This is a 1971 Peugeot UO-18 and a 1982 Motobecane Super Mirage. Both were made in France. The UO-18 is the mixte version of Peugeot's UO-8, its entry level 10-speed touring model. The Super Mirage, a 12 speed model verging on mid-range, was comparatively a bit higher up in Motobecane's lineup.
The Super Mirage is a slightly different and more unusual type of mixte. Its top tube splits into twin stays, while the Peugeot has the more common mixte design with twin stays that start at the head tube.
Both of these bikes are beautiful in their own way. There's no denying the stylishness of Peugeot's gold pinstripes, art deco logo design, lion decals, and white, black, gold, and red color scheme. The Moto has refinement, and its blue metallic paint sparkles in the sun. The Peugeot has the iconic lion headbadge and the Moto has the cool M with wings headbadge.
Both frames are steel. The Peugeot UO-18 is made of, according to the catalog, "Peugeot seamless lightweight tubing." The Motobcane Super Mirage is made of 2040 tubing. Neither of these were particularly high-end types of steel tubing.
The Moto Super Mirage mixte has drop handlebars, and the Peugeot UO-18 mixte has upright bars. Despite this, the posture of the rider on the Peugeot is not laid back, as on a Dutch bike. The Peugeot has a forward, relatively racy feel.
The Peugeot mixte has steel rims, and the Motobecane's are alloy. This means that the Moto mixte has lighter wheels and better braking, especially in rainy conditions. The Peugeot has textured rims with little dimples to improve braking performance. With new Kool Stop brake pads, the braking on the Peugeot is surprisingly decent. The brakes do create a bit of a buzz and a squeal at times. It's best to plan ahead and brake in plenty of time with these rims. The Moto's braking is much more reliable and quick.
The Peugeot UO-18 has a steel, cottered crank. The crank arms are held in place by cotter pins, and you need a cotter pin press (or other improvised tool) to remove them. The Motobecane Super Mirage mixte has a cotterless alloy crank, which is lighter and easier to work on.
The Motobecane Super Mirage came with a nice set of Suntour Vx derailleurs. The Peugeot UO-18 mixte was fitted with Simplex derailleurs. These are mostly plastic and their reputation is mixed. Some say the plastic tends to degrade and break. The rear derailleur on this particular Peugeot has been replaced with a Shimano one. It should also be noted that the Moto mixte frame has a derailleur hanger, and the Peugeot has a claw. Both use friction shifting with shift levers on the downtube. The Moto shifts very smoothly. The Peugeot shifts adequately.
Both have forks with chrome socks.
The Peugeot came with a sprung saddle, and the Moto has a Motobecane branded touring saddle.
I would be happy to own either of these bikes. The Peugeot UO-18 mixte has a smooth ride and such style. In the end, though, based on fit and on the bike's intended purpose, I decided to sell it and keep the nimble Motobecane Super Mirage. I am almost 5'7" and the Moto is the perfect size for me. This Peugeot felt a tad small. I felt that I had to raise the seat too much, to the point that I was sitting on top of the bike rather than riding in the bike, in a way. The Moto is also more performance oriented as set up with its alloy components. My impression of the Peugeot is that it would be great for rides around town, jaunts that aren't too hilly, tweed rides and the like, going to get a coffee or groceries, etc. A utility bike, a city bike. The Motobecane Super Mirage is more suited, for me, to longer rides, and my longish and hilly commute. I hope this comparison helps you if you have been considering a French mixte.
Thank you for the pics and write up. I have the exact same Peugeot and appreciate the info. Very helpful
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