I got my first 10-speed in 1964. It was a Puch Clubman refurbished by a local Schwinn dealer with Schwinn decals. It was a decent ride, but the bike I really coveted was a Puch "Bergmeister" Campagnolo Grand Sport equipped. The distinctive feature of the Bergmeister was its finish. The bike was chrome plated, then a coat of translucent colored lacquer was applied over the chrome giving the finish an incredible luster.
I recently aquired one of these bikes -- a thrift-store find. It seems to be in very nice original condition. I was surprised to note that the dropouts were flat steel without a derraleur hanger. I wonder about the frame tubes. I don't see a sticker but it could have peeled away even though the original down and seat tube transfers are intact. The paint retains that "luster" mentioned above even after 40-years!
The components except for the Campy derraleurs are mid-level 60's sport equipment: Normandy hubs (round-hole HF) with Ridgida steel rims. Everest freewheel. Universal center-pulls. No-name alloy bar and stem. Nomex leather saddle. Magistroni cottered steel crank with alloy chainwheels.
I would appreciate any comments on Puch Bergmeister bicycles. I understand they became Austro-Daimler.
Erik Siverson
Erik Siverson