PRESERVATION BICYCLE # 10 (and maybe 11): 1970-ish Peugeot uo8

I couldn’t track down the exact date on this one. Usually I can find one of the original catalogs online, but this one is a bit of mystery. I know it’s a U-O8 because of the “aztec” lugs (the beautiful checkerboard lugs). I know it’s a late 60s / early 70s because of the cotter-pin cranks and Mafac brakes. No matter what year it is, it has the best color of orange ever made and the small details in the paint, lug work, and decals make it one of the best looking vintage bikes I’ve ever seen. Look closely at those chrome wheels with the pattern engraved into them. They won’t stop in rain or the cold weather worth a crap, but they sure look cool and will give you a nice “zippy” sound when you’re braking. This one is begging for commuter focused restoration. I think you should do it!

Scan to the bottom to see this bike’s blue UO-8 twin. Same size, same model, purchased from the same shop at same time in Reno Nevada.

PRESERVATION BICYCLE NUMBER #10

MAKE: Peugeot

MODEL: U0-8

YEAR/AGE: 1968-1973

SIZE: 54CM 5’4 - 5’9 ( 5’6 WOULD PROBABLY BE PERFECT)

ADOPTION FEE: $70 (or buy its Blue Twin, same size and same model, for $100 as a set)

RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:

BASIC: All of the mechanics at BBP would disagree, but I’m convinced you could throw some pedals on here and probably ride it to breakfast in Baker City next week. But, the tires have some dry rot on them and need go (I’ve ridden worse for 100s of miles). New cables and housing wouldn’t hurt. My guess is the padding in the saddle is toast and likely needs an upgrade. And I would highly recommend degreasing and regreasing every bearing (headset, bottom bracket, both wheels). We’re talking about $50 bucks and about 2 hours of shop time!

Pie in the Sky Deluxe Head Turner: Ok, here’s how this bicycle could become amazing. Get rid of those zippy chrome 27’’ wheels and get a new aluminum 700c wheelset (we probably have some used sets in the shop for $75, but could order some for $200 if needed). Then get some 700x40 tan wall tires (I’m sure they will fit, maybe even 42s). The aluminum will really help with braking, the fatter tires will make for a really smooth ride, and it will drop the weight of the bike by about 3 pounds. There’s a chance you might need to get some longer reach breaks to accommodate the slightly smaller diameter wheel, but save them if you can and just get new brake pads.

Next, get rid of the steel cotter-pin crank (to heavy and really hard to maintain) and find a nice square spindled aluminum one (we have dozens in the shop for cheap). This bike desperately wants to have an upright swooping handlebar on it, but don’t switch out the stem, it’s way too pretty. The new handlebar means new brakes, and maybe new shifters. I promise, you won’t regret the handlebar switch. Consider a leather Brooks B-17 Saddle, or whatever you backside prefers. Then, it’s really up to you. A small front rack with a handlebar bag (see this combo from Velo Orange) would look great and open up some some doors for longer rides. Now we’re talking about $150-300 of upgrades + the $70 adoption fee, which equals $370 for the best looking 70s bike in Boise.

BICYCLE HISTORY:

Peugeots were made in France, and distributed by the 10,000 in the U.S. during the 60s and 70s. This one was purchased with a similar blue model (exact same size, same model, but the blue one might be 1 year older) at College Cycles in Reno Nevada. Were they purchased for twins? Or a couple that were the same height? Not sure how they made their way to Boise. My guess from the incredible paint job on both bikes is that they haven’t seen a lot of miles. I hope you can change that!

WHAT OTHER STORIES CAN WE DISCOVER FROM THESE PICTURES?

WHO WILL ADOPT THIS PRESERVATION BICYCLE AND BECOME THE Tenth MEMBER OF BBP’S BICYCLE PRESERVATION SOCIETY?

Bonus:

Buy the Blue and Orange Peugeot U0-8s as pair for $100 or separately for $70 each.

The Bronco colors special!