Renault-Gitane Delta TT bike

 

Le Professeur: Testing the Delta TT bike in the wind tunnel, Winter 1984-1985.

The changing point in design and development coincided with Renault’s acquisition of Gitane in 1976 and importantly the technological resources by France’s largest auto manufacturer. Gitane focused on aerodynamics and was the first company to use a wind tunnel to design bikes. 

Beginning in 1979 with the Profil model, using aerodynamically shaped steel tubes. This was the first version to the striking Delta TT bike. Unveiled in 1984, the Delta employed an innovative handlebar that was integrated into the frame’s head tube and wing-shaped for aerodynamics. Later, Gitane would design the Delta with a smaller 650c front wheel to further improve aerodynamics, especially in team time trials, as this allowed the Renault-Gitane riders to position themselves even closer to the draft. 

Gitane used Renault’s wind tunnel to design an aluminum handlebar that would cheat the wind.

Putting it to good use: a winning combination - 1984 Tour de France

Lucien Van Impe's winning 'carbon' ride, 1976 Tour de France

Gitane also was one of the first companies to build bikes with carbon fiber. In the mid-70s, it worked with California-based Composites Developement Corporation to build a frame that rumoured to have been ridden by Lucien van Impe in the 1976 winning Tour de France.