Classic & Vintage - My Recent Acquisition: RB-1

I am the proud new papa of a '92 Bridgestone RB-1. She's in immediate ridable condition, other than for the stem :eek: --- I couldn't go more than a few miles like that. I have a taller stem on order as well as aluminum clips --- the ones on it now are mismatched. Can't wait to really get her out for a good spin.


http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/9523/myrb1lu0.jpg


I'm going to get her repainted with new decals, but I'll be keeping all the existing components as they're in good shape.

The tires and wheels are the next most important items, which brings me to my question. Any suggestions from you C&V veterans as to where to find some all-black wheels --- that is, black on the braking surface as well? How much am I willing to spend? . . . a modestly conservative amount considering the bike only cost $550 on eBay, although I'm fully aware you can't get something for nothing . . . most times.

why do you want a black breaking surface? Are you going fixed? I recommend ambrosio evolution rims the breaking surface is machined, finding black hubs shouldn't be too hard. I am sure 105 come in black... i think open pros come in black too with machined sidewalls. I know Velocity deep Vs come in none machined sidewalls but they are not meant to be used with a rim brake.

That bike is beautiful BTW!

Sweet Billy! Good thing you got that one. ;)

I would look into the grey anodized Mavic rims - the G 40 and the Open 4 CD's are 2. Or maybe the Campy Omega Hardox rims. Both are darker grey with no machined braking serface, and very classic. Perfect with a set of tan walled tires. Check ViperZ's Colnago photos to see the Omegas.

Good luck - she's a beauty.

55/Rad

It might be the picture but I believe the front fork is bent back a few degrees. That should be replaced or at least checked into. Roger

It might be the picture but I believe the front fork is bent back a few degrees. That should be replaced or at least checked into. Roger
No, it must be the picture. I just checked it and it looks fine and aligned. I've ridden it as well and it rides straight and true.

It might be the picture but I believe the front fork is bent back a few degrees. That should be replaced or at least checked into. Roger

It is straight. There are a pair of white reflectors on the front of the fork legs that are playing with your eyesight - makes it look as if the blades curve back and become slightly narrower then they actually are.

-Kurt

I still think that fork is bent

I still think that fork is bent

I'll back the OP on this one - I guarantee that it is not.

-Kurt

I still think that fork is bent
If it was bent I'd HAVE to feel it in the ride. How could the wheels possibly turn true? It rides great . . . except for that low handlebar thing. :D

The "can you see the bent fork in the photo" is a pretty common comment. Many times photos of 3 dimensional objects have optical illusions. If the OP has checked it out I'd imagine the fork is fine.

:beer:

I'm not seeing any problem in the stem either. Is it just the seat-bars drop you don't like? If so, I reccomend trying it for a ride or two before you decide it's not for you, specially if you already have other bikes set up the way you want to ride. You might find it a refreshing change!

Nice bike!

I'm with Sammy. That stem is not that low even by vintage standards. Also, I'd imagine that it's not at minimum insertion either. Raise it a bit before you swap it. It's a nice stem.


:beer:

I'm with Sammy. That stem is not that low even by vintage standards. Also, I'd imagine that it's not at minimum insertion either. Raise it a bit before you swap it. It's a nice stem.
:beer:

I hear what you're saying, but that's a no-contest there. That's a 4.5 inch drop just the way you see it. I haven't ridden like that since I was a pup. I would have to raise it at least 3.5 inches to feel comfortable for any distance.

As it so happens I'm currently narrowing the gap on my everyday bike as well --- neck problems. I borrowed a shorter stem from my lbs and noticed an improvement, so I'm pretty sure I'm headed in the right direction: shorter and/or taller.

Trial and error and time will tell. Thanks for the critique though. :)