Meant to say the crank could put the bike as early as the early 60's. It appears to be older the "the early 70's". Sorry for the confusion.
There are a couple of us Francophiles here who regard the PX-10 as more interesting - and more fun to ride - than than a DeRosa, Colnago or Masi. The rest think we're crazy.
Regards,
Jerry "Still crazy after all these years" Moos Big Spring, TX
Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Scott, those aren't a lot of photos to go on. But it looks to be mid-60's to early 70's. And the downtube decal, although there is no closeup, looks more like the 60's.
When trying to identify components, which in the case of the PX-10 is one way to date the bike, it's helpful to have a photo of the right side, rather than the left. That said, the left side crank arm is a Stronglight model 49D or model 57 or 63. If it's mod 49D it's probably not original, but if mod 57 or 63 that would put the bike earlier than 1970, and perhaps as early as the early 70's. In the early 70's and even in the late 60's the PX-10 typically had Stronglight model 93. By the way, if yours is model 57 or 63, those are relatively rare, so you want to keep that crank or at least don't sell it cheap.
The other components, as best I can see from these photos, look original, except the saddle. Typical PX-10 gear in this era was Simplex Criterium Plastic derailleurs with rubber covered alloy shifters. Similar in appearance to the plastic Simplex Prestige derailleurs on cheap French bikes, but work infinitely better. To add to the confusion, the Criterium rear derailleur may be stamped with the word "Prestige". Criterium gears were unfairly badmouthed In The Day because they were confused with Prestige, but don't be deceived - the plastic Simplex Criterium rear derailleur shifts much better than a Campy Nuovo Record. The only time I ever had trouble with a Criterium RD, it turned out to be a worn chain.
Hubs would be Normandy Competition, rims Superchampion or Mavic tubular. Mafac Racer brakes, which in the mid-60's or earlier would be marked "Dural Forge". Stroglight steel headset, AVA bars and stem. The AVA's had a reputation for cracking. I personally think this is exaggerated, but by all means do inspect them regularly. Simplex badged steel seatpost, Lyotard 45D or maybe 45A pedals.
I already talked about the cranks. Your saddle is obviosly not original, which would have been Brooks Professional or Ideale 90.
Again, more photos would be useful, but your bike looks both original and very clean. I'd probably wash it, wax it, replace any worn cables and maybe the chain if it is badly worn, add a correct saddle, and otherwise leave it as is.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Scott Gossage wrote:
Hello all
Newbie with newbie questions
I have a PX-10 that i would like to learn about
like:
when it was made and what components were stock.
would it be good to upgrade or keep it stock
pictures are here
http://s262.photobucket.com/
thanks,
Scott Gossage
Lyman Washington,USA