I bought my Peugeot 12-speed in tenth grade and rode it through about 2002 or so. A few years later, I put in storage because it was falling out of repair and I was too busy to use it. Last summer, I bought a Surly Cross Check, and have been cycling far more than I ever have before. The Surly is a great ride, but I might have been better off with one frame size smaller. I’ve been curious how the old Peugeot rides in comparison, so I pulled it out of storage last weekend.
1987 Peugeot Iseran
I love look of this bike in all its ’80s glory. The frame is in very good condition cosmetically, just a few nicks here and there. The hubs and drivetrain need an overhaul, though. I just have minimal upgrades planned at the moment. The old 12-speed stem shift derailleurs are nothing fancy, but for a recreational rider, they do the job just fine. I like the foam grips, but they are rock hard and slippery now. Think I’ll just have them taped.
As much as I liked the vintage gumwalls, they were falling apart. So I replaced the tubes and installed Bontrager Race Lite Hard Case tires. I trued the wheels enough to be able to ride to my favorite LBS Waterfront Bicycle Shop for an overhaul. Also, I want to be able to install a modern saddle, so I needed a new seatpost. Unfortunately, this vintage French seatpost measures 24mm, which is nearly impossible to find! Luckily, Yellow Jersey, Ltd. in Madison, WI provides custom components for vintage metric French frames. I ordered a seatpost today.
Took a spin around Fort Tryon Park today and it was the bicycle equivalent of putting on an old, broken-in sneaker. A very familiar ride. Rides a little rough compared to the Surly on account of the thinner tires and extremely stiff handlebars. But fast and nimble, even out of tune as it is, gears clacking, brake pads scraping, etc. Looking forward to the overhaul.
2 Comments
I just purchased the same bicycle used, and am looking to “restore” (read make shift better). I am not an expert, and my LBS said they would charge $50 to change the cables on it… I am considering. What did your bike shop say they would do to it, and what are you hoping to gain from the restoration?
Thank You.
I got mine fixed up already. Just had my LBS do an overhaul for $120 plus tip. It really needed all the internals regreased, wheels trued, etc. and I figured more cost-effective to fix it all in one shot. As for shifting, these are low-end 80’s derailleurs, so don’t expect much. Downshifting at slow speeds is clunky as ever, even after repairs. The technology just isn’t refined. I look at it like a classic Beetle — the clutch is a bitch, but it’s still fun to drive! After repairs, my bike is “like new”. Then I replaced the 24mm seatpost via Yellow Jersey so that I could install a modern saddle and tweak fore/aft placement, and I threw on some SPD pedals. Bike serves my purpose of primarily leisurely rides 10-60mi on roads and paved trails.