Help me build my "Bertoni Crono"
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Help me build my "Bertoni Crono"
Hello to all,
I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of a "Bertoni Crono" from member "Straightblock".
It will not undergo a full but a partial restoration.
In my opinion, a touch up of the paint will make it very presentable/rideable and more enjoyable for me to use. After I received it I checked on the web for Bertoni Crono and found one that was owned by member Bianchi Girl....unfortuantly she has passed it on to someone else and is no longer the owner.
In the next few months, I will address the paint and start my search for components that are appropriate for the build, and wanted to bring those interested along for the "ride".
I know that I will need the help and knowledge of members here for pointers and advice....I am looking forward to doing justice to the Marque.
Thanks again to member "straightblock".
Best, Ben

At home in Los Angeles...as received

Decals and a few areas of weak paint
I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of a "Bertoni Crono" from member "Straightblock".
It will not undergo a full but a partial restoration.
In my opinion, a touch up of the paint will make it very presentable/rideable and more enjoyable for me to use. After I received it I checked on the web for Bertoni Crono and found one that was owned by member Bianchi Girl....unfortuantly she has passed it on to someone else and is no longer the owner.
In the next few months, I will address the paint and start my search for components that are appropriate for the build, and wanted to bring those interested along for the "ride".
I know that I will need the help and knowledge of members here for pointers and advice....I am looking forward to doing justice to the Marque.
Thanks again to member "straightblock".
Best, Ben

At home in Los Angeles...as received

Decals and a few areas of weak paint

Last edited by xiaoman1; 06-02-20 at 09:28 AM. Reason: moved thread
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What groupset you thinking of going with on this Bertoni Crono.
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Sorry, can't help you with the wheels.
But I do have a corncob freewheel (though not Campy)
Never seen that chainring in the flesh, either.
Last edited by Ex Pres; 06-02-20 at 10:57 AM.
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I had no idea anyone would rebuild and ride such a bike, it seems so ridiculously impractical! Like a 6-wheeled Tyrrell in bicycle form.
Hats off to you, seriously. I'm curious to see how it turns out.
Hats off to you, seriously. I'm curious to see how it turns out.
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Most likely Campagnolo, either SR or a newer style groupset that is possibly more AERO. I will post options after some deep cleaning and decision about which color of the repop decals.
They are currently black or dark blue but I have a nice red saddle so I might not go the original route but apply some red decals or Gold ones.
Best, Ben
I know, my thoughts exactly, I appreciate the fact that it is not all in your face and very subtle....My build will not be all original because it may be too expensive to source the crankset or the discs...already having a hard time locating a front 650c wheel although I have some leads.
Best, Ben
They are currently black or dark blue but I have a nice red saddle so I might not go the original route but apply some red decals or Gold ones.
Best, Ben
I know, my thoughts exactly, I appreciate the fact that it is not all in your face and very subtle....My build will not be all original because it may be too expensive to source the crankset or the discs...already having a hard time locating a front 650c wheel although I have some leads.
Best, Ben
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Bertoni toe-straps, that really nice mission ...
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Most likely Campagnolo, either SR or a newer style groupset that is possibly more AERO. I will post options after some deep cleaning and decision about which color of the repop decals.
They are currently black or dark blue but I have a nice red saddle so I might not go the original route but apply some red decals or Gold ones.
Best, Ben
I know, my thoughts exactly, I appreciate the fact that it is not all in your face and very subtle....My build will not be all original because it may be too expensive to source the crankset or the discs...already having a hard time locating a front 650c wheel although I have some leads.
Best, Ben
They are currently black or dark blue but I have a nice red saddle so I might not go the original route but apply some red decals or Gold ones.
Best, Ben
I know, my thoughts exactly, I appreciate the fact that it is not all in your face and very subtle....My build will not be all original because it may be too expensive to source the crankset or the discs...already having a hard time locating a front 650c wheel although I have some leads.
Best, Ben
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
Last edited by Cynikal; 06-02-20 at 02:29 PM.
#9
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.
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Best, Ben
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I'm one huge, short hill away from a fairly flat and long trail (the Interurban) where I could ride for several miles. That bike would be the lightest I've ever ridden, so I might surprise myself. It would be serious fun.
I have some used Specialized 21c, 115psi gumwall clinchers if interested.
Be sure to add to the Gotta Bertoni thread at some point. Cheers.
I have some used Specialized 21c, 115psi gumwall clinchers if interested.
Be sure to add to the Gotta Bertoni thread at some point. Cheers.
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Starfish Cranks...! Shamal Wheels...! Modol Kronos levers with Shimano Dura Ace AX centerpulls!
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
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Cleaning and repacking the BB and HS tomorrow.. a little wax because the paint is crazing a bit.
Fun times and a good diversion given the circumstances we are now going through.
Best, Ben
Fun times and a good diversion given the circumstances we are now going through.
Best, Ben
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Nifty the way the chainring fits around the spider on these.

.

.
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xiaoman1 If you're interested I will gift you these bars. All I ask in return is a cheeseburger.
I dont think Ill be using these

I dont think Ill be using these


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They were not impractical. (Aside from the disc on front which would make steering hazardous, except in very calm air.) Nor were they even particularly uncomfortable. It was the UCI's banning them from competition that ended their production. Take a look at the Vintage TT thread for others..
Nice project.

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The paint looks good to me.
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xiaoman1 If you're interested I will gift you these bars. All I ask in return is a cheeseburger.
I dont think Ill be using these


I dont think Ill be using these


Thanks for the offer but I have some bars already, and using those would strain my already old back even more

In good faith the next time I see you I will contribute to your calorie count by buying you a cheeseburger....DBL DBL with cheese right?
Best, Ben
S.R.
Yes, the paint seems alright but the rear stays are the worst...there is crazing of the clear but I think a good polish and wax will make the surface more than acceptable...at least to me.
I'll Know more later and post the outcome.
Best, Ben
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I love those curved tubes. What year was this frame from approximately? Are you going to modernize the drivetrain or keep it old school with downtube shifters and the like?
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I like the simplicity of the design too.
I think it was built in the '90s, at one time it was set up with bar ends as can be seen....my plan is to go old school as much as possible but I also like the newer campy stuff (more AERO), realizing that I can't afford to go full restoration and source all of the almost unobtainium parts necessary for that.
I want it as period-correct as possible and like the fact that it will have "some" patina so if it gets a little more I will not go nuts about it.
Soaking a decal with Googone as we speak...hope it works.
Ben
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Built in the 90's is good! That means 130mm spacing and most likely Ergo STI shifting to begin with. So that opens up all kinds of possibilities to mix and match in modern components.
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Well, I got this far and it appears they were clear coated.

not too much paint loss, I di duse a hairdryer to help remove the adhesive.
Best, Ben

not too much paint loss, I di duse a hairdryer to help remove the adhesive.
Best, Ben
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Still soaking the decals with GG and decided to move on to the seatpost.
I wanted to do a "light" polish and paint and then try a seat on the frame to check for color....red, black?

the before A little rough and I want a little more shine but not too much

The after with the paint applied...it is a bit shinier than in the photo. The flutes still require a touch-up!
I wanted to do a "light" polish and paint and then try a seat on the frame to check for color....red, black?

the before A little rough and I want a little more shine but not too much

The after with the paint applied...it is a bit shinier than in the photo. The flutes still require a touch-up!
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Well, I could not resist trying out a saddle on the seat post.
I am still trying to find my other option but things around here are making me quite busy.

resisting the need to put it on the bike...maybe tomorrow!
Best, Ben
I am still trying to find my other option but things around here are making me quite busy.

resisting the need to put it on the bike...maybe tomorrow!
Best, Ben
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