Peugeot UO 14 - Making it Mine

After the initial shakedown ride and problems encountered, the Peugeot is back on the road. A local shop replaced the broken spoke and miles later, it is holding it's own. With their suggestion, I was able to swap the brake levers myself without difficulty. The things I learn when making mistakes...

The more I ride the Peugeot the more I appreciate the upright handlebars. Between the extremely comfortable grips and efficient brake levers, it's a good set up for errand rides. I will need to address the pulsing and squealing in rear brakes. Everyone can hear me coming!

I also don't mind downtube shifters because, frankly, I rarely shift. And in fact, I remain in the low range on the flats and while cruising Burlington's hills. I think the lightweight frame and cushiony tires make this a zippy bicycle all by itself. The Peugeot would be a good candidate for 1x6 gears. However, I'm not inclined to spend money altering chainrings that are currently adequate.

I have the rack adjusted so it's one inch above the tire.

I installed a Wald basket. I think the sizing may be too large, but returning it would be cost prohibitive so I will try it out for a while. I've made two or three adjustments—mainly replacing provided nuts with lock nuts, plus tightening screws a bit more. So far, so good.

Enjoying foliage rides on the Peugeot.

Our son hopped on my bike after we arrive at our camp.
He wanted to try out my new grips.

As an aside, isn't any bike that you care about, continually a work in progress? Often a once loved bike might now need—20 years later—alteration to make it comfortable again. So be it.

After a few miles on the Peugeot, the new racer style seat felt like a rock. I reconsidered the gel seat that came with the bike. The only problem was the lycra cover had long since disintegrated. I won't provide an in depth tutorial on my creative process—there is plenty of information on the Internet—but initially I tried replacing the fabric. I was after a professional look, except re-stapling the synthetic material to tough plastic failed miserably. As a backup I created a seat cover. It came out snug, but has—so far—held up well.

Oo la la! This cage oozes style.

I liked the existing bottle cage, but a unique gift from a friend was too lovely to relegate to our parts box. The Portland Design Works Bird Cage is stylish and practical. Need I say more?

Last ride in sandals.

At some point I will transfer the bell and mirror from the Ross—once I'm convinced I won't be riding the girly bike anymore—and I imagine, over the long haul, the Peugeot will need fenders. And clearly, the basket must have straps to contain belongings and purchases. Also, the basket tends to swing around and nick the frame. But, I have plans brewing in my head for stylish solutions to both problems. I've saved used tubes; bought a titanium needle for sewing machine (as suggested by Bicitoro plus her awesome tutorials), more leopard print fabric, and a desire to create. I'm going to have fun!