NewGuy89

I'm new here but I found this bike on craigslist, and couldn't find very much information on the bike other than a new one going for about 1000 usd. it comes about 90% assembled, without chain or derailleurs. I'm new to bikes so i was also wondering if adding a chain and "adjusting derailleurs" is hard or expensive.

I cant provide link but the frame definitely matches the other one i found online. The guy stripped off the (pink) color so it is very shiny., and thats why its not fully assembled yet. hes asking for 200 usd for all of it.

Thanks for any help!

TakingMyTime

I can't comment on the value of the bike but putting a new chain on a bike is pretty much basic. If you buy the chain from a shop they might just install it for free (or maybe $10). Google adjusting derailleurs (front or rear).

NewGuy89

ok thanks for the info

tmh657

NewGuy I do not know of a new Bertoni Specialissima but there is one from the mid 80's, probably. Provide the link so we can give an opinion. Or some photos. I have had several Bertoni's go through my hands but not an upper range model like this one.

Catalog photo. Edit. I just read the part about the paint stripped and needs assembly. Oh my. Sounds like a mess that you may not want to get into. My 2¢.

NewGuy89

ok thanks for the info. I cannot post links yet, but it is basically assembled all the way. As for the paint, the steel has been chrome plated, but idk if it will hold up.

wrk101

I'd pass unless you have the time/tools/aptitude/pile of parts to do all the work yourself. Newbies underestimate the cost to build up a frame. But people with the tools and parts, its not that big of a deal. I'd have to see a picture or two before determining any value.

Some of my best deals have been on incomplete bikes. But the prices were low, and I have the stuff to complete. Step one on building an incomplete bike is finding the parts at a low cost. Often this comes in the form of a donor bike. If you have to acquire the parts one at a time, via Amazon or similar, then pay someone to install, its usually a loser.


Guys that stripped off all the paint just ruined it value wise. What may look like chrome may just be raw steel, which will rust up almost immediately. Even if it is chrome, typically the chrome on a frame that was meant to be painted over does not polish up like the chrome that was meant to be exposed. Totally different finishing process. Many people have stripped off paint to expose the chrome underneath just to be really disappointed.

tmh657

I called it a mess. Thrifty Bill described why.

This is a lower level Bertoni in Electric Rose/Pink. I think I should have kept it. Hindsight is 20/20. What Bill said about stripping the paint.