Classic & Vintage - Changed Steering Geometry

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TysonB
11-11-04, 08:23 AM
Guys,

I have a late '60's Peugeot U08 with the beautifully swept chrome front fork tubes. Others on this forum have spoken as to the nice handling of these vintage bikes. I love my U08, but would disagree regarding the handling. I consider the handling to be extremely quick and a little "darty." Tracking perfectly strainght in a draft line requires concentration.

This bike came originally with something like a 27" x 1 -3/8" wheel and tire. Over the years I have changed the wheels and now have a nice semi-aero 700 x 23 laced to 105 Shimano hubs front and rear.

My question is this: How much has handling been affected by the change in wheel/tires? Is it due to a change in geometry or merely the change in the amount of tire "contact patch?"

Hope this post is clear. I am a frequent "lurker" and have learned an amazing amount from others on this forum.

Thanks,

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

mswantak
11-11-04, 08:49 AM
The only thing you've changed is the contact patch. The geometry of your Peugeot's front end is pretty much like my Motobecane; steep fork angle and not a lot of trail -- they're going to be a little darty.

None of that 'Look Ma! No hands!' business for us. ;)
TysonB
11-11-04, 10:37 AM
None of that 'Look Ma! No hands!' business for us. ;)[/QUOTE]

No kiddin'! No hands riding = whoops!

Love these bikes, though. Owning a French bike is "broadening" in these times, especially for me. My friends are shocked by the irony of a "political Neanderthal" like me loving these Franco specials. I've been looking at Motobecanes a little wishfully these days.

Tyson

mswantak
11-11-04, 01:42 PM
Yup -- ordinarily if you give a Frenchman a wrench, he'll create something truly awful. Their bicycles seem to be the exception. I was looking for a Raleigh when my Moto fell in my lap for $10, so how could I refuse?