I think it is a fair statement to call this the pinnacle of French racing bikes, in that the two TdF triumphs by Bernard Thevenet on bikes very similar to this in the mid 70's were, I believe, the last by French bikes with all French components. Gitane would later win with van Impe and Hinault using Campy components and Lemonde would use Mavic parts on Italian and American frames, but I don't think anyone won the TdF with an all French bike after that. Sean Kelly did win many races on Mavic equipped Vitus frames, which might be argued was the pinnacle of French racing road racing technology, but I don't think this combo ever won the Tour de France.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
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> I've been admiring this silver peugeot for a week, stronglight 105 and
> simplex SLJ gears, mafac breaks, maillard (700?) hubs and Ideale
> saddle with classic Peugeot graphics. it sure has a very classy look
> like a 70's era paramount or cinelli. It will make somebody very,
> very happy. Did this represent the pinnacle of french road racing
> technology?
>
> - Don Gillies
> San Diego, CA