Classic & Vintage - Anyone know background on Bertoni bikes?

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abikepeddler
03-06-05, 04:58 PM
This is the first time I have posted anything on this forum as I just found it! Very cool.

I have a Italian made Bertoni road bike and am trying to learn a bit about the bike, the background of this company and the bikes that they made. The one I own is "obnoxiouso purple metallica", thats Italian for God Awful Purple, and has a mix of Campy (cranks & brakes) and Shimano 600 (deraileurs & shifters). Tubeset appears to be Columbus Matrix as stated by a matching stickers on the fork legs. There is no model name on the bike other then the "BERTONI" company name. I'd venture to guess, mid 80's or so. Its very similar to this one on eBAY... (eBAY item #7139968027)

Link: (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7139968027&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT)

Its in very good condition and has sat in storage for over 15 years. Tires dry rotted and in need of a thurough servie and cleaning, but worth saving. Before I do however, I'd like to learn more.

Anyone know anything about them?


Thanks,

Eric

T-Mar
03-06-05, 07:40 PM
Bertoni was a brand created by Ben Lawee, a bicycle distributor who also originated the Italvega and Univega lines. The frames were manufactured in Italy, but I don't know by who. The line emphasized function over flash and received favourable press. The line itself was fairly large, comprising nine bicycles in 1988. The line included a disc-wheeled TT bicycle and a Bador (Vitus) aluminum model, in addition to top line model you referenced.

Your model sounds similar to the mid range Nuovitalia. It used Matrix tubing and Shimano 600EX derailleurs, with Ofmega providing most of the remaining components (though some were branded Bertoni). The Matrix decal indicates a timeframe of about 1986-1987, and is a seamed, butted, CrMo tubeset. Perhaps the difference in your components is attributable to a different model year?
abikepeddler
03-07-05, 12:10 AM
Thank you for the reply and the great information. Very interesting.

I purchased the bike for $40 at a garage sale and know little of its history. Not even sure of what level Campy is on it. It says "STRADA" on the back of the crank arms. Is that the groupo it belongs to? Some websites I have looked at reference "STRADA" as refering to "SUPER RECORD".


Eric