Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - My fixie plan...

A while back I mentioned that my next bike would be converted to SS. Well, that plan has changed. I am now searching for an old Peugeot 10 speed to convert to fixed gear. My 1972 Schwinn Super Sport would be the perfect candidate, but I've put so much into restoring her to 70s road bike status, that I couldn't bear to strip her of all those parts. I've wanted a Peugeot for a long while now, so why not get one to make fixie? I know that there are compatability issues with restoring them, but If I were just to strip it of all those french parts, I'd be (reasonably) home free, no? So, any info is greatly appreciated.

And if anyone in the Santa Cruz area has an old Peugeot lyin' around, I'd be glad to take it off your hands...

Something like this (http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/82306506.html) is what I have in mind...

i think - and i am not sure - that you would still need french parts because the bottom bracket, etc. have french threads.

go for the peugeot track frame on ebay right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98084&item=7167906669&rd=1
It's got the bb installed already.

oh man, that peugeot is nice. i just have to wonder about those dents on the top tube.

Yeah, my plan is to buy a complete road bike to convert. That way I don't have to worry about BB threading etc...It'll all be ther for me!

Yeah, my plan is to buy a complete road bike to convert. That way I don't have to worry about BB threading etc...It'll all be ther for me!

Unless it has the old cottered cranks! I rode my UO8 conversion with it's original cottered cranks for about a year. Then I had an LBS machine the threads enough to fit an italian BB (he said it didn't take much, and he only charged $10). Other than that you should be fine.

My question is- and this is out of honest curiosity- why a Peugeot? I have never really heard them to be a remarkable frame builder. What is it about that bike you like?

Dunno. For some reason I always liked them. Not very light, but it rides really nice.

Monkey hit the nail on the head, I love the ride and the lugs. I still have my "first" road bike that I am converting to a single speed.
It is a Peugeot. It's stripped and primered and awaiting paint.

Yeah, I just like the look of a Peugeot, and for some reason, they've always appealed to me. But, I saw a Nishiki at Goodwill: light weight, lugged, double butted steel, but it was a little small, and I just wasn't feelin' a Nishiki for some reason.

Here ya go:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98084&item=7168310002&rd=1

Oh! What should I look for in the way of fork/stems? I'd like to keep it all stock, but I've heard of horror stories involving French fork/stem failure. Anyone have any input on that?

And there's no way I'm buying a $35 and then paying $45 for shipping! I'd much rather shop locally...

Well, I'm hittin' the flea market tomorrow, so I'll report on any finds after...

I've never heard of any failure horror stories involving French forks. The old AVA stems have a rep for breakage though, and unless you want a mint/stock PX10 or something, you don't need to keep the stem.

You can get around most french threading issues. I'd rather not be redundant, I've given most of the options in Peugeot fixie-crank options thread.

The UOs had nice rides. Personally, I'd hunt for a PR10-- Reynolds 531 in the three main tubes, basically a PX10 w/o the cachet (or the price). Be patient, tho, and a UO should come your way. I find 5-10 a year. They're not that odd, thousands upon thousands made it to these shores during the bike boom. Again, a nice transport frame, a good compromise between speed and comfort-- they make excellent and comfortable urban rides.

Yeah, no luck at the flea :(. Two possible Japanese candidates, but they wanted $85 and $95 for them! No thanks...

*I did find 3 great records though.

And there's no way I'm buying a $35 and then paying $45 for shipping! I'd much rather shop locally...

Oh. Thought it was closer to your neck of the woods.

Oh. Thought it was closer to your neck of the woods.
Not close enough for me...I'm car-less, so the parents would have to drive me anywhere, and I'm not sure how thrilled they are about the idea of another project bike.

Ooh! Sweet! I just remembered that I'm going up to the Haight area with some friends tomorrow - maybe I'll get lucky in a thrift store or at American Cyclery...Anyone in the San Fran/Haight area that could recommend some other places?