rootboy 

Good advice, though it's been years, I once flew on a plane with a packed bike. They'll still do it, I'm sure, and it couldn't cost you THAT much compared with shipping. Could it? heh heh ..
If you have enough time to poke around France you could find your holy grail bike. Speak the language I presume? That'll help a lot. I'm going to Italy next month, but I ain't holding my breath. Been done to death there, but you stand a good chance in France perhaps.

rhm

If the guy continues to insist it's a PX10, then yes, he'll still have it in 6 months. Not your problem, though; you should look for a PX10, not an alleged PX10.

It will take a while to find a good bike in a strange city. You have to find the good flea market(s) and go there every week. Something will turn up, I have no doubt, but you can't expect it to turn up on a specific schedule.

auchencrow

Hi Baroudeur -
Perhaps you'll be relieved to know that's not a PX10. I would surmise it's a PA10 or some French equivalent.
The second bike looks a lot like a Motobecane Grand Touring.
-Both bikes circa '74 give or take.
-Both lovely bikes.

I would recommend spending serious time learning about French bikes before you go. Also, peruse the appraisal forum for French bikes.
Knowledge is your best friend... That way you'll know what to snag - and what the killer deals are. This site is a good resource, as are the various catalog sites.

https://mysite.verizon.net/vzerndgo/

https://www.gitaneusa.com/catalogues.asp

https://cyclespeugeot.com/

https://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Motobecane/

.....I am sure there are others.

-And if you think you need any more inspiration than what you already have, just have a gander at these posts from one of our C&V'ers from France. . . .

An incredible collection.
A barn full.

Glennfordx4

Be careful my cousin did that program and never came home going on 10yrs now. I would do as others stated and wait till you get there and look around, there were tons of vintage bikes lining the streets when I was there 3 years ago. I didn't have enough time to go looking for bikes when I was in Paris but finding something vintage shouldn't be a problem but shipping will be, I sent a box with some collectible knives and dirty laundry back ( almost had them taken from me on the Eurostar ) and it cost me $100 just to ship them and that was about 5 knives ( and I thought I saved a fortune buying them there) so I don't want to know what a bicycle would cost.
Glenn

nlerner

I looked into the cost of flying with a bike a couple of years ago when I was heading to London for a week. The minimum cost then was $75 for an oversized parcel (i.e., bike box), and I'd guess it's higher now, given that most airline fees are higher. Back then, at least, it was pretty much the same cost as shipping a bike from the UK to the US.

Neal

Buikema

My uncle lived in Paris for a few years and he had lots of bikes, and is also a total cheap skate. So, I think you wont have any problem finding something fun in Paris. As for high end race bike, I dunno, but on the whole I got the impression that the used bike market there wasn't quite as hot as it is here on the West Coast. Even with the Euro being up I think you'll find something cheaper and WAY cooler w/ a good story over there. Go for it and let us know how it turns out. Good luck!

dbakl

I loosely know a couple of guys who make a living going to France and shipping back bikes to sell. You really need to speak the language though...

Chris_in_Miami

+1, that's a very cool site!

Looks like there are lots of bikes loaded with cool accessories too - racks, fenders, lights, guidonnet levers, etc.

Another interesting Bernard Dangre (I've been looking for info on this manufacturer since picking one up a few years ago...)

3alarmer 

Now THAT is what I want to do when I grow up.

I can picture smuggling them in across the Canadian border.

Baroudeur

I suspected it wasn't a PX-10... something didn't look right about it, and it's missing a certain 'inoxydable' sticker as well.

Don't worry, I'll be keeping in touch here! If I'm unsure of anything while I'm over there, I'll be sure to ask for advice about it.

That website is incredible, by the way... I spent hours on there, and I hardly saw a fraction of what's listed.

I know I'm not going soon, but it sure is fun to dream...


https://www.leboncoin.fr/sports_hobbi...324.htm?ca=7_s


https://www.leboncoin.fr/sports_hobbi...92.htm?ca=12_s


https://www.leboncoin.fr/sports_hobbi...22.htm?ca=12_s

I'm still in shock at how inexpensive some of these are...! I'm calibrated for Portland prices...

Poguemahone

It appears to a UO8 or PA10. I think the later.

(It's also later than 1970).

It would seem the French do as well as their English/American cousins at identifying PX10s.

rootboy 

That aint bad. And it would be riding in the hold right under your ...fromunder.
I'd do that.
thx

snarkypup

I don't know if it would cost extra, but this seems to indicate bringing a well-packed bike on an Air France flight would be free. BA definitely lets you pack a bike as one of your luggage pieces, and as long as it doesn't exceed the weight limit, it's just one of your bags, and therefore free. That does limit your actual checked bagage though. Anyway, from the Air France site:

Bicycles
Bicycles are treated as baggage items. Their transport is therefore included in your baggage allowance. Beyond this allowance (up to a maximum of 23 kg/50 lb per item), a fixed-rate fee is applied. To find the amount of this fee, please use our baggage allowance calculator.

Please remember to:

remove the pedals,
remove the front wheel and attach it to the frame,
turn the handlebars to the side (parallel to the frame),
place your bicycle in a protective container (cardboard, hard plastic). Bicycle containers are available for purchase at most Air France check-in desks.

I might add: wrap it really well. But those guys can't be that much harder on a well-boxed bike than overseas shipping outfits would be.

Baroudeur

That sounds like a great idea. I haven't booked my flights yet, but I imagine I'll be looking into that pretty soon. I'll look at each airline's policy before I make my decision. Thanks for the heads-up!

Daveyates

I live in Bastille in Paris and bikes can be bought very very cheaply here.
Just look on leboncoin.fr and select ile de france and you will find some amazing bargains in the suburbs.
My blue Peugeot PX10 ( a real one ) was stored in a basement and not used for years and so is in great condition was 90 euros. The guy even delivered it for an extra 10 euros.
A red PX 10 , which i was the second caller and missed it! sold for 65 euros.
I've bought a few PR10s for around 60 - 80 euros.
So in my opinion wait until you get here and snap up a good deal!