Weekend C&V: Peugeot PX-10

November 02, 2013

Weekend C&V: Peugeot PX-10

I am guessing this one dates to within a year or two of 1974 - a PX-10 or one of its variants, PX-10LE, maybe even a PY-10 since it has such a mish-mash of components (although the original components could very well have been switched out over the years). The Reynolds 531 sticker is pretty well along the road to disintegration, but still discernible and identifies the tubing as being double-butted. The other identifying decals - seat tube, down tube, and head badge, all would seem to pin the frame to the years mentioned above. Both the seat tube and head badge decals were used between 1970 and 1976, while the down tube decal apparently first appeared in 1974 and was used until 1979. So, you figure this is probably a 1974-1976 model.

If you are like me, a novice at this whole vintage bike thing, you may not know what the various designations signify. So, let me try to explain a little. Beginning in 1953 Peugeot introduced their 'X models; the 'X' signifying a special inoxydable treatment of the steel tubing which would inhibit rust and staining. At that time these models were guaranteed against oxidation for two years. You will sometimes see the word 'inox' used in descriptions of these models. In 1958 Peugeot began using Reynolds tubing, and the 'P' was introduced into their model lineup. A 'PX' model then, uses Reynolds tubing that has been treated to prevent oxidation. Up to 1974 all Peugeot models came with standard builds and sizes, but beginning that year the company offered buyers the opportunity to purchase custom specified bicycles; these received a new 'PY' designation - same frame as the standard PX, but with custom builds. A fairly extensive Peugeot PX-10 history can be found at ClassicRendezvous (keep in mind that I have read elsewhere that the serial number method of dating Peugeot frames as noted on CR is not accurate). Other than that, there is some good, interesting info there.

Before going any further into the description, let me say that this thing is light, surprisingly so. Considering the steel tubing I was expecting it to be significantly heavier than it was when I gave it a heft. Moving on, lets start at the bottom of this one: It has a Shimano Crane GS rear derailleur, a rather rare piece of equipment that dates to the same period of years as the frame. The 'Crane' components were originally a part of the Dura-Ace group. You have to admit, the Sugino 'Mighty' crankset with drilled chainrings, even in their used state, are really nice. Like the other components here, they date to the mid-1970s era. The Suntour SL front derailleur is another fine piece of mechanics; as Sheldon Brown noted, Suntour was the name in Japanese bicycle component manufacturing until they were eclipsed by Shimano in the 1980s.

Unless someone has a specific question I am not going to go into any more detail on this one, though I may take a look at some individual pieces in the future; there is so much on here that would make for a good post. As usual, this nice and, yet to be cleaned up, bike came into the hands of Dale at the Velo. You can see it there, or … even make an offer.