Andre Bertin
09-16-08 | 07:22 PM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,154
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From: Chattanooga
Bikes: '93 Bridgestone RB-1, '91 Specialized Allez Epic, '85 Raleigh Team Pro, '78 Andre Bertin, early '90s F. Moser Leader AX , '85 Centurion Equipe, '98 Litespeed Tuscany, '89 Klein Quantum, '80 Nishiki Superbe, '83 Peckham, '84 Fuji Opus III
Andre Bertin
A couple of years ago I bought quite impulsively off Ebay this fine ride. I paid too much for it but maybe inflation will help me catch up, someday. ;-)
The story I got from the seller is that it was set up to sell/ride by a bike shop in the midwest. It was ridden briefly and then hung up, where it apparently remained all these years. Nothing about its condition contradicts that. I did clean some dark smudges off the underside of top tube where the dark rubber/plastic hanger arms left their impression.
It is near mint. Even the tires are still good. I will have to replace the brake pull gum covers as they have disintegrated since these pictures were taken, just at the time of purchase.
It seems incongruous that a French bike would be so completely fitted with Japanese components. Still, it was the era of Japan on the economic and technological rise in the West. Makes sense in that context. And as I understand, Bertin was a modern man, a good businessman.
This bike today sets just as I bought it. I gauge it to be about a !979-80 model, based on the component group. I know the date is on the bits somewhere, and I'll get around to pinning it down someday. Any educated guesses?
My son, who knows even less about bikes than I do, studied it one day and then proclaimed, "it's a Cadillac". LOL. I'm sure when I get it refreshed that's how it will ride............spirited and a bit plush. Sporty, Citroen-like.
The Shimano 600 Arabesque group is not that highly regarded, I know, but say what you will about it, it is mighty pretty in a decadent kind of way. I think opinion will improve over time.
As for value, I sometimes think that parting it out would be the only way to recoup my initial outlay, if I ever sell it. Is it of such pedigree that it should be saved intact as a document of the times, no matter how minor or schizophrenic?
Cheers.
The story I got from the seller is that it was set up to sell/ride by a bike shop in the midwest. It was ridden briefly and then hung up, where it apparently remained all these years. Nothing about its condition contradicts that. I did clean some dark smudges off the underside of top tube where the dark rubber/plastic hanger arms left their impression.
It is near mint. Even the tires are still good. I will have to replace the brake pull gum covers as they have disintegrated since these pictures were taken, just at the time of purchase.
It seems incongruous that a French bike would be so completely fitted with Japanese components. Still, it was the era of Japan on the economic and technological rise in the West. Makes sense in that context. And as I understand, Bertin was a modern man, a good businessman.
This bike today sets just as I bought it. I gauge it to be about a !979-80 model, based on the component group. I know the date is on the bits somewhere, and I'll get around to pinning it down someday. Any educated guesses?
My son, who knows even less about bikes than I do, studied it one day and then proclaimed, "it's a Cadillac". LOL. I'm sure when I get it refreshed that's how it will ride............spirited and a bit plush. Sporty, Citroen-like.
The Shimano 600 Arabesque group is not that highly regarded, I know, but say what you will about it, it is mighty pretty in a decadent kind of way. I think opinion will improve over time.
As for value, I sometimes think that parting it out would be the only way to recoup my initial outlay, if I ever sell it. Is it of such pedigree that it should be saved intact as a document of the times, no matter how minor or schizophrenic?
Cheers.
Last edited by afilado; 08-04-13 at 11:36 AM.
09-16-08 | 08:59 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 734
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: '64 Bianchi CDM, '62ish Altenburger Cinelli Mod B, '63-64 Cinelli SC, 69 Rene Herse Competition, '71 Gitane SC, '73 Cinelli SC, '73-74 Colnago Super,, '73-74 Cinelli SC, '78ish counterfeit Confente, '82 Medici Gran Turismo, '67ish Mondia Speciale
Not sure how much you paid for it, but I bet you could get your money out of it. Beautiful! And, while not terribly valuable, I think that the old 600 is very well regarded.
Nice bike!
Nice bike!
09-16-08 | 09:06 PM
#3
# BF-STL-00020
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 323
Likes: 5
From: Austin
Bikes: Cinelli, Pinarello, Rossin, Gitane, Trek
If you got it on Ebay at least one other person was willing to pay within 5 to 10 bucks or so of what you did. Seems unlikely a well presented auction couldn't get you at least what you paid for it. Parting out almost always nets more cash but it's a bit mercenary.
09-16-08 | 09:36 PM
#4
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 4
what a lovely C-34.brings back memories. probably the best value bike in the line at the time and our second most popular selling model.
Cycles Andre Bertin was the french distributor for Shimano. most models of bertins came with the option of shimano, or complete french road groups and the upper end racing models could also be spec'd with campagnolo as well.
well.... as someone that worked for the us distributor at the time your bike was produced and imported into the u.s., one could say that there were both up and downsides to bertin philosophy & business practices.
i'd gather from the decalling and componentry that your c34 is from around 82, give or take a year. fwiw,arabesque was produced from 78-84
yes. absolutely tho i wouldn't get fanatical
my wife's '81 c70 with shimano dura ace ex road group
It seems incongruous that a French bike would be so completely fitted with Japanese components.
And as I understand, Bertin was a modern man, a good businessman.
I gauge it to be about a !979-80 model, based on the component group. I know the date is on the bits somewhere, and I'll get around to pinning it down someday. Any educated guesses?
Is it of such pedigree that it should be saved intact as a document of the times, no matter how minor or schizophrenic?
my wife's '81 c70 with shimano dura ace ex road group
Last edited by caterham; 09-16-08 at 10:58 PM.
09-17-08 | 05:12 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
A couple of years ago I bought quite impulsively off Ebay this fine steed. I paid too much for it but maybe inflation and the current trend toward rediscovery of the abiding value of steel framed bikes will help me catch up, someday.
The story I got from the seller is that it was set up to sell/ride by a bike shop in the midwest. It was ridden on a shakedown cruise and then hung up, where it remained all these years. Nothing about its condition contradicts that. I did clean some dark smudges off the underside of top tube where the dark rubber/plastic hanger arms left their impression.
It is near mint. Even the tires are still good. I will have to replace the brake pull gum covers as they have disintegrated since these pictures were taken, just at the time of purchase.
It seems incongruous that a French bike would be so completely fitted with Japanese components. Still, it was the era of Japan on the economic and technological rise in the West. Makes sense in that context. And as I understand, Bertin was a modern man, a good businessman.
This bike today sets just as I bought it. I gauge it to be about a !979-80 model, based on the component group. I know the date is on the bits somewhere, and I'll get around to pinning it down someday. Any educated guesses?
My son, who knows even less about bikes than I do, studied it one day and then proclaimed, "it's a Cadillac". LOL. I'm sure when I get it refreshed that's how it will ride............relaxed and plush. Citroen-like. A Sunday-ride-in-the-park bike.
The Shimano 600 Arabesque group is not that highly regarded, I know, but say what you will about it, it is mighty pretty in a decadent kind of way. I think opinion will improve over time.
As for value, I sometimes think that parting it out would be the only way to recoup my initial outlay, if I ever sell it. Is it of such pedigree that it should be saved intact as a document of the times, no matter how minor or schizophrenic?
Cheers.
The story I got from the seller is that it was set up to sell/ride by a bike shop in the midwest. It was ridden on a shakedown cruise and then hung up, where it remained all these years. Nothing about its condition contradicts that. I did clean some dark smudges off the underside of top tube where the dark rubber/plastic hanger arms left their impression.
It is near mint. Even the tires are still good. I will have to replace the brake pull gum covers as they have disintegrated since these pictures were taken, just at the time of purchase.
It seems incongruous that a French bike would be so completely fitted with Japanese components. Still, it was the era of Japan on the economic and technological rise in the West. Makes sense in that context. And as I understand, Bertin was a modern man, a good businessman.
This bike today sets just as I bought it. I gauge it to be about a !979-80 model, based on the component group. I know the date is on the bits somewhere, and I'll get around to pinning it down someday. Any educated guesses?
My son, who knows even less about bikes than I do, studied it one day and then proclaimed, "it's a Cadillac". LOL. I'm sure when I get it refreshed that's how it will ride............relaxed and plush. Citroen-like. A Sunday-ride-in-the-park bike.
The Shimano 600 Arabesque group is not that highly regarded, I know, but say what you will about it, it is mighty pretty in a decadent kind of way. I think opinion will improve over time.
As for value, I sometimes think that parting it out would be the only way to recoup my initial outlay, if I ever sell it. Is it of such pedigree that it should be saved intact as a document of the times, no matter how minor or schizophrenic?
Cheers.
I'm not clear on what your goal is. Is it to recoup your dollar value, recoup the worth of the bike, maximize the return on the bike, clear your garage, or find out how best to get this bike into daily use?
If I were you, my first question would be, how does this bike ride and does it fit with my riding style and of course with my body? Do I like it? The only way to answer that question is to ride the bike and see if you like it. Now if you're as picky as I am you'd want to make sure all the pieces that turn and grab are working correctly, so I would go through it and check everything, repairing cables or bearings as necessary, then adjust the derailleurs, cables, and brakes based on visual and road checks. I would want to judge the frame, primarily, since to percieve the characteristics of a frame can be confused when say the handlebars are not straight. The frame is the key, of course, because any gruppo can be hung on a great frame depending on what sort of use and style you want the bike to have.
I personally don't think that much of the 600 series parts, but there are some pieces of it that I think work very well - headsets +1, brakes -100, just for two examples. It was not the lightest setup of its day.
Now if you know you like it, you will have another fine bike in your stable. If you don't like it, look down the "how do I want to sell it?" route.
Road Fan
09-17-08 | 07:16 AM
#6
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,212
Likes: 3,122
I concur with Caterham's comments. Furthermore, the top end of the range can reduced to 1982 based on the tubing decal, unless Bertin had old stock decals left over.
Japanese components would not be out of place for a 1978 french bicycle. The boom had collapsed in 1975 and you could no longer sell just any 10 speed. The market had become fiercely competitive for the reduced customer base. Consequently, value for the dollar became extremely important, particularly at the entry and mid-range levels. This was an area were the Japanese components excelled. Shimano 600EX had a big advantage here. Shimano 600 had been the first complete mid-range group and 600EX upped the ante with improved performance and features, and more ornate, unified aesthetics that approached the look of Campagnolo's top groups, at a fraction of the cost. Bertin had placed himself well for the changing market, becoming the European Shimano distributor in 1975. Other circa 1978 French models with Shimano 600EX inlcuded the Gitane 600 Kreger and Motobecane Sprintour. The only major French manufactuer who still used 100% French components was Peugeot.
Personlly, I think it would be a shame to part out such a lovely example. Why not put it on Ebay or C/L with a fixed price that would recoup your investment? You might be suprised as the offers you get.
Japanese components would not be out of place for a 1978 french bicycle. The boom had collapsed in 1975 and you could no longer sell just any 10 speed. The market had become fiercely competitive for the reduced customer base. Consequently, value for the dollar became extremely important, particularly at the entry and mid-range levels. This was an area were the Japanese components excelled. Shimano 600EX had a big advantage here. Shimano 600 had been the first complete mid-range group and 600EX upped the ante with improved performance and features, and more ornate, unified aesthetics that approached the look of Campagnolo's top groups, at a fraction of the cost. Bertin had placed himself well for the changing market, becoming the European Shimano distributor in 1975. Other circa 1978 French models with Shimano 600EX inlcuded the Gitane 600 Kreger and Motobecane Sprintour. The only major French manufactuer who still used 100% French components was Peugeot.
Personlly, I think it would be a shame to part out such a lovely example. Why not put it on Ebay or C/L with a fixed price that would recoup your investment? You might be suprised as the offers you get.
09-17-08 | 10:34 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 15
From: Chattanooga
Bikes: '93 Bridgestone RB-1, '91 Specialized Allez Epic, '85 Raleigh Team Pro, '78 Andre Bertin, early '90s F. Moser Leader AX , '85 Centurion Equipe, '98 Litespeed Tuscany, '89 Klein Quantum, '80 Nishiki Superbe, '83 Peckham, '84 Fuji Opus III
Thanks, fellers. I learned a lot.
I have no immediate intentions of disposing of the Bertin. It will just have to take it's turn in queue for refreshment. Then the ride will tell.
I have no immediate intentions of disposing of the Bertin. It will just have to take it's turn in queue for refreshment. Then the ride will tell.
02-14-17 | 08:33 PM
#8
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Newly acquired Bertin
Caterham, you are a needle in a haystack! I just picked up what I believe is a c210 / 220 - Columbus tubing, painted aelle fork and a 105 group. Any knowledge or wisdom on this model?
[QUOTE=caterham;7485186]what a lovely C-34.brings back memories. probably the best value bike in the line at the time and our second most popular selling model.
Cycles Andre Bertin was the french distributor for Shimano. most models of bertins came with the option of shimano, or complete french road groups and the upper end racing models could also be spec'd with campagnolo as well.
well.... as someone that worked for the us distributor at the time your bike was produced and imported into the u.s., one could say that there were both up and downsides to bertin philosophy & business practices.
i'd gather from the decalling and componentry that your c34 is from around 82, give or take a year. fwiw,arabesque was produced from 78-84
yes. absolutely tho i wouldn't get fanatical
[QUOTE=caterham;7485186]what a lovely C-34.brings back memories. probably the best value bike in the line at the time and our second most popular selling model.
Cycles Andre Bertin was the french distributor for Shimano. most models of bertins came with the option of shimano, or complete french road groups and the upper end racing models could also be spec'd with campagnolo as well.
well.... as someone that worked for the us distributor at the time your bike was produced and imported into the u.s., one could say that there were both up and downsides to bertin philosophy & business practices.
i'd gather from the decalling and componentry that your c34 is from around 82, give or take a year. fwiw,arabesque was produced from 78-84
yes. absolutely tho i wouldn't get fanatical
02-14-17 | 08:36 PM
#9
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21,771
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From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
[QUOTE=Jessewolfe1;19379290]Caterham, you are a needle in a haystack! I just picked up what I believe is a c210 / 220 - Columbus tubing, painted aelle fork and a 105 group. Any knowledge or wisdom on this model?
This is a 9 year old zombie thread. You'll be better off starting your own post with pictures (we like pics).
what a lovely C-34.brings back memories. probably the best value bike in the line at the time and our second most popular selling model.
Cycles Andre Bertin was the french distributor for Shimano. most models of bertins came with the option of shimano, or complete french road groups and the upper end racing models could also be spec'd with campagnolo as well.
well.... as someone that worked for the us distributor at the time your bike was produced and imported into the u.s., one could say that there were both up and downsides to bertin philosophy & business practices.
i'd gather from the decalling and componentry that your c34 is from around 82, give or take a year. fwiw,arabesque was produced from 78-84
yes. absolutely tho i wouldn't get fanatical
Cycles Andre Bertin was the french distributor for Shimano. most models of bertins came with the option of shimano, or complete french road groups and the upper end racing models could also be spec'd with campagnolo as well.
well.... as someone that worked for the us distributor at the time your bike was produced and imported into the u.s., one could say that there were both up and downsides to bertin philosophy & business practices.
i'd gather from the decalling and componentry that your c34 is from around 82, give or take a year. fwiw,arabesque was produced from 78-84
yes. absolutely tho i wouldn't get fanatical
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