Product Description
This lovely unrestored Bertin C35 is a 2nd in line Professional level French racing frame from the early 1970's. It is second to the C37 in their line, which had full 531 tubing. This one has Reynolds 531 3 tubes, and Vitus Durifort stays/fork (The C35 was the only model with this configuration). Other features of the C35 are stamped Campagnolo dropouts, forged unlabeled fork ends, and chrome socks on the forks. The lugs are Bocoma / BCM Professional, produced near Lyons. The seatstay caps feature a raised leaf-like inscription under the decals (I haven't and am not removing the decals to ascertain exactly what the raised pattern is). Flat fork crown is a piece of artwork, with a curly "heart top" cutout on the sides and raised curvy triangle points on tops. This frame is quite detail heavy for the era, but tastefully so!
It is quite likely one of the few frames Bernard Carré built for Bertin, after their factory burnt down in 1973 causing them to outsource. The features that are a tell for a Carre build are an unreinforced brake bridge, made from rolled steel. Carré created his framebuilder reputation building frames for Delcroix and LeJeune, and for legendary racers such as Raphael Geminiani, Jacques Anquetil, and André Darrigade.
The frame was designed for centerpull brakes, and Mafac cable stops front/rear are present. Exceptionally clean early Stronglight Competition V4 headset.
Condition
Excellent all original condition, with a lovely light patina. There are no dents, cracks, or other major defects. The paint looks wonderful, with a smattering of mostly minor chips here and there. The one spot of significant paint wear is on the downtube from someone installing/removing clamp on shifters. The chrome on the fork is near mint with no rust. The tips of the rear fender eyelets have a tinge of rust. All original decals are present, and mostly in exceptional condition! The one exception is the bottom of the seattube decal around the World Champion stripes is wrinkled up some. In this original condition, I wouldn't dream of repainting it. The patina is consistent with showing the frame's history, and does not take away from the beauty of the bicycle. Headset in near mint shape. It would build up into a lovely "original paint" category show bike, and it's just patina'd enough to not feel guilty riding it hard!
Details
- Frame number: 1415 (non-driveside dropout)
- Seat tube: 52cm (c-t), also stamped 52 above frame number
- Top tube: 54cm
- Headtube: 84mm
- BB threads: French
- Stem quill diameter needed: 22.0mm
- Colors: Champagne-tan paint, red main decals, yellow accent decals, WCS stripes, French flag decals
