sntgatchaman

Hello!

I recently acquired a Peugeot X-Country frame (I think from 1989). I have had some tough luck finding any information specific to it. The only solid information I have found has been this catalog from 1989: https://cyclespeugeot.com/PDFs/1989pdf.pdf (it's the bike on page 11) and this ad online: Used bikes in Montreal for sale

First of all, any further information you have about this bike in particular would be super helpful! I'd love to know more about it's history.

Second, I'm in search of some advice in building this up. As I've found out, this was considered an "ATB" all terrain bicycle(?) and it's frame is Chromoly Triple Butted Steel. All that I have is the crank and drop-down handlebars (I'm guessing these were after market), everything else has been stripped.

What would you advise it being turned into? Ideally I would like to turn it into a light-use cyclocross or road bike (with larger tires and cantilevers). Is this advisable, or would you recommend keeping it as an "ATB"/hybrid?

I've never built up a bike before. What are my next steps? If you could reference some parts lists that I would need, etc. and give me your two cents on it that would be awesome!
Thanks!

RobbieTunes

Welcome to the forum.

Well, it rolls on wheels, so that's your first issue. I don't know if it uses 26" wheels or not. If so, good used ones are nice and cheap.
After you get wheels, the next issue is the number of speeds. That will be determined by the rear wheel, so choose wisely.

You are in luck, though, Peugeot stopped the "all or nothing French sizing" on parts prior to 1989, so you don't have to throw that bike into the nearest ocean.

A drop-bar conversion and judicious choice of wheels/drivetrain may determine if it becomes a good cross bike or not. Still, pretty cool, in my opinion.

My best advice is to make friends with a seasoned cyclist, and not a young one.

Again, welcome to the wrecking ball. There are far more knowledgeable types here than I, but few that can fake it better.

bikemig 

Vintage mtbs are great platforms to build on because they are very versatile bikes. It can be expensive, though, building a bike up from a frame and a few parts.

You basically have 2 choices in building it up: drop or flat bars. Depending on how you fit on the bike, you may find that flat bars will work better for you. MTBs were designed to work with flat bars. Trekking bars are a good alternative to flat bars. Or you can make it into a cross/road bike. The bike may not be a good candidate for drop bars depending on the fit. There is a longish thread here on converting mtbs to drop bars that you will want to check out.

Frankly, if the bike fits you and you want to build it up, my advice is to hang the bike up in the garage until you find a suitable "donor" bike with the requisite parts.

Chrome Molly

I believe that is a 700c size wheel on that bike.

Honestly, your best bet in terms of low cost is to find a similar bike with 700c wheels, canti brakes, etc then swap in the parts. There are many hybrids out there, and you'll eventually find a deal on what is probably a nice running bike that you can swap over to your preferred frame.

scozim 

Definitely looks more like a hybrid. I took my hybrid Peugeot Limestone and converted it to drop bars, bar end shifters and made it me touring bike. It's heavy but also real study. I had a new set of wheels built up to handle the weight of touring. Whole not real fast it is comfortable for sure.

sntgatchaman

Thanks for the help!! I've got work to do!