One of the first 10-speed bikes I saw as a young man -- and lusted after by the way -- was a Puch Bergmeister, polished and copper-clad with dark purple translucent lacquer applied over the plating. It was fitted-out with Campy Grand Sport steel parts as I recall. As I became a more discerning collector of classic road bikes and frames, I was puzzled why this memorable make from my youth as not appreciated by others of my ilk.
A few years back I found a well preserved example in a thrift-store. The finish was indeed as I had remembered; very rich looking. However, the lugs were thick and without merit. The tubing was not Reynolds or Columbus and undistinguished. The drop-outs merely stamped steel. Only the fork is pleasing with an elegant double-plate design and round fork blades.
So I keep the bike for its nostalgia value, knowing its beauty is only skin-deep.
Erik Siverson
Gilroy, Cal