[CR]New to list, seeking information on 1970s? Peugeot

Hi, I'm new to this list, having found it while looking for information about a bike I bought (for the equivalent of about $US13) last week. I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have been involved in a variety of types of cycling on and off - touring, commuting, MTB, low-key competition.

Anyhow, I'm interested in further information about this bike:

It is a Peugeot 12spd. Colour light green, Labelled "Course" on one side of the top tube, "Vitus 172 Serie Legere Special double butted" and "Record du Monde 1" on seat tube. Simplex DT shifters and FD, RD had been replaced with an old Superbepro. Rear hub is 6spd Atom, RIGIDA 700C rim, front wheel had been replaced by a really cruddy 27" steel rim wheel. Weimann sidepulls, Mafac levers, ATAX handlebars. Crankset is labelled Peugeot. Obviously not a high end bike, but the frame looks reasonable, is relatively light, and is in tidy condition. The frame is about 54cm c-t, 54cm top-tube.

It has a 7 digit serial number, which according to http://www.iag.net/~davidg/PX10.htm suggests that it is 1970s, from the look of the decals compared to some pictures on the above site it would seem to be late 70s. The cranks have "Japan" and "79" with a letter on the inside face. It has been suggested to me that the 79 could mean a 1979 manufacturing date, which would fit the other information.

I'd appreciate any information about how this fitted into the Peugeot range, how old it is etc.

I'd also be interested in information about the Vitus tubing on this bike - what is it equivalent to?

I have to confess that I am not a purist, and have replaced most of the components with newer parts that I had spare - modern wheels and tyres, drivetrain is mostly Shimano 105 8spd, cartridge BB (which fitted the threads, surprisingly), "aero" brake levers, clipless pedals. It rides nicely and I am very happy with it.

Regards,

Mark Battley.