Pacific Northwest - Nice looking vintage Bridgestone. $750 a fair price?

http://bike-works.blogspot.com/2010/11/now-in-shop-57cm-bridgestone-rb-1.html

It looks like a nice bike, and Bridgestones had a good reputation back in the day. However, $750 is a lot of money for a bike like that. Bike technology has come a long way since 1993. I suggest posting in the vintage forum and asking those people what it's worth. For someone with a fondness for Bridgestones, this might be a great find. If it was me, I'd pass.

Now if I found a good Raleigh Gran Prix from about 1973, I'd consider paying a significant chunk of change for it. Is it a great bike? No way! But it's the bike I had in those days and it meant a lot to me. I loved it! I'd love to have one for old times sake! (I guess my point is that since the Bridgestone has no sentimental value to me, it's not worth much. But to someone else.......)

I would agree with BigBlueToe, unless you have a soft spot for bridgestone, i would pass on this one. I recently bought a '93 custom hand built steel framed Mikkelsen (small frame builder in Oakland,CA) with full campagnolo c-record group components for about $500. I tuned it up and have a like new bike of superb quality. I found it on Craigslist.

Ordinarily I'd agree with the comments above, but I just looked at the ad and this is really a pretty special bike. Many of the parts that wear out have been replaced with brand new, good quality stuff. This is a great frame, and with the work they've done on it I would expect it to mechanically work like a brand new bike. You might find a comparable bike on Craigslist for $500, but you'd probably spend another couple hundred by the time you replaced the chain, cassette, tires, cables and everything else that was worn out. So, this bike isn't a screaming good deal, but I don't think it's priced too terribly high either.

Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for lugged steel frames and quill stems.

This leads me to another question probably for another thread and in another forum --
What technology changes have been made to steel frames in the past 20 years?

This leads me to another question probably for another thread and in another forum --
What technology changes have been made to steel frames in the past 20 years?

I'm no expert in steel frames, but I know there are lighter, stiffer alloys available now that weren't available in 1993 like Reynolds 953. But frames made with 953 don't come cheap. Beyond that, I think a lugged frame is built in pretty much the same way today as they've been built for many decades. The thing is, there are very few production lugged steel frames available these days so there's not much to compare to. To get a modern steel frame with better tubing you'd probably have to get something custom.

Of course if you look more broadly at the state of the art racing bike, yes the technology has come a long way in 20 years. That RB-1 is probably 3-4 lbs heavier than a good carbon fiber race bike, not to mention the fact that modern drive trains now go to eleven for whatever that's worth. That said, you'd have to spend a lot more than $750 to buy a new lugged steel bike that was better than that RB-1.

Hey, I've stuck with steel regardless of riding style. I bought an affordable Trek 420 with the RSX set up. All the modern convenience, none of the cost....However, my RIDING style creates some interesting flex to consider when buying a bike. When I mash, the wheels rub on the brakes slowing me down. There is a reason bikes moved from steel...and it should reflect your riding style. If you are aggressive, I would stay away from ANY mass produced steel bike if it doesn't match your style. If it doesn't, enjoy the ride. Just make sure you like how the bike feels.

Ride it HARD and decide. If you don't like it when you sprint, save your money. Ride as many cheap bikes as you can before dropping any coin [100+] on old technology. Wait it out and find a good deal for comparable technology. A good example is today's R&E Cycles options and see why [not that I can afford them].

Happy hunting!

P.S. I love and volunteer for BikeWorks! Sorry for the anti plug!

Thanks,
stopped by the shop to check it out today. It's pretty sweet, just a tad small for me.

I'd say if it's too small the decision is easier. Don't buy a frame that doesn't fit - not if you want long-term happiness. From Lonesomesteve's post above, I'd guess someone will see it and want it.

The RB1 is a sweet bike and has a lot of following. Based on the pictures, the cosmetic condition is about 8 out of 10. The $750 asking price is a bit much for this RB1. I see them on Seattle Craigslist once in awhile. If I remembered correctly the last few I saw went for less than $500. I almost brought one for $200.

The RB1 is a sweet bike and has a lot of following. Based on the pictures, the cosmetic condition is about 8 out of 10. The $750 asking price is a bit much for this RB1. I see them on Seattle Craigslist once in awhile. If I remembered correctly the last few I saw went for less than $500. I almost brought one for $200.

RB-1's have quite a following but not a $750 one (at least for me). I would agree that $500 is probably fair at the top end. If I was going to spend that much for a vintage steel bike it would have to be a top of the line NOS French bike or a good quality Italian steed.

From a steel perspective there's a lot available from the 70's and 80's and for much better pricing with a ride that's probably just as good. Steel is all I ride for road bikes right now and I don't feel like I'm missing much. Steel has a lot of advantages from the durability, repairability and comfort perspective. Riders of all different frame materials will sing the praises of their favorites. It really comes down to what works for you and what you're comfortable with.