1980's Peugeot Premeire/Aubisque restoration

Jack1 · Sep 21, 2024

Hi All

I have been looking for a vintage Peugeot bike on Ebay for a while as a restoration project, its taken a while to find something I like the look of and more challenging something in my size (54cm). I have finally brought one and it arrived the other day.

I'v got it out the box tonight and started to figure out what's what, its seems to have some decent kit on it, Sachs Huret groupset, Wienman brakes, Iscasell seat , Mavic rims(back), HLE frame and Campagnolo locking skewers. I'm not sure if the kit on the bike would be original or has been upgraded? The front wheel is not a Mavic and looks like it's been replaced, its got a black finish on it which I will look to remove, not sure if I can sand and polish it or look for an matching Mavic 190FB. It weighs 11kg. Its difficult to make out the writing on the tyres but I think they are 700c x 19c! which seems difficult to find now, I have found some 20's or mayby I would be better to find some 23's.

The bike was advertised as a Carbolite Peugeot Premier, its got a Premiere sticker on it, but the frame is HLE (one up from Carbolite?) and when I search the internet I can't find a Premiere like it, if I search for Aubisque then there are bikes that look like it. So im a bit confused as to what it is, it would be great if anyone has any thoughts on what the bike is? there is a serial on the bottom bracket Y9C1 17556. Does anyone know what model year it might be?

I'm planning to bring it back to life over winter keeping it mostly original. Interestingly the bike has a Barry Monaghan sticker (presumably the shop that originally sold it), I've looked him up and it turns out he is former international cyclist and an national coach in Irish Cycling, which I think is pretty cool. I'll post some updates as they happen.

Anything information about the bike would be much appreciated.

Jack

chickendrumsticks · Sep 21, 2024

Hi Jack and welcome to Retrobike. Carbolite roughly = HLE. But as a starter restoration it's great. Don't spend loads of cash on new kit. Frankly the bike isn't worth it. Concentrate on cleaning and restoring what you have. You'll learn a lot and end up with a much improved machine.
And keep posting!

non-fixie · Sep 21, 2024

Welcome, @Jack1 !

Getting a wider, nicer tyre is a good idea. 23 is an improvement over 19mm, but if you have the space, 25 or 28 is even better. Get some nice light folding tyres. It'll be worth it.

Good luck with the project!

Harvo · Sep 21, 2024

Nice resto project. If you want to date it, have a look at the components eg brakes as they should be date stamped. Good luck with it.

Jack1 · Oct 9, 2024

I've made a start! I've removed all the components off the bike, had some fun and games removing the crank arms, which came off with a puller and some heat. I've decided to respray the bottom bracket, chain stays, part of the top tube, down tube and seat tube retaining the original decals, so took the paint of with an angle grinder with a wire brush cup and various brass brushes in a drill. I've taken the front wheel apart as im going to remove the black coating. So polishing up the spoke nipples and spokes with wire wool, WD40 and then Autosol metal polish.... going to have to do the same on the rear now

Jack1 · Nov 12, 2024

Some progress on the frame! I've sprayed the bits that were taken back to bare metal which went well, I've got some replacement decals where they have been removed. The new tyres have arrived, I couldn't get gumwall 23's so have gone for Michelin classic 25's. I've started to hand paint the rest of the frame with enamel paints (Artisan French/Anglo special now!) but will take some more touching up. I can't mix the blue so will look for a auto touch up paint. Also I have managed to remove the black coating on the front wheel with an abrasive Poly wheel which needs more sanding and polishing.

Jack1 · Dec 26, 2024

I think I've done the most painstaking bits now! The frame has been part resprayed, part hand painted then 2K lacquered. The hubs, freewheel and wheels have all been cleaned, polished, new bearings, greased, tensioned, trued and fitted with new tyres. I've ordered lots of bits to re-cable the brakes and gears, new chain, brake blocks and bar tape. For the rear derailleur only one of the jockey wheels can be removed, the other is riveted, I'm tempted to drill it out and spot weld a nut on so that both wheels can be replaced, or could see how it works with a clean and a re-grease for now.