I think I am the third of the three CR members Peter refers to. He is exactly right that one of the attractions of Peugeot racing bikes was that the ones the World and TdF champions rode were not much different from those anyone could buy for $200. I've often compared the Peugeot PX-10 to the MG-TC or Triumphe TR-3, but even that is inadequate. Triumphe and MG never beat Ferrari at Le Mans In the Day, but Peugeot did beat all the expensive Italian marques in the TdF more than once.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
"P.C. Kohler" <kohl57@starpower.net> wrote: ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Hurley" To: Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 7:00 PM Subject: [CR]What else; Am I crazy/Peugeot
" The central startling fact is that Thevenet's bike (which we may suppose came out of the new Prestige frame shop) was totally, utterly, ordinary: a typical Peugeot with typically sloppy finish. "
You're a brave man trying to wax poetic around here about racing bikes, John, especially French ones. That makes about three of us on the list so far.
All fair points. Although I beg to differ that the products of the Prestige shop were no better than the regular production. It's been my understanding, if not hunch, it was about the same distinction between the products of Ilkeston vs. Worksop with Raleighs. And I think Prestige made Peugeots are far rarer. Indeed, a 1981 PY-10CP remains my no. 1 sought after dream machine. That makes me about alone on this list I suspect. The build quality of Peugeots in general was far better at the end than the glory days.
Finally, appreciate that one of the reasons one or two of us like Peugeots is precisely because great cyclistsdid great things on "ordinary"stock racing bikes. The same ones we could buy for $189.00. I suspect that's why they (the bikes) are distained by so many. But I've yet to be convinced that pantographing, fancy lugwork and drilling makes a faster racing machine. Peugeot's racing accomplishments do not need me or anyone else to embellish, they speak for itself. Nor do that of the other great French teams who rode similar machines. If don't "get" French cycling racing lore, c'est la vie indeed.
Most don't get it. There is one "theme" Washington area local CR List members can never pull off for our annual or semi annual rides... France. I think I may the only local member who even owns a French racing bike. Imagine that.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA