Lets try this abbreviated version!!!
PX-10 dating.
Good afternoon, I go by the forum name of 'MiamiJim' on http://www.bikeforums.net and http://www.cyclespeugeot.com is my website.
Dating of mid 60's Peugeots is virtualy impossible for a variety of reasons, primarily I've found that Peugeot didnt consistently spec their models according to catalogs and they varied spec's for each market. Keep in mind that the Peugeot factory didnt sell bikes in the U.S. until 1974, prior to that they were sold in the U.S. by importers who imported from Peugeot. Prior to 1974 nothing was official.
There're a few things we know as fact and a few that are assumptions.
Facts: 1. Checkerboard decals without WC stripes first appeared in 1963. Dated photos exist. 2. Stronglight 93 cranks were first used in 1967. 3. Several of the catalogs out there on various websites are dated in correctly.
Assumptions:
1. WC stripes appeared in 1966 following Tom Simpsons WC road race victory in 1965. Maybe, maybe not. Peugeot won the cyclocross WC in 1961 and 1963. Its possible the WC stripes were first used in '64 to commemorate the '63 CX WC.
2. Triangle head and seat tube decals are indicative of 60's models. For the most part yes. On occasion you'll see a non-PX-10 70's bike with them but Peugeot seems to have made changes just prior to each decade. They did it in '79 and '89 as well.
3. The number of digits in the serial number is the same as the decade and the first number is the same as the year produced. 100% flat out incorrect. There is a loose correlation but thats all it is, a loose correlation.
4. Rear dropouts with a left tab are 60's models. 100% false. I own a know '72 model with the tab.
5. Blue inoxydable decals were used in the 60's.
>From what I've been able to learn over the years Peugeot used about 8 different lug and fork crown combinations for the PX-10 through 1974. Obviously the most desireable ones have full Nervex Pro lugwork w/ a Nervex Pro fork crown. Older models have more angled rear dropouts, they appear to be less parrallel to the chainstays than later models.
Jim