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In my most-recent posting, I recounted my enjoyable time with my friend Kevin and having the opportunity to take a gander at his wonderful collection of bicycles. You might remember that he indicated he had "around seventy" of the two-wheeled freedom machines stuffed inside his self-storage units.
Well, now that number is "around sixty-nine." Yes, I did my bit — albeit a very tiny part — to help alleviate his overcrowding issue.
Over the years, I've been in the market for another vintage bike, to go along with my 36-year-old Schwinn Circuit, a seven-speed, steel-frame beauty that still scoots down the road at a pretty good pace. One of my favorite online haunts is Steel Vintage Bikes, which is located in Berlin, Germany. While it offers rare, classic brands — with the availability to ship worldwide — I knew it was just a pipe dream to obtain a pedal prize from so far away. And with such a hefty price tag.
Anyway, prior to checking out Kevin's cycling scene, I'd been forewarned by my good friend Nash — the owner of Capital City Cycles in Augusta — that during his visit with him, he had seen a bicycle among the seventy that "had my name on it." He was, indeed, correct.
So, I'm now the proud owner of a Peugeot, with the model name of Record Du Monde. It is blue in color and in outstanding condition. It is equipped with various Campagnolo components — which, in my opinion, drives up its value and classic character — and it sports a five-speed cassette. With the bike being made in France, the seat tube carries the term "inoxydable" — the French word for stainless steel.
Locating the serial number under the bottom bracket, I was able to determine that my latest purchase was manufactured in 1972. This is because there were seven digits — meaning it's from the 1970s — and with the first one being a "two" — that shows it was made during the second year of that particular decade. That makes my Peugeot the oldest member of my cycling stable, at 52 years old.
As a brand for bicycles, Peugeot has a long and storied history. It was founded in 1882. Peugeot secured its first-ever Tour de France victory in 1905. While it has been nearly 35 years since Peugeot last appeared in the professional peloton, at one time it was one of the most successful teams in cycling history. Two of my favorite bicycling "stars" — who rode for Peugeot in the 1960s and whose autographs I cherish to this very day — are Tom Simpson of Britain and Eddy Merckx of Belgium.
Deep down, I think Kevin might have been a little hesitant to part with the Peugeot. However, because I was the lucky recipient — and he knew I would ride the sleek road warrior and take care of it — it was, in the end, an easy decision. It definitely won't be collecting dust in the basement.
And for those of you keeping track, this is bicycle number nine in my collection. Stay safe!
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