Old frame/New groupset

[Percy]

After a bit of knowledge before I embark on my next project. Am getting an old steel frame (Peugeot) that I plan to use as the base for a road bike - keeping frame, forks, stem and bars and fitting with a 'modern' groupset and new wheels. I'm pretty confident there shouldn't be any major problems but am wondering about a few things:

1. The frame has braze-ons for down tube gear shifters. When I fit integrated brake levers, can I use these braze-ons to route the gear cables through, with some sort of tensioner/router? I know this is fairly common practice (my tourer does it) but I don't know how it works with braze-ons that were designed for shifters, not routing.
2. I am wondering about things like BB size, fitting of new brake levers etc. but I guess that will all wait until I actually get hold of the frame and get a look at sizes etc. Anything I should look out for?
3. Similarly, is there anything I should be aware of regarding the drive train?
4. Lastly - I'm looking at Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival. Any thoughts/opinions? Other preferences I could look at(campag)? Any recommendations for places to buy cheap groupsets?

That'll do for now - thanks all.

 

[PatrickPending]

1 you can get things that screw into the braze on fittings for cable routing

http://www.sjscycles...sters-prod5511/

2 I dont imagine there will be any problems here

3 provided its all compatable no

4 105 is nice cant comment on the others sorrythe web is a good place to look and chain reaction a good place to start.

 

[PpPete]

You may have to spread the rear drop-outs to accept modern wheels, not a difficult job. Use a bit of string to check the whole thing still true after doing so. Instructions here if you need them.

As for groupsets. Most are 10 speed (or 11). Personally on an old frame I'd consider 8 or 9 speed as an option. Little bit more robust, longer chain life etc. Also it gives you access to Shimergo options - should you like the style of Campag Ergos.

 

[montage]

careful of the 24mm seatpost problem you get with many a peugot

 

[snailracer]

BB thread pitch? Oddball derailleur mounting hole placement?

 

[accountantpete]

You want to make sure that the existing BB and seat post are easily removable - they can be a nightmare if they have been left in for ages.

Have you checked that the BB is an English thread?

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Agree with all the above, plus:

Wheel size? 700c or 27", the latter is pretty much obsolete, and switching to 700c might require deep drop brakes, which have knock-on effect on your groupset uniformity.

If it is quite old (probably not if it has downtube braze-on's), some potential compatibility issues as others have pointed out above plus some more here...

 

[Percy]

Thanks all - useful stuff. I pick the frame up tomorrow so will go over all points. If it proves to be a lot of hassle it's not a big deal - I'll just shift it and find a different frame, that's why I'm looking into this before I get too deep.

The wheel size is one issue I made sure I sorted before agreeing to the frame - definitely 700c!

 

[asterix]

Some old Peugeot bikes are very desirable collectables..

 

[Percy]

So I have it. Initial inspection reveals:

It's roughly a 1990 model - First Race. Seems to be little used although there are a few dinks to the paintwork, which I can live with.

All components came off easily. The derailleur hanger is a standard size/thread, so no problem there.

The seatpost does indeed seem to be a prblem size - 22.5mm I measured it at. A quick scout of the internet shops seems to suggest these would be hard to come by - however, I've no problem with the current one - it's quite nice in fact - so am happy to keep it just with a new saddle. (Edit - it's 26mm not 22.5. Learn to read the calipers, Percy)

It's the BB thread pitch that's the key I think. I have the old one out ... but how do I now tell if it's 'French' or not?

 

[accountantpete]

So I have it. Initial inspection reveals:

It's roughly a 1990 model - First Race. Seems to be little used although there are a few dinks to the paintwork, which I can live with.

All components came off easily. The derailleur hanger is a standard size/thread, so no problem there.

The seatpost does indeed seem to be a prblem size - 22.5mm I measured it at. A quick scout of the internet shops seems to suggest these would be hard to come by - however, I've no problem with the current one - it's quite nice in fact - so am happy to keep it just with a new saddle. (Edit - it's 26mm not 22.5. Learn to read the calipers, Percy)

It's the BB thread pitch that's the key I think. I have the old one out ... but how do I now tell if it's 'French' or not?

It's probably English give the age - the drive side should tighten counter clockwise and the other side tightens clockwise.French ones tighten clockwise on both sides.

 

[Percy]

It's probably English give the age - the drive side should tighten counter clockwise and the other side tightens clockwise.French ones tighten clockwise on both sides.

I see - that solves it then, it's English. Thanks accountantpete. I can now get on with the job of choosing which groupset to kit it out with ...