I was looking at my bicycle collection and decided that it was missing a road or race bike.
So, I started shopping around for a suitable machine. The first one that took my fancy was a Specialized Allez for $1000.
But when I test rode it, it was too small for my 6ā4ā frame.
Next, I saw an upmarket Felt, so I drove 2 hours south to Tweed Heads in northern NSW to test ride.
It had been traded-in at a bike shop and I thought it fitted my bill - although the $1,500 asking price was 50% over budget, it appealed because it was a $7+k bike when new and was a 60cm frame.
And I didnāt like riding it at all. Not the machine's fault - a finely tuned brute - but it was too brutal for my recreation and exercise application.
When I got home and there was a message from a seller I'd contacted, who was offering a 'Tall man's Bicycle' for sale.
I drove another half an hour and checked a Vintage Peugeot.
Immediately I saw it - I said 'deal' and paid $110 for it on the spot. Didn't even ride it because it had flat tyres. The whole scene was like something from āSteptoe and Sonā.
I got it home, inflated and rode it around the block - and I love it. It's light, smooth - and steel. And I've got a ton of budget!
It's now going to be my entry and I plan to fully restore it (it's quite rough up close - but all there).
My Ph.D in Google tells me it's a slightly modified 1982 Pugeot PBN 10 S from the French Brochure - and in the English Brochure it's called 'Mirage' - thus the hybrid name.
Some closer shots:
It's been well travelled. France to the US to Australia. Would have some tales to tell.
And now the restoration fun begins with my two helpers, āSilasā and āRockā.
Parts are polishing up well while I wait for parts ordered so far.
I'll need a bigger parts bin. And the wheels are going to take a lot of work.
First thing to go on is a Brooks B17 that I had in stock.
A Dremel and 'Solvol Autosol' is my preferred method.
On the way - so far. New decals and bits.
The spray.bike product will be interesting.
https://spraybike.com.au/
Happy Daze!
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