French Frames: cool or too much trouble?
01-11-07, 05:58 PM
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French Frames: cool or too much trouble?
I'm in the process of building up my second fixed, a 73 Peugeot PX10. Almost done, everything is going great, thanks to some people on here I was able to get some parts really cheap. I noticed that some of the old timers I ran into at my LBS were really into the frame (it has nice Nervex lugs , stronglight cranks etc) while one or two have really bashed the French frames for their idiosyncracies. Just wondered what experience other people have had. I got the frame for 60$ and did a quick Ebay search of completed auctions for PX10 frames and found anywhere form 75$ to 225$ so I'm pretty happy so far.
01-11-07, 06:04 PM
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très cool, si on a le filetage français
01-11-07, 06:06 PM
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$60 for a px10.. keep it. That is a find. I think the px10's are sought after.
I have a uo8 that i didn't have too much trouble with. How is the condition of the headset and bb? Those are the two demons IMO.
I have a uo8 that i didn't have too much trouble with. How is the condition of the headset and bb? Those are the two demons IMO.
01-11-07, 06:06 PM
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Yes, French Threading. Headset is golden, the BB I'm overhauling now.
01-11-07, 06:10 PM
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I'd do the conversion..especially if you are going to replace the wheelset with something else.
You can get any quill stem that is 22.2 to fit in there...just need some sandpaper.
Since you are overhauling the cranks..i'm assuming you will be putting a square taper or seomthing in there. If so, it solves any potential pedal issues since you'll probably put a modern crank on there.
You can get any quill stem that is 22.2 to fit in there...just need some sandpaper.
Since you are overhauling the cranks..i'm assuming you will be putting a square taper or seomthing in there. If so, it solves any potential pedal issues since you'll probably put a modern crank on there.
01-11-07, 06:26 PM
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PX10's are the ones that collectors are after. Is it made with Renyolds 531 tubing? Save all the old parts in case you wish to sell it in the future.
01-11-07, 07:12 PM
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PX10's are nice. You can work around the French idiosyncracies for a bike like that.
01-11-07, 07:50 PM
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lemme suggest velo-orange.com my friend they love the french bikes and stock lotsa parts for them
01-11-07, 09:42 PM
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Love them! obviously, if you check my P. Monaco thread. Now i need another one...damn! why did i think it was a good idea to "give" it to me GF? 
01-12-07, 12:30 AM
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my first fix was also a px-10 (r.i.p.)*
it also cost me $60
only (minor) problem was the threading but it wasn't hard at all to track down a headset and now i have a phil bb that my next bike will inherit.. two seconds of sanding got me a stem but you're already one step ahead i believe !
really, it's too bad the japanese manufacturers didn't pick up on the french (or rather swiss) specs.. the metric dimensions make way more sense than the imperial ones that are standard today
* (in retrospect, if my frame wasn't french, it might still be riding today with two replacement tubes.. if you think finding a french headset is hard try locating 26 and 28mm tubing !)
it also cost me $60
only (minor) problem was the threading but it wasn't hard at all to track down a headset and now i have a phil bb that my next bike will inherit.. two seconds of sanding got me a stem but you're already one step ahead i believe !
really, it's too bad the japanese manufacturers didn't pick up on the french (or rather swiss) specs.. the metric dimensions make way more sense than the imperial ones that are standard today
* (in retrospect, if my frame wasn't french, it might still be riding today with two replacement tubes.. if you think finding a french headset is hard try locating 26 and 28mm tubing !)
01-12-07, 12:34 AM
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only french bikes i've ever converted have been peugots.
we ended up just using two complete bikes to make one fixie.
still have a bunch of extra parts sitting around somewhere.
we ended up just using two complete bikes to make one fixie.
still have a bunch of extra parts sitting around somewhere.
01-12-07, 01:50 AM
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Seriously, so many people cry about how much of a pain in the ass it is, but it's actually not so bad. No worse than a vintage bike.
The only things you really have to worry about are the BB, headset, pedals and stem. The stem is an easy fix and the headsets and bottom brackets are readily available and not too expensive. As for the pedals, just have the cranks tapped for english.
Those are rad bikes BTW.
The only things you really have to worry about are the BB, headset, pedals and stem. The stem is an easy fix and the headsets and bottom brackets are readily available and not too expensive. As for the pedals, just have the cranks tapped for english.
Those are rad bikes BTW.
01-12-07, 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by bobdanger
too much trouble
01-12-07, 07:19 AM
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When I converted my Peugeot I was just able to overhaul the existing headset. The stem was fine, so I kept the original (and wish I could clone it for my second fixed ride). I completely removed the original BB and crankset, replaced it with 68mm English square taper and voila. No muss, no fuss. I don't know what model Peugeot I have--it's from the late '70s and it's an awesome bike.
01-12-07, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by fixed_but_free
When I converted my Peugeot I was just able to overhaul the existing headset. The stem was fine, so I kept the original (and wish I could clone it for my second fixed ride). I completely removed the original BB and crankset, replaced it with 68mm English square taper and voila. No muss, no fuss. I don't know what model Peugeot I have--it's from the late '70s and it's an awesome bike.
01-12-07, 12:08 PM
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I don't see how it could be so much trouble, like some here have stated.
I have 2 peugeots (geared mind you) and haven't ever had a problem with them (besides blowing out a rear bearing race on the non stock wheelset of my '68).
I have 2 peugeots (geared mind you) and haven't ever had a problem with them (besides blowing out a rear bearing race on the non stock wheelset of my '68).
01-12-07, 12:35 PM
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I have a early 70's motobecane. Everyone told me I was NEVER going to find anything for it. I didn't really have any problems, just took some searching, but that's the fun part. I really could have done without all the eye rolling at the LBS. They acted like I'd never find what I needed, and should not even try, but I did. Not too bad for the first bike I ever put together.
