It’s a circa 1973 Peugeot UO8, the quintessential 1970s Bike Boom bike. Originally marketed as a serious but entry-level touring bike in Europe, it became a recreational icon in the US. It’s a good, solid, quality bike, nothing fancy but worth restoring as a commuter or utility bike. Thousands upon thousands were made and sold worldwide, so it’s not particularly valuable, but it’s certainly not something you would throw in the trash. I’ve fixed these up nicely and sold them on Craigslist in New York City for $200~250, but depending where you are, mileage may vary.
Edit: in 1971, the height of the Bike Boom on the East Coast, this bike retailed for $135, which is the equivalent of $1000 today.
RagingCatbtt on
everybody says it’s cheap junk but I would sure fix it up and ride the hell out of it.
otterland on
It’s an aesthetically pleasing frame. There’s no shame in using it for a city bike build. Actually, it would be fucking amazing if you put a 650b wheel set on there with a 3 speed coaster rear unit. That allows fat tires and you can get rid of those awful Simplex Delrin parts. I’d swap the bars for something period upright and parallel.
The thing worth the most is the old Ideale saddle. You could sell it and get enough of a return to finance the wheels.
squenderkitty on
No, but I’ll take it.
mikefitzvw on
I have a UO-8. It doesn’t have a lot of monetary “value” but it’s a great bike. The geometry is fantastic and it’s probably one of the best-riding bikes I own. They are great for 700c conversions and gravel bike conversions, and the parts are high-quality, even if they’re not fancy. Except for the derailleurs, which perform well but are fairly delicate. I had a fun time restoring mine back to nearly mint condition and I would be very disappointed to see one tossed in the garbage. You will need a cotter press to fully restore this bike.
It certainly isn’t what people would call a “High End” bike with a great groupset but they look fantastic when cleaned up or restored. If it’s in good shape, I would jump on it if the price was right!
BirdBruce on
Any bike that can be ridden has value.
ButtingSill on
There is lots of value, but not much money in it.
PJ48N on
Obviously lots of differing opinions, some more thoughtful than others. My opinion, based on my first 10-speed bike being a nearly identical brand new 1972 Gitane. It was the last new bike I’ve bought complete ‘off the rack’ and I’ve been building/rehabbing bikes since then.
If it’s ‘worth anything’ depends on your perspective. Assuming you got this for free, AND you are able to do all work yourself:
– compare it to what you would be willing to spend buying another low end functional bike.
– if you keep it, it’s worth most of the money you invest to get in good riding condition, up to about $100-$125. tires/tubes, brake pads, bar tape, maybe cables, re-lubing bearings). It will still have steel rims and may still have an under-performing rear derailleur or a bent frame/fork. Even an excellent $300 used bike could require this much investment.
– it might be worth $50-$100 to another buyer depending on your local market.
– consider that headset, bottom bracket, and freewheel is French threaded. Available but often hard to find.
txirrindularia on
Not valuable at all, but some swear that the mass produced UO8s had a comfy ride. I’ve given away nicer bikes…
Suitable-Scene-3743 on
wonders if anyone noticed the brookes saddle. i love the bike. has some sexy lines.
17 Comments
Probably not a whole lot. It’s a pretty low end bike.
Unfortunately not. It would be the equivalent of a 40 year old Walmart bike.
WONDER NO MORE!
It doesn’t.
Not really…but you can sell it to Hipster in Berlin for 300,-
If that’s an Ideale saddle (looks like it might be a TB80), it might have value. Not so much the rest, tho.
It looks identical to my 1972 uo8. Look at rear derailleur there is date stamped on it and the wheels have a year stamped on them also.
[link](https://reddit.com/r/Vintage_bicycles/s/q8WkCYqtcF)
Edit added link.
It’s a circa 1973 Peugeot UO8, the quintessential 1970s Bike Boom bike. Originally marketed as a serious but entry-level touring bike in Europe, it became a recreational icon in the US. It’s a good, solid, quality bike, nothing fancy but worth restoring as a commuter or utility bike. Thousands upon thousands were made and sold worldwide, so it’s not particularly valuable, but it’s certainly not something you would throw in the trash. I’ve fixed these up nicely and sold them on Craigslist in New York City for $200~250, but depending where you are, mileage may vary.
Edit: in 1971, the height of the Bike Boom on the East Coast, this bike retailed for $135, which is the equivalent of $1000 today.
everybody says it’s cheap junk but I would sure fix it up and ride the hell out of it.
It’s an aesthetically pleasing frame. There’s no shame in using it for a city bike build. Actually, it would be fucking amazing if you put a 650b wheel set on there with a 3 speed coaster rear unit. That allows fat tires and you can get rid of those awful Simplex Delrin parts. I’d swap the bars for something period upright and parallel.
The thing worth the most is the old Ideale saddle. You could sell it and get enough of a return to finance the wheels.
No, but I’ll take it.
I have a UO-8. It doesn’t have a lot of monetary “value” but it’s a great bike. The geometry is fantastic and it’s probably one of the best-riding bikes I own. They are great for 700c conversions and gravel bike conversions, and the parts are high-quality, even if they’re not fancy. Except for the derailleurs, which perform well but are fairly delicate. I had a fun time restoring mine back to nearly mint condition and I would be very disappointed to see one tossed in the garbage. You will need a cotter press to fully restore this bike.
FWIW, John Allen, of Sheldon Brown’s website, thinks the UO-8 is his [favorite touring bike](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html).
It certainly isn’t what people would call a “High End” bike with a great groupset but they look fantastic when cleaned up or restored. If it’s in good shape, I would jump on it if the price was right!
Any bike that can be ridden has value.
There is lots of value, but not much money in it.
Obviously lots of differing opinions, some more thoughtful than others. My opinion, based on my first 10-speed bike being a nearly identical brand new 1972 Gitane. It was the last new bike I’ve bought complete ‘off the rack’ and I’ve been building/rehabbing bikes since then.
If it’s ‘worth anything’ depends on your perspective. Assuming you got this for free, AND you are able to do all work yourself:
– compare it to what you would be willing to spend buying another low end functional bike.
– if you keep it, it’s worth most of the money you invest to get in good riding condition, up to about $100-$125. tires/tubes, brake pads, bar tape, maybe cables, re-lubing bearings). It will still have steel rims and may still have an under-performing rear derailleur or a bent frame/fork. Even an excellent $300 used bike could require this much investment.
– it might be worth $50-$100 to another buyer depending on your local market.
– consider that headset, bottom bracket, and freewheel is French threaded. Available but often hard to find.
Not valuable at all, but some swear that the mass produced UO8s had a comfy ride. I’ve given away nicer bikes…
wonders if anyone noticed the brookes saddle. i love the bike. has some sexy lines.