New bike day! Gilles Berthoud Epervier Randonneuse

Euro-Asia Imports was a large West coast importer of high quality bikes and parts for many years. They recently closed their doors and a large part of their inventory was purchased by Ben's Cycles of Minneapolis, MN. Ben's has started putting some of this new inventory on their eBay store and while perusing that, I found a 58cm Guilles Berthough Randoneering bike frame, 

After a few days of thinking it over I got the okay from Shelly to buy it! Here it is:

Gilles Berthoud Erpervier

The description of the frame had indicated that a 26.8 seatpost and 22.0 (French) handlebar stem was needed. But on inspecting it I found that a standard 27.2 seatpost fit and the stem size was actually the standard 22.2. This frame was built in France but I guess by that time, (late 90s or early 2000's), the builders had transitioned to an international standard. Or maybe it had been specified by Euro-Asia, I don't know but it worked out well for me! The description also stated a 28mm tire was the max, but I've fitted 32mm Gravel Kings with plenty of room. I may have to go down to 28mm with fenders, but we'll see.

Some of the nice features of this frame o\include an internally routed rear brake cable, a chain hanger on the seat stay, a chrome chain guard on the chain stay. It has a threaded eyelet under the rear brake bridge for a fender installation. It has another eyelet on the back of the seat tube which I think is also for fender installation. (I have purchased some Berthoud fenders for this bike but haven't tried to install them yet.)

For the build, I took most of the components from my Mercian Olympic; Stronglight 86 BCD crank, Shimano 105 hubs and rear derailleur with 10 speed cassette,  my Simplex retro friction shifters, Nitto Bar and Techmomic stem and Campy Nouvo Record seatpost with Velo Orange Mod 6 saddle. Finally, I fitted Campy Nouvo Record Calipers, (the longer reach ones) with Tektro levers.

Here is the bike with the old Rivendell/Carradice Boxy Bag.

There were two other subtle features which weren't included in the description which both worked to my benefit! 58cm is on the small side of my optimal bike fit, but this frame also features a sloping top tube which raises the bars. Also, the is a 1 centimeter extension on the top of the head tube which also raises the bars. As a result, the bike fits more like a 60cm, the perfect size for me!

The proof in the pudding is in the riding, and I lost little time on getting the bike on the road. The cockpit set up was good and I felt very comfortable on the bike almost immediately. It was responsive. I believe this bike has a relatively short trail so the front end should feel lively on a fast descent the bike felt quite planted which sort of surprised me. Since these pictures were taken I switched to a handlebar bag because the old Velo Orange Saddle bag had developed a tear. Handling remained solid.

Generally, the bike feels fast. It makes sense since this was designing for fast touring. I might even say that it planes! The light Dedaccia steel tubing probably has something to do with it, but mainly, I'd give credit to the designers and builders at Berthoud

This view shows the slope of the top tube and head tube extension.

All in all, this turned out to be a lucky find for me. It's definitely a keeper! However this means I'll have to let one of my bikes go...looks like my Raleigh Pro will be up for sale now!