Hey all, n00b here, looking for advice.

In about '72 or'73 I bought a new Peugeot PX 10. I was just a casual rider and never put many miles on it. I still have the bike and it is in very good condition... at least it was the last I checked as it's been in the attic for several years.

I have virtually every part that came with the bike save for the tire pump... original wheels, freewheel (I had to change it out as I couldn't push the one that came on it very well :-) ), original Brooks Pro, etc.

I'd like to restore the bike to ride a bit, or for possible sale and need advice on what to do and what to avoid. For example, should I have the wheels rebuilt and polished? What kind of tires should I put on it (of course it still has the sew up rims)? Should I remove the handle bar tape (original) and polish the handle bars up? Replace the cables, etc... etc.

Over the years I've become a car guy and I've learned that some rare cars are worth more in original condition than restored; they can only be original once... Is the case with vintage road bikes?

Any pointers to good references would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance...

GA

A hearty welcome to you. Here's hoping you'll get the vintage bug. Please post some pictures.

I wouldn't change a thing except the tubs should be reglued, if they hold air, which they might. Clean it, tune it up, glue the tires and go. But send pics first!

I'll try to get it out of the attic tomorrow and post up some pix. I need to check... I think I even have the original bill of sale... want to say it was $250 or so... A lot of coin in 72/73.

Clubman: The sew ups are definitely not original, but just about everything else is.

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Welcome. Without photos, you bought an orignal UO-8

Save any parts you replace. Re-grease everything. If your Simplex Delrin (plastic) Derailleurs are in working condition there is no point in replacing unless you are planning to ride for thousands and thousands of miles.

I like to use a VERY mild auto polish to clean the frame. Be VERY careful not to get the 531 decals wet... they will break up into little bits and slide away. Be gentle with all of the decals... they are only original once.

I replaced my sew ups with clinchers, but only because I have no experience with them. If your wheels are good... that's up to you. Just save the originals if you have new ones built.

You are going to need a [edit] STRONGLIGHT crank puller if you intend on servicing the bottom bracket. I have an extra if you need it. Some people will tell you that you need to replace the French bottom bracket, but if you haven't ridden it much, I bet yours is in fine shape. It doesn't sound like you are going to race it.

I'm sure he meant to say Stronglight crank puller.

I don't know why anyone would tell you to replace the bottom bracket. In my experience, those Stronglight Competitions last forever. The same goes for the Competition V4 headset.

Grand Bois, Yes, thanks for the correction. I zigged when I meant to zag. Yes, and I agree... no reason to replace the BB. Vive la France.

Here are some pics of my UO-8
















It does need some serious clean up, but it's been tucked away for more years than I'd like to admit.


THANKS Ivandarken for the tip on the 531 decal. If not for your warning, I might have taken the bike out and hosed it down just to get rid of dust. It looks VERY fragile as you see in the pic.

Did I miss pics of any important components?

Thanks,
GA

Yeah... show some pictures of the rust and dents. Crikey, the white paint hasn't even yellowed! You got yourself a NICE UO-8 that somebody took the time to make look suspiciously like a PX-10. Amazing what a can of chrome color paint can do.

That bike is really in nice shape. Keep the hoods, you just can't find them anymore, and it's okay to keep dry ones on the bike... it proves to the kids that it's old. Wow, even your aluminum shines.

What else you got in the attic???

I actually bought it brand new and I had the original invoice a few years back... hope I can find it... the "Wheeler Dealer" sticker on the down tube matches the invoice.

Here's a shot of the bottom bracket. That's the worst of the dings and rust. Sadly, in '73 or so, I stuck a cheap stand on it and chipped the paint all up. Is there a serial number reference for these? Pretty sure I bought it in 72 or 73.

Beautiful genuine PX10! I like the tire savers/flint catchers and the pump holders.

there is some disagreement. See e.g.:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?615617-Px10-id

The chances are that we will never know...

It appears to be original except for replacement derailers. The plastic wingnut in the rear skewer is broken. Those are hard to find, but the quick releases work fine without them.

I was sure neither had been changed, but your post got me thinking and I do remember having a bent front derailleur a long time ago. Thought it was on another bike, but sure enough, the front derailleur is a Shimano so it must have been on the Peugeot.

Are you saying the rear has been changed also?

Any suggestion on where to look for an original Simplex for the front?