I wish it was something cooler like a sky-whale, but birds are animals too :)

Maybe it's a Griffon ;)

Check out this web blog Whatwolf.
http://bertinclassiccycles.wordpress...ers-1970-1979/

I was going to guess flying honey badger until I realized they weren't indigenous to Europe ;)

You're acquiring bikes at a prodigious rate lately - seems you and I are in some kind of subconscious race of acquisition!

I like this one - very well-preserved and yes, you'll have some fun with those centerpulls. I for one look forward to the details.

DD

I have a Belgian Bertin. English BB, rear stays and DO painted chrome, not plated. Supposedly powder-coated. It carries a Made In Belgium sticker.

Looks like a good project of a lesser known marque. Is it my old eyes or is one of the front brake's arms bent outward? Looking forward to the restoration pics and reports.

Bill

It's not your eyes. You can see how the tongue&groove slot on the right side arm that is supposed to synchronize the two arms isn't making contact with the protrusion on the left side arm. It could be the arm bent or the backing plate bent. Either way it needs a new front caliper or replacement part.

Okay, I am not as senile as I thought then! whew. At least the center-pulls should be no problem to find if you don't already have some put away.

True! I don't, but they seem readily available, not too big a deal. In fact I paid so little for the bicycle that any such hurdles I encounter should be easily surmounted. I am glad you guys have sharp eyes! In some of the pictures it looks normal but I can definitely see it too. It's good to be prepared.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881736PM.jpg

The Bertin has arrived! Not packaged very well (expected this) but, I've seen worse, and nothing seems to have been damaged in transit.

First impressions: I like it! Not the worst way to spend eighty-six dollars. :)

The rear derailleur is an ancient Huret, and as far as I can tell it doesn't pivot properly. So I shortened the chain a few links to turn it into a single speed for now (I just wanted a test ride of the frame, and I also need to get it from my home to my shop which is about 1.5 miles away.)

The front brake is (as pointed out by cqpmsame above) bent and useless as-is, but the rear works well enough that I can ride it to my shop.

Here's some details of the "Before" state for those interested. Better pictures later, once I narrow down in what direction I want to take this build :)

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881746PM.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881757PM.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881810PM.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881836PM.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881950PM.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1881818PM.jpg

Plus, the pup approves!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...l1884818PM.jpg

Glad it made it safely - not like a certain Cinelli I know of!

You're going to need yet another Flite saddle, huh?

Should be interesting to see how you transform this one. BTW, what's the status on the lime Pug?

DD

I don't know if this one needs a Flite. Looks like its role will be that of an errand bike. Rides nicely enough, but the complete lack of braze-ons, rd-hanger, extreme clearances, etc., indicate that it will serve me best as a single speed with a basket or two for groceries and my frequent post office visits.

Pictures coming in a few minutes.

The green Peugeot frame hangs above my desk begging for a 10sp group.

Transformation #1 complete:
 

I ended up building this as a single speed the same night I got the bike in the mail. It only took about an hour and a half to strip the frame and sort everything out, though I haven't done any cleaning to the frame. It is dirty, but I can see its real color underneath where shifters and FD were clamped on, and it is bright. This will serve as a grocery-getter and errand bike once I get a rack and a basket or two on it.

Just got a new camera today, so the after pics look a lot better than the before.

Before:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7...715d54fa_c.jpg

After:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7...1f4e4d6b_c.jpg

The funky seat angle is due to the totally corroded seat post hardware - I found creatures living(?) within. If you have a 26.2 post to spare, PM me please :)

Details:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7...644fef6a_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7...a04ae195_c.jpg

Check out the massive binder bolt, need to cut that down or get a proper one.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7...09499fb2_c.jpg

Oh, I was kidding about the Flite - should've added the winky icon :)

Looks nice as a grocery/mail toter. BTW, can we get a better look-see at the mount for the bar-mounted water bottle? I'd like to do a setup like that on the Mondia since there's only one set of water bottle mounts on that frame.

Lookin' good!

DD

Ha!

Yeah, it's nice to finally have a 'beater.'

The mount is from VO, $4. Bought a couple. One is on the Colner for iced coffees on my way to work, and this one on the Bertin because I have no other way to carry water.

http://store.velo-orange.com/media/c.../bt-0002_1.jpg

^ Thank you - I will have to pick up a couple of those; they look nicely-made and the silver will match my bars.

DD

nice bike, what year is it?

they sell some water bottles that come with a clamp so you can clamp it on the frame if they don't come with water bottle bolts.