen for its ease of installation and light weight. This type of kit for electric bikes is very popular for urban commuting because it offers smooth and progressive assistance, making city riding easier without drastically altering the riding experience.

Installation is quick and requires no major frame modifications. The battery, in a bottle cage format, is placed at the bottle cage mount.

The battery range is generally between 50 and 70 km.

Why choose a rear wheel kit for your bicycle?

The rear wheel kit, like the Virvolt 750, offers better traction, which is useful on mixed or slightly hilly terrain. The electric motor kit moves the weight of the motor to the rear, improving traction.

It is well suited to Gitane hybrid bikes or some lightweight mountain bikes, for versatile use.

With a 10.5 Ah battery, the range can reach 80 km, which is sufficient for long outings.

Is a mid-drive motor the most powerful solution?

The mid-drive motor, like the Virvolt 900, is indeed the most efficient solution. It offers high torque (80 Nm), smooth and responsive assistance, perfectly suited to demanding cyclists.

This option is recommended for intensive use, rough terrain, or for those who want an experience close to a high-end e-bike.

The frame must be compatible with a BSA bottom bracket, which is common on older Gitane mountain bikes.

4.How do I install an electric bike kit on a Gitane?

Can the installation be done by oneself?

At Virvolt, the installation of our electrical kits must be carried out by a licensed professional. This requirement is not merely a recommendation: it determines user safety, the legal compliance of the electric bicycle, and the validity of the warranty. Improper installation, whether of the motor, battery, wiring, or sensors, can lead to serious failures, malfunctions, and even risks to the cyclist. To comply with the European standard EN 15194, it is imperative that the motor's power does not exceed 250 watts, that the assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, and that the entire system is installed correctly.

What are the installation steps?

During a professional installation, each step is rigorously controlled. The technician begins with a complete diagnostic of the bicycle to ensure its compatibility With the chosen kit, the technician then proceeds to assemble the motor, securely attach the battery, carefully route and connect the cables, and install the control screen on the handlebars. Once all components are in place, electronic adjustments are made to ensure optimal operation and that the assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, in accordance with regulations. Finally, dynamic tests are carried out before the bicycle is delivered. Thanks to this rigorous process, the user benefits from a reliable and safe installation, and from after-sales service provided by a professional recognized by Virvolt.

Conclusion

Using an electric bike conversion kit to electrify a Gitane bicycle is a smart and eco-friendly solution, extending the life of a beloved bike while providing the benefits of electric assistance. Whether for urban, sporty, or touring use, choosing the right kit and professional installation guarantee an optimal experience.

To make your electrification project a reality, don't hesitate to contact a specialist installer who can advise you on the best conversion kit suited to your Gitane bike.