Like most of the high-volume marques, Peugeot quality varied widely. Most of the top model examples were generally well made, with very nice work occasionally, but an occasional real lemon, also. This was by no means limited to French marques. Raleigh and Falcon frames could be very inconsistent. And the truth is the vaunted Italians, at least the high-volume bikes, could be very good or pretty sloppy. Witness Atala, Benotto, and Chiorda. Colnago also turned out some less than great frames. If you want consistently high quality you have to look to the small shops where a small number of frames were built by one person or a very small group, like Herse, Singer, etc. The US custom builders like Baylis, Sachs, Boston, Bohm are much more consistent in delivering high quality than any high volume European marque. Much as I hate to admit it, the current TIG welded aluminum frames are probably much more consistent than the classic steel frames, but it is consistent mediocrity, IMHO. I'd rather have inconsistent artistry.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
donrazr@juno.com wrote:
> Just going to add my .02 here. In 1982 I got a PXN10E serial #0118689. I
> bought it new at the LBS. The lugs and lugwork were not nice at all.
> (Lugs look alot like the ones on the eBay bike under discussion). It also
> had a rear brake bridge so crooked that I brought the frame back to the
> shop and got a new one under the Peugeot warranty. New frame was (is )
> serial # 1043940. The lugwork was marginally better and the brake bridge
> was straight enough where I didn't want to push my luck and try to do
> warranty again in pursuit of a "perfect" frame. I still ride the bike
> now, and really like it, but still marvel at the lousy workmanship in the
> frame. Just figured it was something you put up with in a Peugeot. I have
> no doubt the eBay bike is genuine Peugeot.
>
> All The Best,
> Don Walter
> Tucson, AZ