1981 Peugeot Course upgrades
07-14-18, 08:17 AM
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1981 Peugeot Course upgrades
Hello all! I’m new to the forum, but have used it in the past as a resource.
I just picked card up a 1981 (I believe) Peugeot Course 103 Carbolite tubing. Probably overpaid at $75 but vintage road bikes are slim pickings in my area (other than Schwinn) and I liked the look of the bike.
I know carbolite aren’t the most desirable frames, and I’m not looking to restore just give it a second lease on life.
As as it is now, it has:
original Simplex RD
not period correct Shimano FD
original Mafac brakes
original Rigida 27” alloy wheel set
filthy, but cleaned up well
minimal frame rust (only a few spots where the paint was chipped)
new tires and chain that previous owner put on
original very poor condition bar tape.
Are there any somewhat period correct upgrades to the drive train or brakes or known issues I should look out for?
I would post pictures, but need to get up 10 post.
Thanks!
I just picked card up a 1981 (I believe) Peugeot Course 103 Carbolite tubing. Probably overpaid at $75 but vintage road bikes are slim pickings in my area (other than Schwinn) and I liked the look of the bike.
I know carbolite aren’t the most desirable frames, and I’m not looking to restore just give it a second lease on life.
As as it is now, it has:
original Simplex RD
not period correct Shimano FD
original Mafac brakes
original Rigida 27” alloy wheel set
filthy, but cleaned up well
minimal frame rust (only a few spots where the paint was chipped)
new tires and chain that previous owner put on
original very poor condition bar tape.
Are there any somewhat period correct upgrades to the drive train or brakes or known issues I should look out for?
I would post pictures, but need to get up 10 post.
Thanks!
07-14-18, 08:40 AM
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Welcome to the forum. Peugeot Carbolite tubing makes for a decent riding bike - even though it is not special. I would keep the Mafac brakes and replace the pads with Kool Stops. If you want matching derailleurs, I would look for Sachs/Huret or Suntour V or VGT (if you need a long cage).
07-14-18, 08:58 AM
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Thanks! I put Suntour components on my old Raleigh to replace the Simplex with plastic parts, they seem like good derailleurs for that era. Guess it’s time to check eBay.
As far as aesthetics, was cork tape used as early as 81? Or should I replace the original black cloth tape with the same. I try to stay within the period on any bikes I fix up, but I’m not a purist. I just like to have things not look out of place.
As far as aesthetics, was cork tape used as early as 81? Or should I replace the original black cloth tape with the same. I try to stay within the period on any bikes I fix up, but I’m not a purist. I just like to have things not look out of place.
07-14-18, 10:20 AM
#4
Bad example
I would be delighted to pay $75 for a Carbolite Peugeot in decent shape. As dweenk said, they can be nice riding bikes, particularly if you use nice tires. I have an ‘84 Corbier (bought for $80) that I built up with nice components and it is a lot of fun to ride. I have used both Huret and Suntour derailleurs on the bike, and I kept the Mafac Racers, which are great brakes. I replaced the crank with a Spécialités TA Cyclotouriste so I could add a granny gear. It’s hilly in Seattle. The pic below is a bit old; the bike now has both fenders and a new saddle from @rhm. But it gives you the idea!
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07-14-18, 10:36 AM
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Nice bike!
Decent shape would be generous for mine haha, it definitely needs a lot of TLC. It sat in a storage shed for who knows how long. But the frame seems solid.
Both derailleurs have a fair amount of rust and although I cleaned them up a bit and they work ok, will need to be replaced. Needs all new cables, new bar tape, seat. General maintenance etc. I’ll probably end up putting more into it than it’s worth. But, I wanted to save it from further deterioration.
Decent shape would be generous for mine haha, it definitely needs a lot of TLC. It sat in a storage shed for who knows how long. But the frame seems solid.
Both derailleurs have a fair amount of rust and although I cleaned them up a bit and they work ok, will need to be replaced. Needs all new cables, new bar tape, seat. General maintenance etc. I’ll probably end up putting more into it than it’s worth. But, I wanted to save it from further deterioration.
07-14-18, 10:44 AM
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What Huret components did you use? I’m more familiar will Suntour since I have two other bikes outfitted with them. But, I think I want to mix it up on this bike and try out Huret.
The shifters are clamp on Simplex and could stand to be replaced along with the derailleurs.
Any model info would help a lot.
6 speed freewheel and chain wheel don’t have too much wear, just some oxidation. So I’ll leave them alone for now.
The shifters are clamp on Simplex and could stand to be replaced along with the derailleurs.
Any model info would help a lot.
6 speed freewheel and chain wheel don’t have too much wear, just some oxidation. So I’ll leave them alone for now.
Last edited by Raleigh74; 07-14-18 at 10:48 AM.
07-14-18, 11:32 AM
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If you intend the bike as a rider, get rid of the Simplex transmission, using Suntour derailleurs and shifters instead. Get rid of the steel wheel rims, if they are steel, and install alloy rims. The Mafac brakes, if Racers, are one of the best working center pull brake calipers made in days gone bye(my opinion). Keep the brakes but use modern pads. Other than that...
Re-lube everything and replace perishable items such as cables and the like. But before you do all that...
Test Ride the bike and then make money and time spending calls. Again, my opinion.
Re-lube everything and replace perishable items such as cables and the like. But before you do all that...
Test Ride the bike and then make money and time spending calls. Again, my opinion.
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07-14-18, 11:53 AM
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The Mafac brakes are center pull, but don’t have “racer” stamped as I’ve seen on others. Do they all have that?
It it is indeed going to be a rider so I plan on decent components, without going over board on what is not a top tier bike.
It it is indeed going to be a rider so I plan on decent components, without going over board on what is not a top tier bike.
07-14-18, 12:09 PM
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The Mafac brakes are center pull, but don’t have “racer” stamped as I’ve seen on others. Do they all have that?
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"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
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07-14-18, 01:35 PM
#10
Bad example
Nice bike!
Decent shape would be generous for mine haha, it definitely needs a lot of TLC. It sat in a storage shed for who knows how long. But the frame seems solid.
Both derailleurs have a fair amount of rust and although I cleaned them up a bit and they work ok, will need to be replaced. Needs all new cables, new bar tape, seat. General maintenance etc. I’ll probably end up putting more into it than it’s worth. But, I wanted to save it from further deterioration.
Decent shape would be generous for mine haha, it definitely needs a lot of TLC. It sat in a storage shed for who knows how long. But the frame seems solid.
Both derailleurs have a fair amount of rust and although I cleaned them up a bit and they work ok, will need to be replaced. Needs all new cables, new bar tape, seat. General maintenance etc. I’ll probably end up putting more into it than it’s worth. But, I wanted to save it from further deterioration.
Remember, a bike’s “worth” is how much pleasure you can get from riding it. It is not about resale value. I love riding my Peugeots and I think they are “worth” every penny I put into them. I hope you will too!
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07-15-18, 08:47 AM
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Nope but the Dual Forged are pretty darn good and darn near identical in feel to the Racer style. If you can, show us some pictures of the brake calipers. I will offer my pertinent opinion then. Sorry to jump to the conclusion that you are using Racers
I took the bike out for a test ride yesterday after a quick set up. I like the ride and nothing seems to be bent or throwing up a red flag. It definitely feels lighter and more responsive than my Raleigh. I think we’ll get along just fine.
07-15-18, 09:41 AM
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Remember, a bike’s “worth” is how much pleasure you can get from riding it. It is not about resale value. I love riding my Peugeots and I think they are “worth” every penny I put into them. I hope you will too!
07-15-18, 11:01 AM
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Remember, a bike’s “worth” is how much pleasure you can get from riding it. It is not about resale value. I love riding my Peugeots and I think they are “worth” every penny I put into them. I hope you will too!
For me, that is...
I love the hunt, not to mention the rare find of something special...
I love to research what I found and share what I learn with others...
MY "TEN SPEEDS"
I love to seek out what I need to build the bike and then build the bike (too many sources to list in this discussion) but Bike Forums and Ebay are both vying for first place, in my mind...
A very kind forum member...
Ebay...
And, I love to ride them to see if they are for me. To date, six of the hundreds I have owned are "for me"...
(very hard for me to take pictures of me riding).
And, forgot one thing I love - looking at vintage bicycles.
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07-15-18, 01:00 PM
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I love the hunt, not to mention the rare find of something special..
I could go out and buy a brand new bike, with no problems and a great ride. But for me, there is not as much fun in that. I like the struggle. There is certainly nothing wrong with buying new bikes, that’s just where I sit.
07-16-18, 10:33 AM
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07-16-18, 10:34 AM
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Pictures of the bike, before I started pulling things off and cleaning it up
It already looks a lot better with the reflectors and rack removed.
It already looks a lot better with the reflectors and rack removed.
Last edited by Raleigh74; 07-16-18 at 10:48 AM.
07-16-18, 12:46 PM
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You definitely did not overpay. And that will be a nice riding bike, regardless of original value.
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07-16-18, 01:32 PM
#18
Bad example
Very nice! Put some Compass tires on it and prepare to be amazed at how it rides.
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07-16-18, 03:47 PM
#19
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Raleigh 74-
Carbolite frames can build up into a nice bike. Your Course looks like a French built one.If you are just starting, follow the link to Randy's My Ten Speeds page as it has a great section on Peugeots and valuable tips for restoration. I have just restored a 1983 Course and you might want to follow the process starting here.The completed bike now looks like this:
Carbolite frames can build up into a nice bike. Your Course looks like a French built one.If you are just starting, follow the link to Randy's My Ten Speeds page as it has a great section on Peugeots and valuable tips for restoration. I have just restored a 1983 Course and you might want to follow the process starting here.The completed bike now looks like this:
07-16-18, 03:55 PM
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bertinjim -
Thanks for the link, I’ll definitely check it out!
That’s a beautiful bike, you did a nice job.
Thanks for the link, I’ll definitely check it out!
That’s a beautiful bike, you did a nice job.
07-16-18, 04:06 PM
#21
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Are my brakes “racer” or dual forged?
Is there a good company to find replacement straddle cables, other than nos eBay. I have a handful left from my Raleigh build but they are quite a bit shorter.
Is there a good company to find replacement straddle cables, other than nos eBay. I have a handful left from my Raleigh build but they are quite a bit shorter.
07-16-18, 04:18 PM
#22
Bad example
Take a close look at the straddle cables. Most of the Mafac cables I have are simply derailleur cables inserted into a cylinder on one end and then clamped on the other end.
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07-16-18, 08:21 PM
#23
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Take a close look at the straddle cables. Most of the Mafac cables I have are simply derailleur cables inserted into a cylinder on one end and then clamped on the other end.
07-16-18, 08:47 PM
#24
Bad example
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07-17-18, 07:56 AM
#25
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Raleigh74-
Those are OEM Mafac straddle cables. That center pull version succeeded the bike boom Mafac Racer labelled version. Those cables are rare and you might want to cherish them or switch out to the earlier Racers which have the ability to adjust the cable length. If you must seek replacements, try Bicycle Specialties in Toronto. Mike Barry used brazed-on Mafacs on his touring Mariposa framesets and possibly still has spare parts.There is a Mafac Flickr site which will help and a sub-section on straddle cables as well.
Oh, definitely replace the pads. Those are old, dried out and probably ineffective. Go with the black or salmon Kool Stop inserts. Very good stuff. More here.
Those are OEM Mafac straddle cables. That center pull version succeeded the bike boom Mafac Racer labelled version. Those cables are rare and you might want to cherish them or switch out to the earlier Racers which have the ability to adjust the cable length. If you must seek replacements, try Bicycle Specialties in Toronto. Mike Barry used brazed-on Mafacs on his touring Mariposa framesets and possibly still has spare parts.There is a Mafac Flickr site which will help and a sub-section on straddle cables as well.
Oh, definitely replace the pads. Those are old, dried out and probably ineffective. Go with the black or salmon Kool Stop inserts. Very good stuff. More here.
Last edited by bertinjim; 07-17-18 at 01:06 PM.
