The last French made Bertin was produced in 1999 – 2000 so even the newest ones are getting older and scruffier. However, every vintage enthusiast is willing to do the little touch-ups and polishing needed to bring a bike back to its prime. In some cases, full restorations are done right down to new equipment, paint and decals.
However, very rarely, a bike turns up which has not been neglected to the point of dust, grime, dried oily residue and general tattiness. Instead, it has experienced a quiet retirement, cared for, unmolested with its original equipment intact – this is what Jamison found out in Colorado.
He has located and acquired a high-end Bertin C 38 track bike from the early 1980s that looks like it was put away new at the end of its first season and has just been hauled out to resume its career. He hopes you will appreciate the photos he has sent along.
Full French Track Gruppo, Full Reynolds 531
Stronglight/Spidel 106 Track Chainset
Fixed Cog on Maillard 700/Spidel Track Hub
Bernard Hinault Stronglight A9 Headset on a Round Bladed 531 Track Fork
Front View With Dropped Track Stem, Handlebars and Maillard/Spidel 700 HF Hub
It is rare indeed to see so finely preserved an example of a C 38 but this is an exceptional one and I will totally overlook the razor blade saddle and the clip in pedals!
Bertin Classic Cycles 