Guys,

I have a late '60's Peugeot U08 with the beautifully swept chrome front fork tubes. Others on this forum have spoken as to the nice handling of these vintage bikes. I love my U08, but would disagree regarding the handling. I consider the handling to be extremely quick and a little "darty." Tracking perfectly strainght in a draft line requires concentration.

This bike came originally with something like a 27" x 1 -3/8" wheel and tire. Over the years I have changed the wheels and now have a nice semi-aero 700 x 23 laced to 105 Shimano hubs front and rear.

My question is this: How much has handling been affected by the change in wheel/tires? Is it due to a change in geometry or merely the change in the amount of tire "contact patch?"

Hope this post is clear. I am a frequent "lurker" and have learned an amazing amount from others on this forum.

Thanks,

Tyson
Cushing, Oklahoma

The only thing you've changed is the contact patch. The geometry of your Peugeot's front end is pretty much like my Motobecane; steep fork angle and not a lot of trail -- they're going to be a little darty.

None of that 'Look Ma! No hands!' business for us.

None of that 'Look Ma! No hands!' business for us. [/QUOTE]

No kiddin'! No hands riding = whoops!

Love these bikes, though. Owning a French bike is "broadening" in these times, especially for me. My friends are shocked by the irony of a "political Neanderthal" like me loving these Franco specials. I've been looking at Motobecanes a little wishfully these days.

Tyson

Yup -- ordinarily if you give a Frenchman a wrench, he'll create something truly awful. Their bicycles seem to be the exception. I was looking for a Raleigh when my Moto fell in my lap for $10, so how could I refuse?