1978 Bertin C34 (?) w/ shimano arabesque groupset

[kitz]

Reluctant sale due to moving country. This has been my daily ride for the last year and is a dream around the city.

I recall doing some forum research when I first bought it as there was never any decals and arriving at the conclusion that is was a Bertin C34, probably made circa 1978. Full Super Vitus 980 Tubing.

The bike came with a full Shimano 106 Arabesque groupset, which also points to Bertin as they apparently distributed Shimano in France in the 70s. According to the Bertin Classic Cycles Website (Google it, an excellent resource),

Incredible set of period parts on this bike:

• Full Shimano Groupset - brakes, pedals, chainrings, headset, brake levers, front and rear derailleur.
  Belleri (France) stem and handlebars.
  New cloth handlebar tape wrapped and finished with waxed thread.
  Laprade seat post with a vintage leather
  Idéale 80 Saddle
  Wheels are Super Champion Gentleman 700c clinchers (I’m so sad to let them go...these were an upgrade. The bike came with Rigida wheels).
  Tyres have lots of life left in them, I purchased them not too long ago.
  Everything has been tuned up and the bike is ready to hit the streets once again.

Seat tube c to t is 57cm
Top tube c to c is 56cm
Stand over is 82cm
Tyre width is 25

The seat post and stem both move freely - no seizing.

Price: £325

Shipping.

I have a bike box so I could ship but it would be at the buyers risk. I’ll pack it up as best I can but it’s a little scary to ship things like this. Shipping would probably be aroun £30.
Pick up is from E3 London / Bow.

 

[bertinjim]

Hi, Kitz-

Your bike is actually not a C 34 which used Vitus Durifort but is, instead, a Bertin C 37bis which was top of the range in that period. The C 37 used 531 and the C 37bis used 980 but with identical geometry and they could be spec'd with 600 like yours, all French, Dura Ace or Campagnolo. That is an outstanding bike and good luck with the sale. Thanks as well for the kind words about my site.