Changing some items on U08
 

I've got a 1971 U08. I've replaced a few pieces here and there over the years. I still have super heavy wheels on there and I'm thinking about swapping them out for lighter 700c ones; nothing fancy...I'm just looking to lighten the bike, and the old wheels are kinda dented (hey, what do you expect...I rode this in college!).

Since the rear cluster is not a cassette but rather a hub, is this going to be a PIA to match up? How do I even go about it? I'm no mechanical genius but my LBS will work with me on doing all of this. So what would I need to do?

My other issue is that the rear wheel has some play in it; I assume the hub to be the culprit.

Thanks,

You have a freewheel hub. The freewheel just screws on. It's no problem unless you have a hub with French threads. I'd replace both wheels and the freewheel. I know you can get inexpensive wheelsets with freewheel hubs somewhere online, but I can't remember where I saw them.

You must have found a good bike shop. Most will tell you that your Peugeot is obsolete junk and try to sell you a new Bike.

Nesdog,

Good decision on keeping, upgrading and USING the UO8. My '68 is a "Frankenbike" but still painted in the classic white livery with some repo decals. I ride it often and did well on it in a 1/2 Ironman last year with some "near antique" Scott aerobars.

SINGLE BEST UPGRADE, by far!, is the one for wheels. My LBS loves the bike. Hand built a set of lightweight 700c hell-for-strong wheels that are true and smooth. (Apprx $175.00 out the door for the pair) Used some 30-year old 105 hubs I had. Terrific difference in every aspect of riding, handling, and stopping. (A little "twitchy" compared to stock 27 x 1-3/8, but so what?) Squeezed a 7-speed in the back using the original rear derailuer (although some believe I am lucky to have it still in one piece, it has never given any trouble since new).

That's just my opinion. There are some really knowledgable guys here who know much more than I. I can just tell you about riding it, because I ride it a lot.

TysonB

Agree wheels are #1 upgrade....bought a set of used 700C wheels at local used bikes/parts store for not too much - around $90 included Shimano 600 hubs, Ambrosio rims, tires (which were junk), and a 6 speed cassette - slotted right in and worked fine with stock simplex. Another advantage is that the Mafac brakes typically have enough reach so you just need to adjust and go.

Mark

I love the old UO8 and the wheels are the best upgrade you can make. You're going to run into a few issues though - bikes of that era used polished, box section rims. Mid-range and high-end bikes almost always came with tubulars which are effectively 700C. Those really are a PITA. Nearly all bikes that came with clinchers (like most modern bikes) came with 27" wheels. By the time 700C clinchers were common in the mid-late 80's, colorfully anodized and semi-aero rims were the style. In between you have a very narrow window where you can find polished, box section clincher rims in 700C. They're posible to find but difficult. That being the case your practical options are to either go with modern, probably black, semi-aero rims in 700C which will work great but look odd, or stick with 27" for the appropriate period look. You'll find that basically true whether you are looking for used, vintage wheels or purchasing brand new. You can buy some very nice new wheels with beautiful Sun rims in 27" for very reasonable prices. 700C will probably mean going with a casette hub which will be more work and expense. For mine I searched eBay and came up with a set vintage 27" rims built with the original French high-flange hubs and Weinman alloy rims that work great.