Was the Peugeot PX-10 really "extraordinarily light" (my assertion in a recent post) for its era?
I tried to prove myself wrong by ascertaining the catalogue listed weights for some of the PX-10's competitors. The criteria is stock machines with stock components and c. 1969-73 so pre-lighter versions of 531, Vitus, Columbus and pre-753 and pre-Super Record. So we're talking the classic heyday here. No custom made machines, no Franken bikes with modern bits stuck on, no guys with an electric drill and a basement floor covered with alloy bits. Just top quality pro level racing bikes mere mortals could buy.
Peugeot PX-10: 21 pounds (source: '69 catalogue and Sloans) Gitane Tour de France: 21.5 pounds (source: '70 catalogue) Gitane Super Corsa: 22 pounds (source: '70 catalogue) Raleigh Professional: 22 pounds (source: '73 catalogue Atala Professional: 22 pounds (source: '72 Bicycling review) Bottechia: 22 pounds (source: '71 Bicycling review) Colnago: 22.5 pounds (source: '71 Bicycling review) Cinelli SC: 23 pounds (Sloans)
So that's what I've come up with. Now, the Raleigh Pro with the first Super Record tipped the scales at 21 pounds in the '73 Raleigh catalogue. And you could have one of those for about the price of three PX-10s! How'bout that?!
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA