BryE

Maybe this isn't "classic" enough for this forum, so please let me know if I'm off-topic here.

I've been riding an early 80s Miyata for many years, and it's about to expire from old age - stripped dropout threads, a concerning ding in the top tube, and worn out 27 inch wheels are just some of its problems. So I've decided it's time for a replacement.

I'm looking at a new old stock Bertin road bike that was probably made in the mid to late 90s. However, I can't find much info about the quality of these frames. Sheldon Brown's site says the 70s Bertins are above average quality, but I think the 90s French bikes saw a race to the bottom in terms of price, and thus probably quality as well. Can anyone say anything about Bertin frames from this era? The frame doesn't have a sticker describing what the tubes are made of. It's TIG welded, not lugged, has a threaded steel fork, and the frame simply says "Fast Road" on the top tube. The bike is intended for fast commuting and some occasional distance riding.

Thanks for your answers!

repechage

https://bertinclassiccycles.wordpress.com/

I would reference there.
I am aware of them mostly from the 70's. I know they built into the 80's, beyond that I am uncertain.

BryE

Thanks for the reply. I looked there first and learned quite a bit about the company, but very little about how the 90s-made frames are regarded. Lots of pics, very fun if you're into vintage bike porn (and really, who isn't??).

bertinjim 

BryE-

I have other materials beyond the posted site content. Post a photo here and I and other contributors may be able to help. Generally, the 90s tigged steel Bertins were pretty decent with the alloy welded frames being very similar in design. There are some featured bikes from that period as well.

BryE

I don't have a photo, but the paint scheme is a lot like featured bikes #1 and #3 with the yellow and black paint. The downtube has an aero shape but no shifter bosses. There are housing stops on the head tube. The top tube has a slight oval shape. Frame weight is about 5 pounds. The fork is straight bladed, about a pound and a half.

My main concerns are ride quality and durability. My current Miyata is a touring model and is a good bit heavier, so the weight isn't an issue for me. I'm not planning on doing any loaded riding with this frame. I tend to keep my bikes for a long time, and I would hope to still be riding this in another fifteen years or more.

bertinjim 

BryE-

Your considered bike is probably a Bertin C 3000 made with Columbus Thron Mega in the main frame and Cro-Mo elsewhere, including the fork, based on my 2000 catalogue. Consequently, I don't think you need to worry about durability but the bike is a sport/racing bike with steep angles and oversize steel frame tubes. Make sure you use a wider 25 -28 mm tire when you build it up. I have added a photo and assume it is the type of frameset we are speaking of.

BryE

Yes, the frame on the photo matches closely with the one I'm considering. Thanks for your help, that's exactly the info I needed.