Peter,
In our shop in the 70s we sold Gitane, Bertin, Legnano/Frejus, Bottecchia, Zeus and Raleigh bikes plus a myriad of lesser known European marques. We also sold a few Cinelli, Gios, Masi, Guerciotti, Teledyne, Graftek and other premium quality bikes and frames. We catered more to commuters and tourists rather than the racing set.
I had the opportunity to try out a lot of different bikes. For our customer base we preferred the more comfortable ride of the French road bikes of the early 70s to the more sporty handling of the "Italianate" style racing oriented frames.
I never cared for the ride or handling of PX10s compared to say comparable Gitanes or Bertins from that era. I recently figured out why.
Last year a got a great deal on an all original 1967 PX10. A month later I got the same kind of deal on an identically equipped late 60s Gitane Tour de France. The 54cm c-t-t frame sizes and geometry are just about the same on both bikes.
Both the Gitane TdF and the PX10 handle about the same but the PX10 has a very harsh ride in the front end compared to the Gitane. After about 15 miles it's hard on my hands and shoulders.
All things being equal, I suspect that Peugeot used heavier gage tubing in their fork blades than Gitane and some of the other French marques. Perhaps this was done with the idea of increasing cornering especially during fast decents.
I point this out as an anecdotal example of how minor differences in construction can make a big difference in ride and handling.
My 1984 Gitane Super Corsa is the best riding, best handling bike I've ever ridden. It has what would have been considered "Italianate" geometry in the 70s. The ultra light Super Vitus 983 tubing mediates a lot of the harshness that might be expected with this style frame. It's great for 25-30 mile rides.
Conversely my 1975 Raleigh Pro has a ride that smooth as silk. It's also very stable which make it ideal for longer rides.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA
************** Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make meals for Under $10. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000002)