Peugeot (bicycles)
Peugeot bicycles are part of the French vehicle manufacturer Peugeot . In 1881 the company was the first industrial manufacturer of bicycles in France . The bicycle factory is located in Sochaux .
history
Beginnings
In 1881, Peugeot began manufacturing bicycles, the importance of which Armand Peugeot recognized during a stay in England . One year later , the Fils de Peugeot frères presented a penny farthing under the name “Le Français” .
In 1888, Peugeot had established itself on the market with its bicycle models. Now the factory in Beaulieu (now incorporated in Mandeure ) near Valentigney began manufacturing bicycles. The designation Lion (German lion ) was chosen as the brand name based on the company symbol .
Peugeot relied on a wide range of products in the bicycle segment. In the catalogs of that time you can find tandems , fours and fives. In 1899 a four-wheeler with two seats was introduced as a "Bicyclette sans chaîne" (bicycle without a chain). A low-maintenance cardan drive took over the power transmission to the rear wheel; a technology that was only to establish itself in motorcycles decades later.
A folding bike was also innovative , the frame construction of which enabled it to be continuously adjusted to different body sizes. Both the center distance and the distance of the saddle from the pedals and handlebars could be varied. Two independent brakes guaranteed active safety, and a horseshoe nail extractor should protect against punctures.
In 1906, a two-speed gear hub was installed for the first time on Peugeot bicycles .
Racing from the 1960s
Peugeot made a number of racing bikes of very different quality. The high-quality models were driven in the Tour de France . For a long time Peugeot fitted its bikes with Simplex derailleurs and Mafac brakes. Until the 1980s, a special standard size, which no longer exists today, was used for bottom brackets on wheels ("French thread measure"). Later, Peugeot also switched to the BSA standard that is common today .
Development from 2004
In 1998, all of Peugeot's bicycle production was taken over by the Cycleurope Group. At this point in time, the company had the entire production system, manufactured Peugeot wheels and also sold them. From 2004, the company returned to its bicycle division, bought back the trademark rights and introduced Peugeot bikes into its automobile dealer network.
Racing
In 1905, Peugeot sponsored the first Tour de France winner, Louis Trousselier . Until the end of the 1986 season, Peugeot maintained a professional cycling team of the same name .
photos
Peugeot UO-9 "Super Sport" from 1979
Peugeot "Tourmalet" racing bike frame
A Peugeot racing bike from the 1990s with a TIG-welded frame made from Reynolds 525 and a Vitus aluminum fork
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