Peugeot bikes
Peugeot bikes
The beginnings of the Cycle
After the draisienne (2-wheeled locomotion device invented in 1817 by Baron von Drais, which is moved forward by pushing on the ground with your feet), the first concept of pedal velocipede goes back to the Michaux brothers who created in 1861 a rotary pedal system on the front wheel.
Then comes the desire to go faster, and as the speed depends on the circumference of the drive wheel, the diameter of the latter is increased, and the velocipede becomes a bicycle or “Grand Bi”. Its use is made very acrobatic because of its 1.40m diameter front wheel. We improve the machine, we equip it with a transmission on the rear wheel via a crankset and a chain, wheels of equal diameter, ball bearing, hollow rim. The bicycle becomes a bicycle or a tricycle or a two-seater bicycle: the tandem.
Peugeot Frères manufactured “Grand Bi”, bicycles and tricycles in Beaulieu (Doubs) from 1885 and marketed the 18 pre-production cycles, 6 of each model, at the 1886 Paris fair. It was an immeasurable success! Everyone only talks about Peugeot bikes! In 1892, the catalog of the Sons of Peugeot Frères offered 6 models of bicycles, and 6 tricycles, including one with two seats in tandem. Peugeot Frères manufactures 8,000 bicycles in Beaulieu.
All the armies of the world have their cyclist couriers, and the time is coming when one sees more bicycles than horses. In 1894 Peugeot built the frame using cold-drawn tubes, then in 1896 designed them with the horizontal upper tube: the bicycle found its classic shape. We transform the models, we refine them. We invent the freewheel, braking by flexible cable. The rubber tire is replaced by inflatable tires (invented by Dunlop in 1888).
The innovations follow one another at a forced pace: it is believed to bring progress by mounting a transmission which, instead of being done via a chain, is done by shaft and gears. But unfortunately we quickly become disillusioned, the chain is still more flexible and reliable.
The folding bicycle, invented by Captain Gérard and launched in 1900, was produced until 1920. This bicycle was used a lot during the First World War by the first regiment of chasseurs-cyclists. Soldiers could carry it on their backs without hampering their movements or hampering them in the handling of weapons.
Peugeot and cycling competition
It was through the “little queen” that the Peugeot name first became popular on the roads and paths of France. Right from the start, Peugeot mobilized riders for competition, such as cyclists Morin and Bourillon, already champions in 1895 on the track. The Peugeot Lion is a symbol of perseverance, strength and competitive spirit.
Peugeot has always been present in the sport of cycling and won the Tour de France 10 times as a marque team: in 1905 (Louis Trousselier), 1906 (René Pottier), 1907-1908 (Lucien Petit-Breton), 1913- 1914 (Philippe Thys), 1922 (Firmin Lambot), 1967 (Roger Pingeon), 1975 and 1977 (Bernard Thévenet). Several cyclists won a World Road Championship riding a Peugeot bicycle: Tom Simpson in 1965, Eddy Merckx in 1967 and Josiane Bost in 1977. In 1985, another woman was crowned World Champion (in speed this time) on a Peugeot bicycle: Isabelle Nicoloso.
Peugeot also distinguished itself in speed thanks to mountain bike champion Christian Taillefer, who broke the world snow speed record riding a Peugeot bicycle in 1998 at 212.139 km/h!
From the 1910s to the 60s
In 1910, Peugeot Frères in Beaulieu manufactured 80,000 bicycles.
That same year, the Société des AUTOMOBILES ET CYCLES PEUGEOT was created by merging the automobile and cycle activities of the Sociétés Automobiles Peugeot and Peugeot Frères.
In 1926: Creation of an independent automobile company, Société CYCLES PEUGEOT, which produces 130,500 bicycles per year.
From the earliest days of cycling, we understood the need to reduce the weight of the machine, because it can only move under human effort; here too the weight is the enemy.
The use of light alloys has reduced the weight of a bicycle by 30%.
We notice on the 1939 tandem many parts in light alloys (wheel, handlebars, handle, etc.)
In 1939, the workforce of Cycles Peugeot was 3,000 people and production was divided into 100,000 bicycles and 7,000 mopeds and motorcycles.
The “Auxiliary motor bicycle” category, created in 1926, continued to develop with the launch of the Peugeot-Vap PHV 25 in 1949, a real mixed bicycle on which an auxiliary motor was mounted on the left side of the rear wheel. But soon a real moped arrives with the “BIMA” which is equipped with a central motor with roller drive on the rear wheel.
In 1950, Cycles Peugeot produced 158,700 bicycles, 29,400 mopeds and 12,000 motorcycles and scooters.
Commercial studies confirm that female customers are the most important among adults: out of 100 bicycles, 56 are ladies’ bicycles.
This is why CYCLES PEUGEOT have endeavored to restore it to its former glory and to make it an elegant and attractive activity (leisure and means of transport) with the help of the studies department and stylists.
In 1960, Cycles Peugeot produced 165,500 bicycles and 107,500 mopeds.
