Classic & Vintage - '87 Bridgestone 450

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sruti
03-08-05, 08:46 AM
This is a nitpicky question for what is basically a yard sale find, but it's my first steel roadie since the late 80's (won't be my last) and I'm curious...

I recently acquired a Bridgestone 450. Looks pretty much like the one in the 1987 catalog here:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1987/index.htm

I noticed that the catalog's descrition of the frame material simply says "CrMo triple-butted tubing" but the descriptions for the higher end models (the 550 and T700) seem to provide more detail, like "CrMo triple-butted tubing" but also specific info about seat tube and chain stay - "CrMo tapered seatstay" "CrMo chainstay."

Should I assume the seat tube and chain stay on the 450 are not actually CrMo? Might explain the 2-3 extra lbs the 450 carries over these models...

-sruti

sydney
03-08-05, 09:10 AM
This is a nitpicky question for what is basically a yard sale find, but it's my first steel roadie since the late 80's (won't be my last) and I'm curious...

I recently acquired a Bridgestone 450. Looks pretty much like the one in the 1987 catalog here:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1987/index.htm

I noticed that the catalog's descrition of the frame material simply says "CrMo triple-butted tubing" but the descriptions for the higher end models (the 550 and T700) seem to provide more detail, like "CrMo triple-butted tubing" but also specific info about seat tube and chain stay - "CrMo tapered seatstay" "CrMo chainstay."

Should I assume the seat tube and chain stay on the 450 are not actually CrMo? Might explain the 2-3 extra lbs the 450 carries over these models...

-srutiThe tubing sticker refers to the main triangle at a minimum. If the stays are something significantly different like hi-ten that may also be mentioned. A different(AKA lower end) parts mix can also add significant pork.Even gas pipe in the stays would not add an additional 2-3 pounds.
colinm
03-08-05, 10:02 AM
Nice bike!

sruti
03-08-05, 11:00 AM
Nice bike!

I agree. I've hardly ridden my techno-bike since I got the Bridgestone.
colinm
03-08-05, 11:25 AM
Not to derail le thread -

But I know what you mean. I've only bought one bike new - an '87 12 speed Cannondale in, well, 1987. Yesterday I test rode a new $1000 30 speed C'dale, and I hated it.

Have fun with that Stone.
clayface
03-08-05, 12:30 PM
Should I assume the seat tube and chain stay on the 450 are not actually CrMo? Might explain the 2-3 extra lbs the 450 carries over these models...

-sruti

It's got a CrMo fork, so it's most likely that the stays are the same steel, but just plain gauge. Mind you, triple-butting is not a sign of low quality.
USAZorro
03-08-05, 01:26 PM
It's got a CrMo fork, so it's most likely that the stays are the same steel, but just plain gauge. Mind you, triple-butting is not a sign of low quality.

Sounds right. I suspect a lot of those 2-3 pounds will be found in the wheelset, crankset and pedals.