Some time ago, a reader from Germany contacted me and asked if I knew anything about the Rixe brand of bicycles and a model called the “Type Andre Bertin”. I had seen other examples of this online previously but did not have any background information nor was I aware of any connection between Cycles Bertin and Rixe.
Rixe was a German manufacturer of mass market, utility and sport bicycles as well as mopeds and small motorcycles. It had been founded in 1922, reconstituted after WW II and eventually went out of business in 1984. Its assets were licensed by Derby Cycles in 1989 and the Rixie brand was purchased outright by Derby in 1998. However, the Type Andre Bertin long preceded those events.
The only Rixie catalogue I have been given access to shows no such model.
However, inside are illustrations of various models and one of them is the Victor Type 59 as seen below.
This model looks like the basis for the “Type Andre Bertin” as it has an upright configuration, built-in lighting with a fork mounted generator, a luggage rack and fenders. A major difference is the SA 3 speed IG rear hub instead of a derailleur.
The photo below shows the details of my German reader’s 1982 Rixe “Type Andre Bertin”.
The obvious differences are the more modern graphics and the dropped handlebar configuration along with derailleur gearing.
An earlier Rixe version of the “Type Andre Bertin” looked like the photo below:
The flat bars on the Milremo stem have obviously been converted from dropped bars when the brake levers are considered. This bike looks to be from the early 1970s given the spoke reflectors and the Delrin Simplex derailleur levers and visible Prestige style, rod type front derailleur.
What both bikes share is an angular style of lug which is unlike anything I have seen on Bertins leading to the conclusion that this model is an in-house Rixe design and product. Obviously, there must be some connection to Andre Bertin but why his name would be licensed/used on a German product I currently do not know.
Bertin raced on both track and road in the early to mid-1930s so it is possible that he knew or rode with German teammates. There were German France Sport team members in 1933 but that was before Bertin formally joined the team and I do not know of a subsequent connection. As well, Bertin was active in the revival of post-WW II track and road racing in Northern France and Belgium and may have re-established contact with pre-War acquaintances. Regardless, Rixe marketed a “Type Andre Bertin” for many years which certainly implies a strong motivation on the part of the Rixe company to acknowledge Andre Bertin and his contribution.
Should any reader have further details, please use the Contact form to reach me and I will revise and update the post.
Interesting! I think I’ve seen one or two Rixe on Craigslist and in my travels. I’m guessing they were trying to import into the US (esp. with the classic cruiser styling) and would be cheaper than buying a Schwinn due to the cheaper labor in (West) Germany right after the war. I’d love to get my hands on that Cycle Truck!
mate, check this out: http://icecaldo.com/rixe/
i’m interested in manufacturing year! frame number is 1617 668. any idea?
Roman- A very interesting design with the double top tubes. I saw a new Giant bike with the same configuration just a few days ago. Sorry to say, I can’t help you with serial numbers and production.
Jim
Posiadam rower RIXE, z oryginalnymi napisami Type ANDRE BERTIN, z lat 70. Proszę o adres e-mail to prześlę foto.
Translation from Polish: I have a bike Rixe, with original inscriptions Type ANDRE BERTIN, 70s Please e-mail to send photos.
I have a rixe racing tubular wheel fixe on one side 4 speed on the other my father bought before i was born i am 60 this bike is dark burgendy light weight had hollow rims sewn tires i wondered what it is worth on the market and how old it could be
Jim, from 2016. That is not a double tube top frame but the inured air pump mounted on tabs just below the top frame. My Rixe from 1972-1973 had the same thing. In addition to s tool box it had a built in rear wheel lock.. At the time I chose it over a Fuji and I wish I had kept it.
John, thank you for clarifying that. We all have, “… I wish I had kept it.” moments.
We have a Rixe, imported from Germany purchased for 40 euro. Looks almost identical to the brochure picture with the girl ours is Gold Yellow.
Would like to send pics to post but not sure how.
Would love to get more info on it if anyone has.
Hi, Roderick – I will email you with a detailed response.
I believe to have a Rixie Racer from the 50’s.
House/garage kept .
5 speed
Side shifter
All original
Rixie badge on the throat
Put air in the tires first time in decades
Interested? Email me
Hi, Jac – My interest in Rixes is due to the Andre Bertin model only. Thanks anyway.
I have an Andre Bertin model Rixe bike. I’m afraid the decals are not in good condition, but I set up a Flickr with photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rixebike/
Liv -Thank you so much for sharing a remarkably detailed series of photos of your Rixe Andre Bertin model.
Amazing bike, I have “Club men model” pure history!!!!!
Just bought myself a Rixe as a fun restoration project and it’s a type Andre Bertin. Looks almost identical to the 59 in the brochure, mine is blue with a red head tube and chrome forks. I bought it in Pretoria, South Africa. The precious owner was a German gentleman who recently passed and her daughter was kind enough to let the bike go, though with the promise that I’d loom after it. I looked up Andre Bertin and yes, it is perplexing. Why was his name used in a German bicycle? It’s a mystery. Anyway I have tons if pics if anyone is interested. Thanks.