Peugeot (bicycles)

Peugeot Bicycles are a component part of the French car manufacturer Peugeot. In 1881, the company was the first industrial manufacturer of bicycles in France. The bicycle factory is located in Sochaux.

History

In 1881, Peugeot began producing bicycles, their importance Armand Peugeot had realized during a stay in England. Under the name " Le Français " presented the " Fils de Peugeot Frères " a year later a unicycle before.

In 1888, Peugeot had established with his bike models on the market. Now, the plant in Beaulieu began (now incorporated in Mandeure ) at Valentigney with the manufacture of bicycles. As a brand name, the name Lion ( Leo German ) was selected based on the company logo.

Peugeot sat in the bike segment on a wide range of products. In the former catalogs, there are tandems, four and five. In 1899, a four-wheeled two-seater was presented as " Bicyclette sans chaîne " ( bicycle without a chain). A low-maintenance shaft drive took over the power transmission to the rear wheel; a technique that was to establish itself in motorcycles until decades later.

Innovative was also a folding bike, the frame construction allowed a continuously variable adjustment to different body sizes. It could both the center distance and the distance of the saddle from the pedals and arm can be varied. Two independent brakes guaranteed active safety, and a Hufnagelauszieher should protect against punctures.

In 1906, a two- speed hub was installed in Peugeot bikes for the first time.

Racing from the 1960s

Peugeot presented a series of racing wheels very different quality here. The high-quality models were then laid down in the Tour de France. Peugeot outfitted its wheels for a long time with Simplex derailleurs and brakes Mafac. Also a special, now non-existent standard size for bottom bracket was used in the wheels ( " Double Thread " ) until the 1980s. Later Peugeot switched to today's conventional BSA degree.

Development from 2004

1998, the entire Fahrradprduktion Peugeot was taken over by the Cycleurope group. The company, at this time of the complete production equipment and put forth Peugeot wheels and drove them also. As of 2004, the company is remembered again on his bicycle division and led Peugeot wheels into his automobile dealer network.

Racing

Peugeot sponsored in 1905 the first Tour de France winner, Louis Trousselier.

Peugeot and the rival company Mercier are the only bicycle manufacturer, the financial support still teams of the Tour de France. Unlike most teams that use Italian components, Peugeot continued to use only French. Stronglight crank sets, Simplex derailleurs and brakes Mafac have long been standard for Peugeot racing bikes. In 1983, won with Pascal Simon for the last time a Peugeot driver the yellow jersey until he had to retire due to a flu.

• Bicycle manufacturer
• French bicycle manufacturer