RE: [CR]Peugeot Mixte - brake lever question

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

From: "Roman Stankus" <rstankus@mindspring.com>
To: "'John Hurley'" <JHurley@jdabrams.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: RE: [CR]Peugeot Mixte - brake lever question
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2007 20:07:10 -0400
In-reply-to: <249DDD9704676C49AE6169AE3D2D9F4E0500D7@Exchange-SVR>
Thread-Index: AcfAHq85Metk1crRSVKLbgBRimMNrAAAwp1Q


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