What exactly do I have here? Admittedly, I am kind of a stranger to the cycling world. If you guys have any advice on where to start as far as restoring this or converting it into something more modern, I’d be very thankful.
by carter_h_
What exactly do I have here? Admittedly, I am kind of a stranger to the cycling world. If you guys have any advice on where to start as far as restoring this or converting it into something more modern, I’d be very thankful.
by carter_h_
16 Comments
Not a high-end model and I would guess it’s from the mid to late 1970’s.
If the frame fits you, it might be worth fixing up to ride.
Don’t expect to sell it for more than $75, since it will need brake pads, cables, tires, and more to make it safe.
If it fits you, replacing the tires and tubes, cleaning it thoroughly and giving it a full tuneup either by you or a bike shop would go a long way toward making it enjoyable to ride. That might cost a bit more than it’s worth but if you plan to use it and save a memory of your grandfather it would be worth the trouble
This is a good quality bike, not high end but a step above entry level, which is set up in a sort of sport-tour style. Meaning it’s not a race bike or a bike for loaded touring, but is somewhere between.
I agree that if it fits you it is worth fixing up, but I would not try to convert it to being more modern. You open a lot of cans of worms that way and in the end it will cost you a lot of money and it won’t really be worth it.
Start by simply cleaning it up, then replacing any worn out consumables like tires, tubes, brake pads, cables, bar tape, chain etc. Depending on how long since it has had maintenance, you may want to put new grease and possibly ball bearings in the hubs, headset and bottom bracket, but I would get it rolling before I decided on that. If everything is smooth it might not need it.
If you need help with specific tasks, check out Sheldon Brown’s website, the Park Tools website, or the classic & vintage forum at bikeforums.com.
A very nice mid level bike, I wouldn’t replace any of the components, just fresh tires etc…
Definitely oil that saddle well so it doesn’t crack
Very cool! Definitely get it cleaned up and tuned up like some folks on here are saying. Great way to remember your grandpa.
Solid old-school touring bike 👍
Check out the channel ‘bikespeeds’ on YouTube. They show very detailed steps for cleaning up a bike like this
[1979 UO8](https://www.bikeboompeugeot.com/Brochures%20USA/Peugeot%201979%20USA%20%20Brochure/Peugeot%201979%20USA%20Touring%20Brochure%20UO8.jpg)
My wife has the mixte model of this bike in silver, so I had the link on hand. The Mixte rides great. DM me if you need any ideas for compatible parts. I just restored hers.
These old Peugeot’s are awesome bikes .
It’s well worth the effort.
It won’t need much to get it sorted .
Start with a wheel bearing service ,followed by a bottom bracket service .
Everything on this bike was designed to be serviced not replaced .
See park tools on YouTube for a tutorial or RJ the bike guy on YouTube.
There’s a Peugeot and motobecane page on face book that is a great source of parts and information.
It will also need tyres brake pads and new inner shifter cables .
Seriously cool bike .
Hope this helps .
The little brush on the rear is for flicking away anything that’s stuck into the tire before it gets a second go at poking onto it
Leather Saddle and barcon shifters are really nice!
Personally, I’d upgrade to aluminum alloy wheels and probable outcomes fresh tires and tubes. 27” tires are cheap as chips. I’d probably put aero brake levers too and fresh tape.
Ride it a bit as is after putting some air in the tires. If you can see yourself using regularly then the upgrades might be worth it. It’s not a collectors item or anything, but it could make a great daily driver for decades to come.
Steel is real!
Ooo cool! Coincidentally my grandfather left me a Peugeot as well. Reynolds 531, light blue frame with yellow letters
Not one iota of shade for your grandfather, but that seat post adjustment has me in stitches. By far the best laugh I’ve had today—grandpa slammed the seat post!
Cool bike
Start looking at bags (panniers) to clip onto that rack. You can recover your money by not driving, and you will have some storage if you just go out for a spin.
I am experiencing bike restoration envy at the moment. How cool it is that your grandpa left that to you. Take your time do it right, I totally agree with what the other poster said about this being a great way to preserve your grandfather’s memory.