My Peugeot finally arrived (see link if you don't recal my earlier post).
http://ebay.com/
I think, as suggested, it is (was) a PR-10L. The reynolds sticker says 3 tubes renforce, suggesting three butted main tubes, and everything else unknown. I plan to change just a few components and will use it mostly as is. But I do hope to collect pieces over time to bring it closer to original. The frame is indeed very clean, just a couple of scratches here and there, along with the classic Peugeot imperfections:) On to the questions:
1) Is it safe to use the older plastic simplex components if they are in good shape? Everything plastic that I know of disintegrates at some point in time, how is the simplex stuff in this regard? If I hear that it will crumble, I will probably then go NR for the derailleurs.
2) The rear was spread to 130mm I think. They seem to have done a caring job. But someday, I would like to go back to a 5speed freewheel on large flange hubs. I would not do it myself, but is there reason to not have a trusted shop (Bike Classics is near by as is Harris Cycles) do it?
3) Can someone explain to me what derailleur cable guides there should be if it were original simplex? At the rear, there is one welded cable housing stop on the chain stay. And I know that the simplex front derailleur requires a cable housing to the front. Should there be a clamp at the bottom of the downtube that passes the cable to the rear AND holds a short housing for the front? I have seen some simplex plastic levers with threaded adjusters (to take a cable housing) and some without. Are they the same (with screws removed) and which should I have?
4) My seatpost is a campy 25mm with a home made shim. I estimate that it should be either a 26.4 or 26.6. Anyone have a more definite idea for me?
As to components. I have an ideale saddle on the way. I have good condition simplex prestige (maybe criterium rear, not certain of the difference) derailleurs and a shifter (shifter has threaded adjusters, and is on the way). Most important for me is to get the correct seat post size in there, so I can ride it. Otherwise I definitely would like to replace the stem and handlebar with something more correct for the time (It has a modern TTT, stem shaved to fit the steerer tube, bars have a funky bend). And I really want to get natural (or clear anodized) tubular rims and hopefully period correct large flange hubs (I always loved the look of large flange hubs). Oh, and of course asomeday I hope to find a stronglight crank from the era. If anyone has any old french parts lying around that they would like to sell, please don't hesitate to drop me an email.
I know I asked alot of questions, I hope not too many. Thanks in advance for all the great help I expect to receive! Dan Kasha Providence RI
PS Any classic bike rides ever in the Boston Area?