Originally Posted by
eschlwc
couldn't disagree more. it certainly depends on the year, where the early '70s bikes will be less standard. by the late '70s, even peugeots were relatively straight forward. generally, old peugeots are certainly more unique than most everything else.
unless you're in my area, where i will agree and say, "yes, please stay away from the nice french bikes."
The warning is fair and the OP has every right to ignore it... given he can identify what's good and what's a p.i.t.a. Some bikes are a safe bet no matter what. Other bikes, only if you know the bike. You clearly know enough to pick out the good from the bad (as do I).
Then again, not all BB's are going to be labeled Swiss/French/British. Forks/Wheels are an easy enough swap if desired. My '77 Motobecane is nothing to write home about, but I won't complain since it was free.