Originally Posted by John E
When searching for vintage Peugeots, do not overlook the underrated
PR-10 / PKN-10 series, which have the PX-10's main triangle, but seamed carbon steel forks and stays. Replace the Simplex derailleurs and Normandy hubs with Campagnolo or SunTour units, keep the Stronglight crankset, and you have a VERY nice bicycle.
The frame, of course, is the heart and soul of the bicyle. I would rather have a higher-end Peugeot frame with second-rate components than a lesser frame with better components.
You could also keep it French and upgrade with later, all-metal Simplex derailers and retrofriction shifters and Mavic rims and hubs. That's what I did with my Gitane and I love it.