Classic & Vintage - Peugeot Orient Express/Tange MTB Tubing Q's

My Peugeot Orient Express-- I think the vintage is 1986, though I've had it only for a couple of months-- has the sticker pictured below on the seat tube:


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZNDGkGYZsFI/SljNj5LCexI/AAAAAAAAAEI/GS66q9IuSTE/s800/Tange%20Sticker%207-11-2009%20002.jpg


From reading here and there, I gather the "PG" refers to "plain gauge." One article I was reading (http://desperadocycles.com/The_Lowdown_On_Tubing/About_Steel_Tubing_page2.htm), and in particular this table here (http://desperadocycles.com/The_Lowdown_On_Tubing/Tubing_Properties_For_Non_True_Temper_Tubing.htm), which is referenced by the article, got me wondering about the tubes that compose my bike's frame. Does "plain gauge" mean the tubes are not butted? If not, what does it mean, exactly? Thanks in advance.

Yes, they're not butted. I have the same bike.

If the tubes were butted, you'd have a sticker like this:

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/42209/2544479000068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2544479000068014369MeMkhm)

What bikes from that era were made with the double-butted tubes?

Thanks in advance.

Plain, straight gauge or unbutted tubes were standard practice on entry level and most mid range ATBs circa 1986. While there were some exceptions, you pretty much had to get up into the $500 US range before you started seeing butted CrMo tubesets on ATBs. Some of the more popular models of this period with butted CrMo tubesets included the Bianchi Grizzly, Diamnond Back Apex and Specialized Rockhopper. Then of course, there were the upscale, ATB specialists such as Fat City, Fisher and Ritchey using it on their models.

BTW, a 1986 Peugeot Orient Express in full CrMo and had a MSL of $319.95 US.

I turned mine into a little town bike for my wife. The Orient Expess frame was built in Japan. There should be a "Made in Japan" sticker below your tubing sticker. It's the only Japanese-built Peugeot I've ever encountered. It has forged Suntour dropouts and a pretty cool looking fork crown.

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/23256/1315585707068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1315585707068014369QQAdCs)
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/28354/1315587503068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1315587503068014369SfQDPe)
http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/40861/1315592111068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1315592111068014369YdAZEe)

BTW, a 1986 Peugeot Orient Express in full CrMo and had a MSL of $319.95 US.

I appreciate that. Adjusting for inflation, $319.95 in 1986 would be equivalent to about $625 today.

I turned mine into a little town bike for my wife. The Orient Expess frame was built in Japan. There should be a "Made in Japan" sticker below your tubing sticker. It's the only Japanese-built Peugeot I've ever encountered. It has forged Suntour dropouts and a pretty cool looking fork crown.



I like what you have done with that. I notice some of the components seem to be changed. Would you supply some detail in re: what you changed? From the pictures, it would appear that you changed the brakes, and several other things. Thanks in advance.

It would be easier to list what hasn't been changed:

The headset.

If you are interested in the original componets, check the catalog:

http://retropeugeot.com/

I appreciate that. Adjusting for inflation, $319.95 in 1986 would be equivalent to about $625 today.

Unfortunately you can't apply the standard inflation index to bicycles. To-day's entry level bicycles are such incredible values, even if you consider junk. For the price of a Orient Express in 1986, I can get an ATB that is lighter, has more gears, indexed shifting, a suspension fork and better performing V-brakes.

It would be easier to list what hasn't been changed:

The headset.

If you are interested in the original componets... [...]

Actually, I believe my bike is all original, or nearly so. I was interested in the new components you have installed, in particular the derailer(s), brakes, and anything else you care to mention.