Show your French bikes!
09-19-14, 08:50 AM
#1551
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'In the meantime I just ride it. It is quite remarkable"
Ah. The elusive factor of "feel". Care to try to elucidate, Jim?
Ah. The elusive factor of "feel". Care to try to elucidate, Jim?
09-19-14, 10:56 AM
#1552
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
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Thanks for asking, and I'd be delight to. (Be careful what you wish for...).
The first thing you, which is to say I, notice when I roll it around to mount it and ride is how light it feels and how free and light the steering feels. It isn't that the headsets of the others are tight but the Moto seems to have lower moment of inertia around the steering axis. I'd guess this is due to the lighter wheels/tires and lower rake. It steers very quickly but is not especially twitchy. The steering tracks very precisely.
When I crank the pedals it jumps, i.e. accelerates easily, probably due to the lighter wheels/tires. It seems to require less effort to maintain any given speed and coasts more easily, though others in C&V would probably argue with me on both points. It climbs easily as if energy was not being wasted. In a nutshell, it may not actually be faster but it sure as heck feels faster and more responsive. (Of course, Acadia's PLR has nearly glass-smooth pavement.)
This year's ride up Cadillac was easier than I remember it. Maybe that's because I've been riding 200 miles/week all spring and summer and because this time I started closer to the foot of Cadillac Mt. Road, but it felt like the bike helped. About 1/3 of the way up I was in its low gear (~32in) and actually passed a couple on CF road bikes as if they were standing still, had to call out "on your left" because I couldn't have ridden slow enough to stay behind them. When I stopped for some pics I saw them go by, and a few minutes later I blew by them again. Here's the pic, overlooking Bar Harbor:
Several times during the climb I realized I was able to relax, catch my breath and effectively rest without stopping. I noticed the same rest-while-climbing phenomenon on the long grades up from the Jordan Pond House, and the short but very steep grades on the eastern side of the PLR didn't require any resting.
The Masi feels similar, perhaps a little better balanced and in tune with how much I want to turn. Of course the Masi's gearing is 2x6 w/half-step xover and the Moto is 2x5 with 1 1/2-step xover, so their shift patterns are quite different. But both bikes are quite remarkable.
The first thing you, which is to say I, notice when I roll it around to mount it and ride is how light it feels and how free and light the steering feels. It isn't that the headsets of the others are tight but the Moto seems to have lower moment of inertia around the steering axis. I'd guess this is due to the lighter wheels/tires and lower rake. It steers very quickly but is not especially twitchy. The steering tracks very precisely.
When I crank the pedals it jumps, i.e. accelerates easily, probably due to the lighter wheels/tires. It seems to require less effort to maintain any given speed and coasts more easily, though others in C&V would probably argue with me on both points. It climbs easily as if energy was not being wasted. In a nutshell, it may not actually be faster but it sure as heck feels faster and more responsive. (Of course, Acadia's PLR has nearly glass-smooth pavement.)
This year's ride up Cadillac was easier than I remember it. Maybe that's because I've been riding 200 miles/week all spring and summer and because this time I started closer to the foot of Cadillac Mt. Road, but it felt like the bike helped. About 1/3 of the way up I was in its low gear (~32in) and actually passed a couple on CF road bikes as if they were standing still, had to call out "on your left" because I couldn't have ridden slow enough to stay behind them. When I stopped for some pics I saw them go by, and a few minutes later I blew by them again. Here's the pic, overlooking Bar Harbor:
Several times during the climb I realized I was able to relax, catch my breath and effectively rest without stopping. I noticed the same rest-while-climbing phenomenon on the long grades up from the Jordan Pond House, and the short but very steep grades on the eastern side of the PLR didn't require any resting.
The Masi feels similar, perhaps a little better balanced and in tune with how much I want to turn. Of course the Masi's gearing is 2x6 w/half-step xover and the Moto is 2x5 with 1 1/2-step xover, so their shift patterns are quite different. But both bikes are quite remarkable.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-19-14, 12:59 PM
#1553
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Rat City, WA
Posts: 462
Bikes: Peugeot Course, Motobecane Super Mirage(RIP), Peugeot PKN10e Motobecane Grand Touring
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My Super Mirage.
Tall bike with a extra long wheelbase.
Most comfortable riding bike, carries weight the best.
My PKN10e
Another tall bike.
My most fun bike to ride, the best hill climber
I love the drillium crank.
My UO10
My commuter bike.
Oddly my fastest bike.
If by fastest I mean, which bike can I get from one side of town and back in the shortest time.
This bike carried my ass on the Seattle to Portland 200 mile classic.
Two day elapsed time of less than fifteen hours.
My dumpster find.
It looks like a cheap department store bike,
but has what looks like Motobecane logos on it.
Been stealing a few parts from it.
Tall bike with a extra long wheelbase.
Most comfortable riding bike, carries weight the best.
My PKN10e
Another tall bike.
My most fun bike to ride, the best hill climber
I love the drillium crank.
My UO10
My commuter bike.
Oddly my fastest bike.
If by fastest I mean, which bike can I get from one side of town and back in the shortest time.
This bike carried my ass on the Seattle to Portland 200 mile classic.
Two day elapsed time of less than fifteen hours.
My dumpster find.
It looks like a cheap department store bike,
but has what looks like Motobecane logos on it.
Been stealing a few parts from it.
Last edited by Rocky Gravol; 09-19-14 at 01:19 PM.
09-19-14, 01:25 PM
#1554
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
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The ultimate French C&V bike fan should have at least three French bikes....
The first painted Bleu, the second painted Blanc, and the third, Rouge..... Just Sayin.....
I confess, I don't make the cut as all three of my French bikes are Noir..... Ehhh..que puis-je faire.......
The first painted Bleu, the second painted Blanc, and the third, Rouge..... Just Sayin.....
I confess, I don't make the cut as all three of my French bikes are Noir..... Ehhh..que puis-je faire.......
09-19-14, 02:02 PM
#1555
Senior Member
Mon Mercier, c'est rouge. Le Routens, c'est brun. Et l'autre Mercier, c'est rose.
__________________
Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
09-19-14, 03:11 PM
#1558
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
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Bravo auchencrow and CMAW!!
09-19-14, 08:06 PM
#1561
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bronx, NYC
Posts: 1,885
Bikes: '19 Fuji Gran Fondo 1.5, '72 Peugeot PX10, '71ish Gitane Super Corsa, '78 Fuji Newest, '89 Fuji Ace, '94 Cannondale R600, early '70s LeJeune Pro project
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Many base coats later
09-19-14, 09:12 PM
#1563
verktyg
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,030
Bikes: Current favorites: 1988 Peugeot Birraritz, 1984 Gitane Super Corsa, 1980s DeRosa, 1981 Bianchi Campione Del Mondo, 1992 Paramount OS, 1988 Colnago Technos, 1985 RalieghUSA SBDU Team Pro
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09-19-14, 09:32 PM
#1564
verktyg
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,030
Bikes: Current favorites: 1988 Peugeot Birraritz, 1984 Gitane Super Corsa, 1980s DeRosa, 1981 Bianchi Campione Del Mondo, 1992 Paramount OS, 1988 Colnago Technos, 1985 RalieghUSA SBDU Team Pro
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The ultimate French C&V bike fan should have at least three French bikes....
The first painted Bleu, the second painted Blanc, and the third, Rouge..... Just Sayin.....
I confess, I don't make the cut as all three of my French bikes are Noir..... Ehhh..que puis-je faire.......
The first painted Bleu, the second painted Blanc, and the third, Rouge..... Just Sayin.....
I confess, I don't make the cut as all three of my French bikes are Noir..... Ehhh..que puis-je faire.......
Just in case that doesn't qualify...
1984 Gitane Team Pro
1983 Peugeot PSV-10 - work in progress...
1972 Lejeune Champion Du Monde...
verktyg
Chas.
__________________
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Last edited by verktyg; 09-19-14 at 09:44 PM.
09-19-14, 11:05 PM
#1565
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: San Diego
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Bikes: 1989 Schwinn World Sport. 1994 Diamond Back Response Elite MTB. 1964 Schwinn Typhoon. 1974 Bridgestone Sprinter, 2015 Scott Sub 10 Citybike.
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Pearl white. Nice!
09-20-14, 12:31 AM
#1566
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
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Oooh la la......1983 Peugeot PSV!
One of the last of the pearl white beauties from the maker...... It was sad when Peugeot decided to let go of their traditional white racing color and most of their racing flag checkered graphics and go with the less attractive metallic black and color bands the year after....
One of the last of the pearl white beauties from the maker...... It was sad when Peugeot decided to let go of their traditional white racing color and most of their racing flag checkered graphics and go with the less attractive metallic black and color bands the year after....
09-20-14, 11:21 PM
#1567
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Shp4man,
Sorry I am brand new here, and I am trying to get ahold of you and it seems it takes 50 posts to qualify to sent personal messages. Do you still have the Vitus 979 aluminum fork from your "Is this the death fork" thread from a year or two ago. It turns out that I really need a 979 fork. Please let me know if you still have it around and would part with it. And a price? You'd be my hero...
Thanks,
George
gschuld@hotmail.com
732-966-7981 (7am til midnight, EST)
Last edited by gschuld; 09-20-14 at 11:29 PM.
09-21-14, 12:04 AM
#1568
verktyg
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,030
Bikes: Current favorites: 1988 Peugeot Birraritz, 1984 Gitane Super Corsa, 1980s DeRosa, 1981 Bianchi Campione Del Mondo, 1992 Paramount OS, 1988 Colnago Technos, 1985 RalieghUSA SBDU Team Pro
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Oooh la la......1983 Peugeot PSV!
One of the last of the pearl white beauties from the maker...... It was sad when Peugeot decided to let go of their traditional white racing color and most of their racing flag checkered graphics and go with the less attractive metallic black and color bands the year after....
One of the last of the pearl white beauties from the maker...... It was sad when Peugeot decided to let go of their traditional white racing color and most of their racing flag checkered graphics and go with the less attractive metallic black and color bands the year after....
I imagine it should ride and handle just like my 1988 Super Vitus 980 Biarritz bikes - the geometry is the same.
verktyg
Chas.
__________________
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
Don't believe everything you think! History is written by those who weren't there....
Chas. ;-)
09-21-14, 07:13 AM
#1569
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: south of France
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Bikes: MBK mirage,PEUGEOT PSN10,PEUGEOT competition 7000,LA PERLE course, PEUGEOT pulse,L.AIMAR course
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Waow ! all these blue wight and red bikes...c'est le 14 juillet !
So this is my three coloured bike, a PEUGEOT "competition" 7000
So this is my three coloured bike, a PEUGEOT "competition" 7000
09-21-14, 08:18 AM
#1570
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After lurking for some time i decided to sign up,great looking bikes in here!
Big fan of Peugeot 10 speeds myself,here's my main rider:
This bike was unused when i bought it,was stored on an attic for a long time and was a display bike in a bike shop before i got it.
It only goes out when the weather is perfect,think i rode only a couple hundred km. on it:
So i'm pretty sure these are both 1978 PX-8's but if any of you experts think it's another model please let me know.
Big fan of Peugeot 10 speeds myself,here's my main rider:
This bike was unused when i bought it,was stored on an attic for a long time and was a display bike in a bike shop before i got it.
It only goes out when the weather is perfect,think i rode only a couple hundred km. on it:
So i'm pretty sure these are both 1978 PX-8's but if any of you experts think it's another model please let me know.
09-21-14, 08:26 AM
#1571
Ellensburg, WA
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ellensburg, WA
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Bikes: See my signature
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After lurking for some time i decided to sign up,great looking bikes in here!
Big fan of Peugeot 10 speeds myself,here's my main rider:
This bike was unused when i bought it,was stored on an attic for a long time and was a display bike in a bike shop before i got it.
It only goes out when the weather is perfect,think i rode only a couple hundred km. on it:
So i'm pretty sure these are both 1978 PX-8's but if any of you experts think it's another model please let me know.
Big fan of Peugeot 10 speeds myself,here's my main rider:
This bike was unused when i bought it,was stored on an attic for a long time and was a display bike in a bike shop before i got it.
It only goes out when the weather is perfect,think i rode only a couple hundred km. on it:
So i'm pretty sure these are both 1978 PX-8's but if any of you experts think it's another model please let me know.
__________________
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
09-21-14, 12:01 PM
#1572
Senior Member
My 1950`s Criterium (please do not make fun of the paint. She still thinks she is young and beautiful)
I think she is beautiful.
I think she is beautiful.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
Last edited by Steve Whitlatch; 09-21-14 at 12:09 PM.
09-21-14, 12:48 PM
#1573
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
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All the great bikes in this thread can be tough competition but that Criterium holds it own nicely! Cool bike.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-21-14, 04:12 PM
#1574
Senior Member
Thank you. With all the mint beauty`s in here I was not sure I should even post it up.
__________________
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
My bikes: 1970`s Roberts - 1981 Miyata 912 - 1980`s Ocshner (Chrome) - 1987 Schwinn Circuit - 1987 Schwinn Prologue - 1992 Schwinn Crosspoint - 1999 Schwinn Circuit - 2014 Cannondale Super Six EVO
09-22-14, 09:36 AM
#1575
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Niagara Region, Canada
Posts: 1,451
Bikes: 1970s Alex Singer, 1960s Peugeot PX 10, 1960s Bertin C37, 1973 Carre Bertin C 37, 1972 Carlton Kermesse, 1981 Peugeot PX 14 Super Competition
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I've just finished the restoration of my 70s Bertin C 37 and decided to share the details.
