Classic & Vintage - Bridgestone 100

I came across a bridgestone 100 bicycle, the components were pretty much shot, the rims rusted out, tires dry rotted, derailers and chain completely frozen, but the frame is in excellent shape. The owner just gave it to me, so the price was right for a winter fixed gear conversion/ beater.
I've looked all over for information on this bike, i've only found pictures and information about the 200, 300 and 400,
the frame is the kabuki style with cast aluminum lugs, and the expander type seatpost, it doesn't have the false binder tabs though. There aren't any other markings on it other than the serial, I did a quick tap test and the tubing is double butted, (or appears to be) and after striping the frame (paint was chiped off in places and the pittsburgh winter isn't kind to bare metal) the tubing is all seamless.
i'd apreciate any info on this model,
Thanks
Eliot

Brigestone's model numbers during this era increased with the level of the bicycle. A model 100 would be entry level. That's pretty much corroborated by the rusted out, steel rims. I seriously doubt if this is double butted tubing. I have specs for the model 300 and even it is had only plain gauge CrMo with high tensile stays and forks.

One of the advantges of the die-cast aluminum lugs was that they provided a mechanical joint. The tubing was not heated as much as during brazing and therefore better retained its properties. Consequently. more expensive butted tubing was not required. It also permitted dis-similar material to be joined. Tubes were made of carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum. You may want to do a quick check with a magnetic. Stainless tubes should provide an excellent beater bike, If I recall correctly, the original, stainless steel, Kabuki model was called the Submariner and was aimed at people living near the ocean.

Thanks for clearing up the model number mystery for me,
I read in sheldon browns page that the bridgestone numbers for the RB series went from the RB-1 being the highest qualty to the RB-3 being the lowest quality.
after I saw pictures and specs of the 200 and 300 bikes I was a little confused since they were obviously much better frames and components than the 100.
I'm guessing this is part of the 70's bike boom as sheldon termed it?
its ready to be built up with a sugino track drivetrain and a pair of my old track wheels.
Thanks again for the help
eliot

Sheldon is right about the RB series. Bridgestone just decided to change their model number approach when they strated to market the RB series. Bridgestone marketed their 1970s bicycle boom models under the Kabuki brand. They started marketing under their own name sometime around 1980. The early 1980s models were named after stars. The numeric models started around 1984. I believe the first RB model appeared around 1988. I'd guess that your model is from the mid-1980s.

I had a Bridgestone 300 that I restored and then sold it on e-bay! I wish i would have kept it since it was a great riding bike!

very nice,
beautiful job.
looks like a great ride