Hard decision
04-30-25 | 05:58 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 175
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From: northern Indiana
Bikes: 1981 Motobecane Le Champion, 1982 Peugeot PSV-10, 1981 Austro Daimler Vent Noir, 2001 LeMond Buenos Aires, 1987 Bertoni Nuovitalia..
Hard decision
I have a 2002 LeMond Alp d'Huez Reynolds 853 that I've listed for sale. My intention is to take the proceeds and buy a 1987 Bertoni with Columbus Matrix tubing, completely rebuilt with Veloce 10 speed. Is this a mistake- to essentially trade for a bike made of lesser tubing but better components? Another thing is, I've never had an Italian road bike before and feel it's time. Even though it's 15 years older than my LeMond, judging by the condition of the Bertoni's paint, I'm confident it's a lot lower mileage. If I did sell the Alp d'Huez, it's not like I'd be totally out of LeMonds, because I have a Buenos Aires Reynolds 853.
04-30-25 | 09:55 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2022
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Italian steel rim brake road bicycles are all but being given away now. Personally I’d wait a week or two for something with lighter tubing than Matrix, which really is entry level, and Ergopower with aluminium rather than plastic shift levers. However the Campagnolo Zonda(?) wheels, if straight and serviced, are really good - light and durable.
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Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
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04-30-25 | 09:59 PM
#4
Senior Member
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From: Hotel CA / DFW
Bikes: 80s Colnago Super/NMx, 50th Daccordi, Pinarello's, Guerciotti's, Masi NS, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 LS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
I would keep the LeMond Alp d'Huez Reynolds 853, its a great bike and nice tubing.
Matrix tubes are Cromor or the common Cromo steel.
Fit is the most important consideration and you probably like your LeMond fit.
N+1 if you have the room and want the older steel Bertoni
Matrix tubes are Cromor or the common Cromo steel.
Fit is the most important consideration and you probably like your LeMond fit.
N+1 if you have the room and want the older steel Bertoni
04-30-25 | 11:24 PM
#5
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,734
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From: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Here's a thought: Buy the Bertoni and ride it for a month or two. Better yet, alternate between the Bertoni and the Lemond for a month or two. Keep the one you like better, sell the other one.
Done and dusted.
Done and dusted.
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"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
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04-30-25 | 11:37 PM
#6
do-over candidate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,775
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From: PNW
Bikes: One of everything and three of everything French
I would sell the Alp d'Huez first. Ride the Bertoni and buy it only if you like the ride. If you are unsure, look at other Italians. If you change your mind after a purchase, you can always sell it and start over.
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I.C.
I.C.
04-30-25 | 11:42 PM
#7
Senior Member♣️
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In order to really know a bike , you have to ride it . Every bike you get is going to be a gamble to some degree. Even a bike that is your size can be either just ok or a super great bike. If it is possible to have both bikes for a period of time to be sure I would try to make that happen. This is especially important if you really like the bike you have , and it sounds like you do.
