peugeot porteur

[Windhover]

Just acquired this Peugeot bike which I think is a French porteur bike. As far as I can work out, porteur bikes were used by tradesmen to carry loads and the best known were the newspaper couriers of Paris who made a living transporting newspapers to the kiosks around the city using these bikes. It is heavy, robust with solid metal mudguards; a chainguard; cotter pin crank; single gear; Mavic cantilever front brake and Sachs Torpedo coaster rear brake. Now restored but waiting on 650B tyres for these Rigida wheels. Totally impractical for Devon hills but if anyone is interested in buying it it will be for sale. Restoration photos to follow.

 

[Cycleops]

If you're not getting any buyers maybe the 'Bikes for Africa's people might be interested?
Perfect for down here

 

[Windhover]

Well, the bike is now restored but it is out of my hands. It is with the Totnes Bike Hub who have it for sale for £100. Here are the restoration photos. Three features of this bike. First the swept back handlebars mean you have to keep your knees close together to avoid catching the bar ends. Second the back pedal brakes mean you cannot back pedal to get your pedals in position for the down stroke at traffic lights and junctions. Thirdly the Rigida 26 x 11/2 x 13/8 wheel rims require a 650B ISO tyre ( a a standard 26" 11/2 or 26 13/8 tyre is too small).
Interesting ride and single gear quite manageable on flat and small hills. Attracting a lot of interest on the Bike Hub's sale stand.

 

[AndyRM]

That's very cool and looks like a very sympathetic restoration, chapeau!