PKN10E or UO8
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PKN10E or UO8
I'll get straight to the point, I've been looking for a solid beater/commuter (possibly touring) bike for a while now, something that would be fairly inexpensive and last. I couldn't tell you why I'm looking at two Peugeots in particular, but from what I've read they are good for fixing up with new parts. So here's my question, I've found a PKN10E and UO8, both from 1980 I think (I used bikeboompeugeot.com as a reference), which of the two is better for my use cases? I know that the PKN has the Reynolds 531, but I've heard it has speed wobble. I don't know much about biking (I mainly bike recreationally), but that sounds like a problem. Can it be solved, or is it actually that big of a problem? If neither are really good for my use cases what should I be looking for? I really appreciate any help, and apologize for any mistakes I may have made (first post).
Last edited by cb400bill; 05-13-22 at 07:58 PM.
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speed wobble can be caused by mis-dished wheel or mis-aligned frame or fork
not something inherent with model
the PKN is the better machine
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speed wobble can be caused by mis-dished wheel or mis-aligned frame or fork
not something inherent with model
the PKN is the better machine
-----
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#3
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The PKN 10 is the better bike. It has nicer parts and a better frame (Reynolds 531 double butted main triangle and forged drop outs). That said, the UO 8 has a frame that is better suited for touring as it has a nice long wheelbase and relaxed frame angles.
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Starting in 1979, the inexpensive U08/9/10 models had a completely new frame and fork, still having lugs but made from a better "103" Carbolite tubing.
The geometry was also completely reworked, with a much steeper seat tube angle, shorter chainstays and a bit slacker headtube angle.
The end result was a frameset that really worked well for more spirited riding versus the older U0-* frames.
The PKN-10 was a very nice midrange bike, much lighter than even the UO-10 model having alloy cranks and rims. It still used seamed tubing for the fork legs though.
The geometry was also completely reworked, with a much steeper seat tube angle, shorter chainstays and a bit slacker headtube angle.
The end result was a frameset that really worked well for more spirited riding versus the older U0-* frames.
The PKN-10 was a very nice midrange bike, much lighter than even the UO-10 model having alloy cranks and rims. It still used seamed tubing for the fork legs though.
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Honestly, unless you know what you're doing look for an '80's Japanese bike. A Peugeot of that vintage isn't a good candidate for upgrading/updating due to French threading and sizing.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html
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I don't know. I had a pkn10 from 1980, and I had no problem with threading. I think the only thing that was French on it was the steerer threads and fork crown, but I could even be mistaken about that, because I didn't change out the headset. It was a fantastic bicycle. I absolutely loved applying Mafac Racer brakes on that bike on steep descents.
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Honestly, unless you know what you're doing look for an '80's Japanese bike. A Peugeot of that vintage isn't a good candidate for upgrading/updating due to French threading and sizing.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/velos.html
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What is the difference between "103" carbolite tubing and the tubing used on the older UO8s/UE8s/UO9s/UO10s? I thought this was just a change in the sticker but that all of these bikes had fairly similar hi tensile steel frames.
#10
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I agree on going with Japanese for a commuter/beater than a Peugeot. Why should you care?
- I used to sell Peugeots, along-side some other brands, in the 1980's
- Commuted on a Gitane Super Corsa (WITH tubulars) for about 10 years in the early 2000's.
- Still have 2 pairs of NOS Swiss BB cups in the barn.
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The 103 "Carbolite" designation was the first change in labeling in perhaps decades, so I think that it's likely that Peugeot after so many years actually made some improvements to their in-house manufactured tubes. A frame-weight comparison would be the tell.
The bigger news with the new 1979 frames was their improved sportiness. The first-year 103-tube U09 model actually bore a "Super Sport" inscription on the top tube and the bike performed quite well (much more responsive to pedaling input than the older frames, I have both), especially after the rims were replaced with alloy parts (the U0-10 model came with alloy rims).
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True. Ask the man who has owned both. My PKN-10 was my all-time favorite road bike, but it simply was one size too tall and long for me, so I gave it to my son.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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#13
feros ferio
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I don't know. I had a pkn10 from 1980, and I had no problem with threading. I think the only thing that was French on it was the steerer threads and fork crown, but I could even be mistaken about that, because I didn't change out the headset. It was a fantastic bicycle. I absolutely loved applying Mafac Racer brakes on that bike on steep descents.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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#14
feros ferio
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Fit and finish in general were significantly inferior to my otherwise-comparable 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia.
All that said, the Peugeot was a blast to ride and very versatile, including tire width accommodations.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069