Peugeot bikes always had a certain integrity and indestructibility - but even in 1978 the UO8 was off the pace - with its seamed tubing, steel cottered chainset and Simplex gears. Its Japanese competitors offered more in every department.

I sold a load of the UK version of this bike - and I have to confess that the steel spoke guard could conspire with the steel chainwheel disc, the steel chainrings and the chattering gear change provided by the long arm Simplex derailleur to perform a tinny symphony that set my teeth on edge.

• Publisher: Bicycling
• Country: USA
• Date: 1978
• Derailleur brands: Peugeot, Simplex
• Derailleurs: Simplex SJ810 GT