rootboy 

Probably the file routine, Bikernunzio. And thank you.
It was done a lot back in the day. But of course, that is exactly what I was trying to avoid by doing this project. And, now that Verktyg has shown very clearly how it was done, it will forever be preserved in the annals of the internet so any "hipster" can deface an old French frame they may run across.

Your picture really sent me back in time. My PX-10 (72) was outfitted in a very similar fashion for the bike tour we took after graduating high school. Right down to the colors of the panniers and front bag.

(p.s. brake hood packed and will go out this morning. Thanks)

romperrr 

Yes, this is excellent work. Very inspiring.

verktyg 

Why thank you @rootboy...

Here's an observation the I made years ago in the 70's... I used to see Peugeot PX-10s and Gitane Tour de France bikes in about equal numbers. Most PX-10 owners kept their bikes pretty much original with the standard Simplex Criterium derailleurs while many Gitane TdF owners opted to switch rear derailleurs to Campy NR, Suntour "V" or occasionally Shimano Crane, also long arm derailleurs from those makers.

Back then, Simplex derailleurs were held in such low regard that butchering a Simplex dropout wasn't considered offensive by the cognoscenti....

Also, many owners chose to keep the dysfunctional Simplex rod style front derailleurs... I suspect that most of their shifting was done on the rear and switching chainrings with the Simplex FD was always a challenge so the tended to not use the FD very much???

BTW, These days I recommend that folks wanting to change RDs on the olde French bikes look for a compatible, more modern Simplex RD such as the SLJ or SX series...


verktyg Drew a classic frame... go to jail! It's the law!

Chas.

rootboy 

Chas wrote;

"Here's an observation the I made years ago in the 70's... I used to see Peugeot PX-10s and Gitane Tour de France bikes in about equal numbers. Most PX-10 owners kept their bikes pretty much original with the standard Simplex Criterium derailleurs while many Gitane TdF owners opted to switch rear derailleurs to Campy NR, Suntour "V" or occasionally Shimano Crane, also long arm derailleurs from those makers."

That is a very interesting observation. To me. I wonder why? Any speculation on why the Peugeot buyers would opt for this less often that the Gitane buyers?

"Back then, Simplex derailleurs were held in such low regard that butchering a Simplex dropout wasn't considered offensive by the cognoscenti…."

I know. Thank goodness it happens less frequently now. And, glad to hear you no longer condone the operation.

(I'm thinking of ordering a bar of 303 stainless to see if I can make one of the custom bolts out of steel. Just for fun)

verktyg 

Between 1969 and 1973 the Tour de France and PX-10 models were comparatively equipped and priced.

PX-10 bikes came with Brooks Pro saddles, micro adjustable Simplex seatposts, Stronglight V4 Competition headsets, Lyotard 45 pedals and overall the cosmetics were generally better. During those years, the white with black lugs PX-10s were the most common ones.

Gitane TdFs had some lower priced components: Freccia D'Oro "Torquemada" plastic ass axe saddles with plated steel seatposts, Stronglight P3 headsets and Lyotard 460D pedals. They came in a wider variety of colors plus had long point lugs which were in vogue on Italian bikes at the time (Nervex lugs were considered old fashioned).

The plastic saddles on the TdFs were the first thing to go so once an owner made one change then the Simplex derailleurs and finally the MAFAC brakes were easy upgrades.

I think that the TdFs appealed to a more sporting crowd whereas PX-10 owners in general may have been a little more conservative.

We sold Gitanes and later Bertins plus other French brands so I'm a little prejudiced!

During the past 8 or 9 years, I actually spent money buying "classic" French components like Simplex and Huret derailleurs and MAFAC brakes to restore some C&V bikes that I acquired...Those were items we use to switch out and throw in the junk box at our shop!

I have 5 French bikes with intact "junk" - unmolested Simplex dropouts with Simplex Criterium RDs.

BTW, the veterinary work was done on customer's bikes at their request. We rode bikes with Campy dropouts but not necessarily Campy gear.


verktyg

Chas.

goncalompls

Hi there,
just came across this thread and was wondering if anyone else built what rootboy amazingly explained and has pictures of it? The ones here seem to be gone. I have a Campagnolo NR which I'm really keen to fit on my Peugeot PX10 but I couldn't find any way without butchering the frame. Any methods I can try or any advice on how can I do this would be amazing Thank you