Re: [CR]Peugeot Mixte - brake lever question

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

Date: Sat, 07 Jul 2007 06:34:00 -0400
From: "James Swan" <jswan@optonline.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Peugeot Mixte - brake lever question
In-reply-to: <E1I6xpe-0001bF-Kh@elasmtp-galgo.atl.sa.earthlink.net>
To: Roman Stankus <rstankus@mindspring.com>
References:
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Hi Roman,

Those white plastic Mafac brake levers actually have a metal insert that extends to within about an inch of the end. You frequently see them with that last inch broken off but they are still functional.

Jamie Swan Centerport Cycles Inc. 245 Main St. Northport, N.Y., U.S.A. 11768 631-262-0909

http://www.centerportcycles.com (mapped) http://www.cabinfeverauctions.com http://www.limws.org http://www.liatca.org

On Jul 6, 2007, at 8:07 PM, Roman Stankus wrote:
> Well - it must be something in the water - I just bought my wife
> one of
> these from an Atlanta Craiglist add. It looks to be an early 70's
> model -
> equipped with stuff ala the UO-8 except that someone put a suntour
> rear
> derailleur on it to replace the simplex - and no problem with
> that. This
> one has fenders with integrated lights and generator, rear rack,
> and swept
> back handlebars. Paint is in pretty good condition will need some
> touch-up.
> This will be a ride to the corner store kind of bike - it's an
> anchor, but
> with some style.
>
> Here's my question - it has mafac CP breaks with tough white
> plastic levers.
> I am concerned about the longevity of this type of lever and am
> inclined to
> replace them with something more solid/metal. They are kind of cool
> in that
> they are proper period levers with nice little spheres on the ends
> and very
> comfortable - but I wouldn't anything to happen. Were there other
> mafac
> levers or this type that were metal. I tried squezzing them pretty
> hard
> andnothing seemed to give. Any insights about these levers would be
> appreciated.
>
> BTW, if I got the itch to upgrade the cottered steel cranks to
> something
> cotterless/alloy - are there any special things to consider besides
> finding
> a french threaded BB. There's nothing really wrong with the steel
> cranks
> other than the pant guard is bent some and rubs the front
> derailleur when
> using the big ring - I can work on that. I had a Peugeot once (late
> 80's
> PY-10?)in my possesion that had a BB that was hell to get out. I'm
> wondering
> if that was a typical problem with them.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Roman Stankus
> Atlanta, Ga. 30307
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
>> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of
>> John Hurley
>> Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 6:41 PM
>> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>> Subject: [CR]Peugeot Mixte
>>
>> Bob,
>>
>> Congratulations on your eBay find! The bike looks very
>> elegant and super clean, and for the price it's like finding
>> it in the street. I'd guess you're probably close on the
>> date. I don't know when Peugeot started going lug-less on
>> their frames, but that should give some clue.
>> I have a catalog from (I think) 1986 that I can check. One
>> would think some former dealers out there could say right
>> off. Maybe when it arrives you could provide some more
>> details. I get weary of reading only about super expensive
>> Italian stuff, and a little variety is quite welcome.
>>
>> John Hurley
>> Austin, Texas USA