Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Old Bridgestone road bike

Hey, I recently want to start commuting everywhere by bike. A friend of mine has a Old bridgestone road bike that they will be giving away for free. I tried looking up the bike ,but no old catalog pictures have matched exactly. The bike is pretty far from me so my friend just sent pictures and told me all the writing she could find on the bike.

on the seat it says Ariake Jaguar 7378 PAT.P
SR near the brakes and Dia-compe
and KKT RT-SFAL in the pedals.
Also it says suntour it think on the derailers

Here are some pictures:
http://s1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj640/mikekap7/
If anyone could tell me what kind of bike it is and if it's worth fixing up a bit?
Thanks alot for your time,
Mike K

Your link didn't work for me.

Usually free is a good deal except when it costs a lot more to get the bike running that it would be worth if you sold it.

Like when my wife says, "I have free tickets to the whatever". That's great honey, how much will it cost to drive there, park and have a snack?

+Linky no worky,

What model Suntour? Brand name is just about meaningless, they made really good stuff, entry level stuff, and everything in between.

Sometimes free can be pretty expensive, depends on the condition of the bike, its level, and who is going to go any needed repairs. Also have issues like is it your size?

Here's the link: http://s1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj640/mikekap7/

Low-end, but free = good.

+1

Low end, but if it fits you it should be a good rider. Doesn't look like it needs major work besides a basic overhaul (bearings greased, possibly cables, tires?). Take this bike to a shop before you ride it and have them go through it if you don't want to do the work yourself.

Yea I have no problem doing the work myself. I just want a basic commuter to begin with maybe upgrade to something better later. How much do you think the bike is worth? Not planning to sell just wondering.
Thanks for your help : )

In current condition, maybe $50. Needs a fair amount of TLC, well worth it as long as you do it yourself.

Be careful with those entry level Bridgestone bicycles. I have owned a couple and they are pretty heavy. They don't ride particularly well, perhaps mimicking a poorly built Raleigh Record. Also, the bike features an expanding seat post, in case that means anything to anyone. To that add the ugly lugs and you have one of the most undesirable bicycles I have ever run across.

Even for fifty dollars, I would keep on looking for something else, but that is just me.

.

Even for fifty dollars, I would keep on looking for something else, but that is just me.

Yeah, the guy who finds Marinoni bikes in the garbage :)

Yeah, the guy who finds Marinoni bikes in the garbage

Yes, that does happen, now and again, but I can also, and do, appreciate a lower end bicycle, such as this, more or less, entry level Legnano (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Feature_Bicycles_Itlay/Legnano/Legnano_Green/LEGNANO_DUMP_GREEN_1_Start.htm) which offered me the most pleasant ride I have ever had, one foggy Sunday morning...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Italian_Bicycles/Legnano_Bicycles/Legnano_Green/LegnanoFullSideRt.jpg

That said, my comments regarding the entry level Bridgestone, were a display of my feelings about the poor construction, unusual nature and clunky ride quality, offered by the bicycle. Sometimes a manufacturer can really get it wrong, in my opinion.

Alright thanks a lot for your help!
I'll try fixing up the bike and see how it rides.
Mike

If you're commuting...at worst you would have a back-up "rainy day" bike. If it isn't too inconvenient to get there, and you can combine it with a friendly visit, sounds good. I put probably 3,000 miles +/- on a similar bike. Looked like new when I sold it to upgrade. Served me well at the time. This one has alloy wheels, which is a plus. If it fits, looks like something you like, why not? Looks like a 21" frame, so make sure that is the size you need.

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj640/mikekap7/P3245493.jpg