Classic & Vintage - Tune Up/Replace Parts on Bridgestone 400

Hey guys, I recently picked up a Bridgestone 400 that's been sitting in my parents' shed untouched for over 10 years. The tires are shot so I'll need to replace them and get new tubes. Overall the bike is a bit rusty, has some saddle tears, and the handlebar grip looks kind of gross. The brakes are functional and I haven't tested the shifters yet.

What parts would you recommend for me to replace, if any? Should I take it to my lbs? I'd like to fix it up for my little brother so we can go on rides together (mostly training rides ~20-60 mi). He'll most likely be using it for the next ~2+ years. Thanks in advance!

Pictures:
http://imgur.com/0Kl9R.jpg
http://imgur.com/BbqdH.jpg
http://imgur.com/TSDMB.jpg
http://imgur.com/hii7b.jpg

Hello Aywu,

Great bike to restore, I got a same year 300 in similar shape, and it rides great, a comfy ride, not a racing bike, more a sport touring.
Replace all your cables and grease all the bearings, clean and polish everything, wrap the bars, new tires and tubes, and you should be good to go.
There is a thread about 27" tires, just scroll back a few days, you'll get the skinny on what's going on with that.

It's odd that it doesn't have a integral rear derailler hanger, but I'm sure it's an '85, it must have gotten damaged, that RD isn't original.

Thanks for the advice David! Time to get busy.

Hello Aywu,

It's odd that it doesn't have a integral rear derailler hanger, but I'm sure it's an '85, it must have gotten damaged, that RD isn't original.

take a close look at the dropout. I bet it does have a hanger behind that claw.

great looking bike. a good tune and tires maybe a nicer RD if it does have a integral hanger. not that there is anything wrong with the one on there. something like a newer shimano RSX or older exage will shift alot smother

Since the handlebar is covered with some kind of mesh/foam substance that looks glued on, would I have to remove it before wrapping it with new tape?

Yes. Rubbing alcohol will take off the residue.

take a close look at the dropout. I bet it does have a hanger behind that claw.

great looking bike. a good tune and tires maybe a nicer RD if it does have a integral hanger. not that there is anything wrong with the one on there. something like a newer shimano RSX or older exage will shift alot smother

+1 I bet there is a hanger. I'd ditch that ultra heavy Shimano Eagle in a heartbeat... almost anything you get would be better.

This Shimano RSX Double RD should be compatible right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-VINTAGE-SHIMANO-RSX-DOUBLE-RD-A410-DERAILLEUR-/140408591623?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b1011507

Darn! It's located all the way in France. Sounds like it's going to take forever to get here!

That bike will probably need at least a medium cage derailleur, possibly a long cage. I would be looking for a decent vintage Suntour derailleur, preferably a long cage GT model (several derailleurs came in GT versions).

Here is my 1986 400 with some upgrades. It rides very nicely and I think your is worthy of some sensible upgrades.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/038.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/040-1.jpg

Very nice! Did you get it repainted somewhere?

Thanks. The color is original. "Space Violet" FWIW, I think the "lower" Bridgestone's are often overlooked and are great bikes. Let me know if I can help at all.

I just sold a Bridgestone 300 Sport Touring. I Think it's one level up from the 400. It was a great bike, and perfect for those 20+but not crazy high mileage rides. It was a great riding bike with a nice comfortable frame geometry. I definitely vote to throw a decent vintage RD on it and start putting some miles on that thing. It'll make a Great first bike.

Hmm... eBay has a Suntour GT RD (long cage) for about $54 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-V-Series-rear-derailleur-GT-long-cage-model-/280552208273?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415236f791

Seems a bit pricey. What's the most you guys would pay for one?

The 400 has double butted chromoly tubing and a hi-ten fork.
aywu, post a "looking for" RD in the trade thread, at the top of the list. Someone will give you a fine RD for the cost of postage.

Hmm... eBay has a Suntour GT RD (long cage) for about $54 shipped.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suntour-V-Series-rear-derailleur-GT-long-cage-model-/280552208273?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415236f791

Seems a bit pricey. What's the most you guys would pay for one?


Yes, that is a lot of money for that derailleur. The Suntour VGT Luxe is very nice, but 15 dollars is what I would be looking to spend on one. I agree with David Newton, add a post in the "in search of" thread.

Thanks for pointing out the ISO thread. I'll give that a try!