Classic & Vintage Bicycle Appraisals and Inquiries - '91 Bridgestone RB-2

Just aquired a '91 Bridgestone RB-2. Original everything. Great shape, just a few decals scratched in places. Plum and tusk two-tone. What's a good estimate on it's value?

Got some pics to post?

I think the real value is in its ride. It's a mass produced frame, and was Bridgestone's second tier road model, but it's a surprisingly lively ride. I gave up an '88 (paint was in sad shape, and components weren't original - not upgrades either really), and I'm sorry I did. I sold it for $250 a couple years ago (I had completely overhauled it, so it was ride ready).

I'd estimate $200-$400, maybe a little more if someone absolutely must have it. All original in great condition will help, as there are Bridgestone fanatics out there, but the components are really nothing special, and the RB-2 is not as coveted as the RB-1, despite a similar ride quality.

http://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1991/index.htm

http://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/pdfs/bstoneRB2synergy1990.pdf

http://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/pdfs/bstoneRB21992.pdf

Thanks JunkYardBike. I appreciate the information and the links. The bike is not going anywhere. It's found a home. Ride quality, huh? I like the sound of that—being a steel kind 'a guy. My intent is to spiff 'er up and ride it. Upgrade some things that may need/want upgrading as I get to it. That is to say, the shifting and drive train. Looking forward to it. Your post was encouraging. That and I wanted a general idea of it's value. Thanks again.

cb400bill: It needs some wrenching before I post photos. Some young fella had it and the stem is raised way past it's max line, bars are flipped upside down and they put a giant padded double-sprung seat on it. The seat being the only thing not original. Right now it resembles a typical "I lost my license and now I gotta ride a bike" type bicycle. Horrible set-up and very unflattering.

Come on, post it anyway. We love before and after shots.

To tide you over, cb400bill, here's the RB-2 I sold...

I paid 120 for a 58 cm rb-2 with and just about every part was shot. The frame had grind or die level rust so I stripped and sanded the entire thing. Hung some better components and wheels on it and the bike rides like a dream. 200-400 is a fair estimate but if it fits you keep it. The forks are kind of crappy though, mine was bent at the cap and I know a couple of people who have had a similar problem with their rb-2s. Regardless those bikes are worth almost any upgrade

RB's are worth building. a 2, a 1, doesn't matter. An RB frame is a great place to start building a custom road bike YOUR way.