Even at a good price it survived the weekend and I was able to pick it up during the week. Turns out this bike is not just a Peugeot but a made for the french market one that came to Seattle with a French family who is going back to France and didn't want to lug a 30 lb. Mixte with them.
I haven't nailed down the exact model or year but its similar to the "all weather" UE-18 style bike. Peugeot had different components for bikes in different markets. This bike has 700c wheels rather than 27 inch and presta value tubes rather than schrader for instance. Instead of center-pull brakes it has some entry level side pull brakes. And I guess instead of north road handlebars these are Le Rue Nord.
I really like that this bike came standard with fenders and a cool integrated rear rack painted to match the frame,
unfortunately the bike didn't come with a front lamp although based on the bracket holes in the front fender it had one originally. Another cool feature is the Peugeot branded bell which I understand are rare and expensive, I looked on ebay and one was for sale in the UK for $60, which is about what I paid for the entire bike.
The bike does have the standard 70s Peugeot drive-train, Simplex of course.
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| downtube Derlin simplex shifters |
And now I really need to stop acquiring project bikes! although for this one I could probably do a "flip" if I really wanted to as its in nice shape to start. I would like to give it the full treatment, however, and with spring coming and perhaps the addition of a basket I think it will fetch a good price. On the other hand my daughter continues to sprout up and has outgrown her last bike and she likes the look of this one so maybe I will build it up for her.
Until next time ride, smile and repeat.
What a good place to start on this bike. Looking forward to see where you take this.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!!
thanks Jim I am looking forward to this project
ReplyDeleteCool find! Looking through various Peugeot websites, it seems that the checkerboard pattern on the top tube or seat tube was used from 79-83. On twin top tube Mixtie frames those decals were placed on the down tube. This P18L looks like a pretty good match to the bike you have. http://www.bikeboompeugeot.com/Brochures%20France/Peugeot%201983%20France%20Brochure/Peugeot_1983_French_Brochure_Page11_BikeBoomPeugeot.JPG
ReplyDeleteGood Call thanks for sending the link I concur that is most likely an 80s PH18L as it has the checkboard pattern as you noted and also the "internal lugs" construction.
DeleteReyna, I am glad you bought that bike! I noticed it as well, but I had recently bought an old Peugeot AO-8 and restored it, so I thought getting another one would have been a little over the top.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found with mine was that the only parts that needed to be replaced were the rims and rear dérailleur. I tossed the chrome rims and replaced them with some alu rims, and then found a nice old Huret Duopar on eBay. The bike works and rides like a dream now.
What I'd like to try next is changing the cottered crank to a compact double. It should be possible to drill the arms and find a gear with three mounting holes. I was thinking of a 24 tooth TA gear, for example. It would be fun to try!
Hi Luisita, I don't seem to be able to say not to a good French bike! I haven't taken the bike apart yet but at first glance it just needs some new consumables and a thorough clean and lube. The one exception is the saddle whihc has a tear in the back but otherwise it appears all there and in good shape. My compact double solution for my late 70s Motobecane Grand touring was to get a threadless bottom bracket and 46/30 crank from Velo Orange. I will post about how that turns out once I get to that project.
DeleteActually, on mine I put on a classic TA triple crank that I had in a box. I had to use a Phil Wood bottom bracket for that, because the VO bb wasn't wide enough for the triple. If you want that VO bb I'd be happy to give it to you! It would work well for the double.
DeleteThanks but I already have the the BB for my crank, I appreciate the offer.
DeleteReyna? Geeze, it's Ryan. Damned autocorrect!
ReplyDeleteOh I've been called worse LOL
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