I too have a real appreciation for the French, politics aside. About two years ago I went on a French binge. After I sobered up I bought some French bikes. Like Peter, my Super Competition surprises me with the ride quality. The only complaint that I have is the narrow handlebars. My other Frenchies (outside the u-O8s) are a stable of Motobecanes (2 Le Champions, 1 Grand Record, and 2 Grand Jubile's ) I also hav an unidentified French threaded frameset that was well executed in a repaint. The Super Champion is just being finished as a restoration and is so darned pretty, it will be a shame to get a stone chip. Bruce
DTSHIFTER@aol.com wrote: Peter Kohler wrote:
> <> (waxing poetic about
> French racing bicycles)
>
I don't generally get all that poetic about bicycles, perhaps because I work
on them quite a bit?
In any case, as Fred Rednor also pointed out, there are more than three
French enthusiasts on this List. As a long time member, I have had at least 40
French bicycles over the past 30 years or so, and have always appreciated their
ride quality. My current number of "Frenchies" is down to but 3, however one
of them, a Motobecane Grand Touring (with wonderful Super Vitus tubing) still
ranks as one of my all time favorite and comfortable riding bicycles.
>
> And Peter also wrote:
> <
> the glory days.>>
>
I agree completely. I currently have (my other two French bicycles) a 1981
Peugeot PXN10LE (Super Competition) which stands quite a bit above the late
60s through mid 70s PX-10s I have owned (and sold!).
My remaining French bicycle, a 1986 Peugeot PX (Columbus SLX), is finished nicer than the Super Competition. When I was younger I never cared too much about the seeming build quality of most of the bicycles I had. It was all about the ride, and the French bicycles were, for me, the best.
Cheers,
Chuck Brooks Malta, NY (USA)
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Bruce Thomson Spokane WA 99204 (509) 747 4314 Masi3v4me@yahoo.com
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