Norris drew our attention to this Peugeot book about a month ago. It sounded like a good idea to get one and I am really glad I did. It is full of good and interesting information about the company from its beginnings and has lots of excellent photographs, to the extent that I think this book would be good value to any Peugeot fan with even very limited knowedge of the French language.
Most of the earlier photographs show the factory and more utilitarian bikes and the there is a wealth of photographs showing racing bikes and riders from all eras. Many Peugeot advertisements through the years are illustrated and I find these endlessly fascinating. Probably over half the book is dedicated to competition, which suits me well, but might not have the same appeal for others.
The book does not attempt a detailed summary of all the models produced, which would probably require an encyclopedic volume all its own. There is a partial list of the top racing models, but many are left out and it appears to refer to the production rather than team racing machines, which were often to a slightly different spec. I even doubt the accuracy of some of the specs calling for Mavic rims when Super Champion appeared to be fitted.
There is a double page of head badges/decals which should help to date machines. It confirms my supposition that my PY10 is 1974, not 1976 as claimed by the vendor. It is a pity that other decals are not similarly illustrated, but it is possible to deduce quite a lot from the photographs. There are pictures of team jerseys through the years, lists of team riders for each year, with the odd mistake, and copies of postcard pictures of many of the better-known riders.
I would rate this book a BUY for anyone interested in Peugeot. It is still available from the same vendor, item # 200566697623 , if you are interested, at 39 EUR. Or another vendor has it at 180 !
Hugh Thornton
Cheshire, England
From: Norris Lockley <nlockley73@gmail.com> Subject: [CR] Calling all Peugeot fans.. To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Date: Wednesday, 22 December, 2010, 10:44
I know that there are quite a few Peugeot fans on the List, some of whom might wish to clue themselves up on the history of this fine old company.
With such fanatics in mind, Lucien Hilger,a French author ,has published a reference book about Peugeot and its role in cycling
A copy of hths book is being sold on French Ebay currently, with the auction having two days to run.
The book is brand new and in its original wrapping. RSP is 48 euros...starting price for the auction 40 euros
*ITEM 200554884599*
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*Norris Lockley*
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*Settle UK*