Nice to see another Francophile on the list, Dan. I agree with everything Eric said. My own experience with seat posts is that French bikes (Peugeot or others) of the era with Reynolds metric gauge 531 DB tubing are about equally likely to have 26.4 or 26.6 seatposts. As you may know, the 531 tubesets used by the French manufacturers had slightly different dimensions, both ID and OD, than "English gauge" 531 tubesets. As to why they weren't consistently 26.6 or 26.4, in some past posts some of the framebuilders enlighted us as to how the frame preparation may include reaming to a particular seatpost size. I'm not sure about the plastic levers you refer to, but a PR-10L should probably have the better Criterium shifters. These had plastic/rubber hoods, but were made of alloy, not plastic. As to bars and stem, you need a 22.0 stem. French stems usually had a 25.0 bar clamp. Be sure to check Sheldon Brown's French parts page for a wealth of info on French parts. Sheldon still has some Belleri (French despite the name) bars and stems. Other appropriate stems and bars are Atax, Pivo, and AVA. However, beware the old AVA bars, as these have a bad reputation for cracking. Also be aware that most Italian stem manufacturers made 22.0 stems in this era. I personally have 22.0 stems by Cinelli, TTT and Fiamme. These take the "normal" Italian diameter bars. So while a PR-10L would not have had Cinelli or TTT bars as original equipment, a PR-10L of the era could easily have been upgraded to these.
Finally, in my opinion, the plastic Simplex Criterium rear derailleur (the better one with the forged jockey cage, not the cheap Prestige model with the stamped cage) shifts noticeable better than a Campy NR. I would not discard one unless it was visibly cracked or otherwise damaged.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
> Reply's in between questions:
> From: "Dan Kasha" <kasha.lists@cox.net>
>
>
>
> > 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?
>
> Yes, If the Simplex black delrin is in good shape why switch? I'm still
> using the Simplex on mine and they are just fine. The rear Criteroum
> drerallair is a great unit, you should enjoy using it.
>
> > 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?
>
> I dunno...
>
> > 3) Can someone explain to me what derailleur cable guides there should
be
> > if it were original simplex? 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?
>
> Yes, it is chromed steel and black delrin guides riveted on each side. I
> can send you a pic of one properly installed.
>
> > 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?
>
> I'm only familiar with the threaded adjusters on the Prestige shifters. I
> believe the Criterium's never had this. Again, I can send you photo's.
>
> > 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?
>
> Good question. I have six Peugeots and the factory Simplex badged post,
> which has the size stamped into one of the adjustment ears, vary from
> 26.2/26.4/26.6. 26.4 is the most common on my bikes.
>
> Dan, you would be most welcome to visit and heck all the details out. I a
> mini Peugeot childs size racer, 3 PX-10E's and 2 PX-10 LE's, one of which
is
> NOS.
>
> Email me off line if I can help in any other way.
>
> Best of luck,
>
> Eric Elman
> Somers, CT