How to Identify Peugeot Bike Model – 6 Effective Ways

If you’re a bike lover, you’re most likely familiar with one of the most iconic bike brands: Peugeot! This brand has been relevant in the bike market since 1810 for its luxurious and iconic designs.

However, since the models of Peugeot bikes were designed decades ago, the identification and differentiation between these models are quite difficult.

So, if you own a Peugeot bike and somehow lose it, you’ll be in trouble for not knowing how to identify Peugeot bike model.

Therefore, to save you trouble, we’ve gathered all the ways of identifying your Peugeot bike model. This way, you won’t be wandering here and there looking for your bike and can easily figure out the model designation of your Peugeot bike.

What is Peugeot?

Peugeot is a well-known French brand that consists of all kinds of automobiles. This brand was first founded in 1810 by Stellantis. Even though Peugeot was owned by Stellantis, it later became a family business.

It started by producing kitchen pieces of equipment and hand tools, but eventually shifted to bicycles. While producing different kinds of bikes, it eventually moved on to cars.

Peugeot has been successful in the automotive industry by actively introducing unique bicycles and cars. They won many international awards for their designs. One of these is the European Car of the Year – a highly prestigious title in the automotive industry.

But this is nothing compared to the impact Peugeot had on bikes. The European bike boom started when the bicycle was first hand-built in France by Armand Peugeot.

Eventually, the various bicycle models became so popular that bicycle production reached almost 162,000 units per year. People from both the past and the present still admire Peugeot bikes for the diversified components they used during manufacturing.

Peugeot is renowned for its car production too. Being in the business for over 200 years, Peugeot is famous for its iconic and luxurious designs. It even came on the top of the list of reliable automotive brands.

The cars produced by Peugeot mostly earned fame for their unique engineering. They used a 1.9-liter turbo diesel which is near-indestructible.

To this day, people are still fond of Peugeot as it’s an extremely reliable brand of automobile that is constructed with unique, diversified components. From bicycles to large cars and motorcycles, Peugeot still hasn’t failed in the big automobile industry game.

Peugeot Bike Timeline

Peugeot bicycles are nice to look at and very comfortable to ride on. But identifying the models or grasping the structure of the bike is difficult for its complex build.

However, knowing the timeline, dates, and models can help you understand the categories of bikes from the Peugeot company.

The innovation and idea of bikes began in 1886. At that time, Peugeot focused on mobility. Bike models gradually evolved at the start of the 20th century hence why the timeline of Peugeot bikes started in 1900.

1929

In this era, bicycles were built with more relaxed frame angles and a gigantic quantity of trails. They were made this way because this style led to more stability on uneven roads. This was beneficial back in the day since the roads were quite sturdy but uneven.

1951

During this time, the Peugeot company began to introduce PH and PC bike models with an alphanumeric model designation. But even though they were supposed to be listed under a tube list, they weren’t listed in the Reynold 531 as tube steel.

On the other hand, the PH-10 model was listed under a designated “Model Course Professional,” which used Vitus tubing. Apart from virtuous tubing, it also included pedals and steel cranks.

To make it more interesting, Peugeot offered a simple rear derailleur and front derailleur with a 4 cog freewheel with the bicycle.

Different colors were also available like the “Rouge Vermilion,” “Rouge Transparent,” “Bleu Riveria,” and many more. These unique names and colors attracted people back in the day and continue to appeal to modern collectors.

1953

In 1953, the PX-10 bicycle was introduced in the market as one of the most high-end bicycles by the brand.

1955

During this time, some models were constructed with Vitrus tubing instead of the Reynold 531. In addition to the tubing, it also had a lining with Nervex Professional lugs. This was specifically on the PLX-10.

In this case, the bike came with a transparent blue (tube?) accompanied by a contrasting lug color. However, only one color was introduced this time.

1956 to 1960

In this period, the Reynolds 531 was introduced once again as a tubing system. And this time, it was infused with Nervex Professional lugs as well.

On the other hand, there was a bottom bracket shell that came along with a Garnette.

Shortly after that, the Peugeot released a UO-8. This translates to a sports cycle with 10 times the speed with a medium steel frame. This model from the Peugeot was sold in the United States from the 1960s up until the 1980s.

1965

Different models had a Reynolds 531 tubing system by this time. The company also introduced the decal scheme in this period.

Several things were featured in the decal scheme, like a ribbon banner, En-Ciel rings, a checkerboard, and the infamous lion logo. The new release also included the Nervex Professional lugs.

1966

Peugeot introduced many iconic bicycle models this year. As a form of honor for the 1964 Olympic games, Peugeot used Olympic rings on the seat tubing. To top it off, these models also have seat decals with attached Arc-en-Ciel rings.

1967

This year was the breakthrough of introducing new colors. The company introduced a variety of products in the firm of team Peugeot colors.

The colors consisted of white with black head lugs. The bikes built this year also have a checkerboard decal system.

1970

During this year, the Peugeot was going through the golden era of the entire company’s history. A lot of bicycles were introduced freshly in the United States market at the beginning of the bicycle boom.

Most of the bicycles of this year’s model had a parallel frame design with a 72-degree angle. They also included parts like a freewheel, crankset, Simplex Prestige Luxe 537 derailleur, Nervex Lugs, Brooks professional saddle, 25-inch frames, and skewers.

1972

The model PX-10 was more prevalent this year. However, they were imported by the addition of different parts like Nervex Lugs, brooks professional saddle, and 72-degree parallel frame design.

1973 to 1974

During this period, Peugeot bikes included many parts like blackhead tubes, Nervex lugs, and steeper frame angles. Some exceptions even have decals on the top area of the tube of a bike.

This was different than the previous ones as in those designs, the decals were positioned on the top of a seat tube.

Shortly after that, Peugeot decided to introduce a custom bicycle frame shop. This included the Reynolds-tubed frameless accompanied by a slightly thin-gauge steel tubing named PY-10.

As a result, people can ask for framesets based on their preferred specifications. It’s possible to change the color, components, frame size, and braze-on too.

1975 to 1977

The company continued to create new products, which included one of the most famous models:the UO-10. This model was specifically designed with an aluminum plate. These included an aluminum cotterless crankset with an addition of aluminum rims.

Right after that, the company switched to carbon fiber-infused tubed bikes named the PY10FC. With a seat lug, Peugeot continued to contribute with custom steel-frame bicycles like the PY and PZ10 bikes. Later on, Peugeot also introduces touring bikes.

How to Identify Peugeot Bike Model

Peugeot has always been known for coming up with unique models and frame names. Since its production started in the late 1800s, people sometimes find it hard to recognize what model they own. And we don’t blame you.

Since the beginning, Peugeot has always maintained uncommon names and designations, which is why you might get a bit lost while identifying your bike model. However, there are ways you can identify them easily, some of which are:

History and Background

The bike models and Peugeot bike serial numbers are somewhat named after the time they were first originated in. Therefore, tracing its background and history can help you in finding out your bike model.

Right after the Second World War, the large market started to recognize the use of bicycles. Peugeot claimed their limelight by standing out in Tour De France in 1963.

The unique designs and perplexing structures stood out to people. It quickly became a luxury brand throughout the bicycle community.

The demand for Peugeot bikes grew slowly over time. With increased fame and popularity, Peugeot decided to never change the unique designs or names to maintain their charm.

For instance, the number of produced bikes in 1971 was 150000 bikes. Some of the bikes of this year had a serial number written after this quantity. Hence, if you’re familiar with the Peugeot timeline, it should become easier for you to identify your bike model.

Serial Number

The serial number listed on the bike is one of the most efficient and standard ways of identifying Peugeot bikes. Generally, Peugeot bikes list their serial number right under the bottom bracket of the bicycle. Sometimes, this serial number indicates the date and model of the bike.

A serial number is stamped on every individual bike during production. Every bicycle manufacturer does this. It’s usually a combination of distinctive numbers assigned by the manufacturer. This number is a very useful tool for identifying bike models.

You can identify a Peugeot bike’s serial number and model by knowing when it was produced. For instance, in 1920, the top bike released was the P-10. The models released after that model were eventually listed consecutively, which aligned with the bike’s serial number.

Similarly, according to the timeline, if your bike was produced in the 1960s, that means it came with bracket tube angle markings and plain Nervex lugs trademark.

To honor their history, the bikes released in the 1950s and 1960s came with six digits markings. Similarly, the bikes produced in 1970 came with seven digits (e.g., 1940481), and the bikes from 1980 with eight digits, as well as a letter prefix (usually Y or B).

If you can get a hold of the serial number, you can identify your bike model in the blink of an eye.

Frame Size

On a bicycle, you’ll always find a frame number under the bottom bracket shell. Even though the frame number is the same as the serial number, sometimes there’s an additional frame size mentioned on the bike model.

Since Peugeot has an interesting way of conveying their model numbers, you can also find frame sizes in stickers. In older models, the digit frame size measured is found engraved in the metal body of the bike.

If you’re able to find the frame’s serial number, you’ll either find a two-digit frame size or an eight to ten-digit frame size. Depending on the size of the frame, you can easily identify the bicycle’s model year.

You’ll usually find the frame size written in centimeters (cm) right below the bottom bracket of the frame number or serial number.

Model Number

A model number might sound similar to the serial number, but it’s not. Typically, a serial number is used to identify the model. However, a model number is a code for the model name itself. If you stumble upon a model number in your Peugeot bike, it’s likely that’s the model name of your bike.

Usually, you’ll find the model number in a numeric code along with the two-digit frame size at the top of the seat tube from the center of the bottom bracket. If you find it, you won’t need to identify it at all.

Course Label

The brand Peugeot originated in France. It’s only obvious the course or the label will be written in French.

When the serial number of frame sizes isn’t engraved, you might not find it. This can happen easily since the bikes were produced years ago.

However, you can identify your bike model if you take a good look at the course label. All you have to do is see whether the label has English threads or French threads.

Peugeot first started in France in 1886. All the labels were threaded in French. However, the Canadians threaded it into English after 1982. The French version is located at the top end of the seat; in the Canadian version, the label is situated at the front of the tube right near the head.

Depending on the label, you can find out the timeline of the bike and identify the model.

Date Stickers

Peugeot serial numbers were either engraved or stamped on with a sticker. With the serial sticker, there’s a possibility you might find a sticker with the date of production.

This happened when the manufacturer numbered it during production. Usually, you’ll find these stickers right by the bottom bracket on the top of the non-drive chainstay. Finding these stickers can help you to identify the model of your bike.

However, this isn’t a convenient option. There’s no guarantee that a bike that might be 30-35 years old will still be in good condition.

How to Find Bike Serial Number?

A bike serial number or frame number is the first tool to find if you want to identify the model. Usually, along with the serial number, you’ll find a model number, which will directly tell you the model name.

However, not all bikes from the Peugeot catalogs contain the model number. Finding the serial number, however, will tell you the model in no time.

Typically, the serial number is situated below the bottom bracket—the part of the bicycle’s frames where the pedals are. Therefore, flipping the bike upside down will lead you to the serial number.

Unfortunately, if you don’t find it there, don’t be discouraged. There are other places they can be located, like:

Head Tube

Sometimes the serial number is written on a small paper sticker stuck to the head tube. At the front of the frame, you’ll see a short tube that connects the two handlebars to the wheel forks. This is the head tube. There’s a chance that the sticker is stamped on the head tube.

Rear Dropout

Serial number stamps depend on the manufacturer, so there are several places you might find them. Don’t forget to check the rear dropout located at the center of the bike tubes. Check both ends of the rear dropouts, as you might find the serial number there.

Bottom of Seat Tube

Seat tubes are easy to miss, especially the bottom area. This is the part that runs down from the saddle to the paddle.

There are two parts to a seat tube. The top seat tube and the bottom seat tube. Even though at times, Peugeot inserted the serial number in the top seat tube, you should look at the bottom of the Seat tube too.

Top of Crank

Crank arms are usually connected to special metal discs that are attached to the wheel crank. They keep your bike in motion and help it rotate.

Your serial number sticker might be attached to the top of the crank if you don’t find it in any other place. Simply flip your bicycle upside down, and you should spot it.

Is Peugeot Still in Production?

Even though Peugeot was founded in France, it pedaled its way to other countries. After roughly a decade, Canada came forward and agreed to manufacture Peugeots in 1978. At that time, Canada was the only country to hold on to Peugeots besides France.

Eventually, the Pro Cycle dealer of Canada started to export Canadian-made Peugeots automobiles to the United States. Pro Cycletook the North American rights under the Peugeot name.

In 2001, Peugeot stopped making bikes, but they resumed manufacturing in 2012. The brand even returned to the US after 10 years. As of this writing, they’re still in production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Peugeot is a well-known brand that produces iconic bikes. While cherishing the popular lineage and luxurious rides, Peugeot never failed to amaze.

However, the complex designs and names still confuse bikers in figuring out how to identify Peugeot bike model.

And now that we’ve shared all the tips and tricks, we hope you won’t struggle the next time you’re looking for the model of your vintage Peugeot bike.