Bridgestone RB-1 project by another retro grouch fanboy
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 10
Bikes: 89 Bridgestibe RB-1, All City Nature Boy, Raleigh Tamland 1.0, Cycles Lamoure Track Bike, Clark Kent MTB, Bridgeston MB2 SS Commuter
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Bridgestone RB-1 project by another retro grouch fanboy
Not new to cycling, but sorta new to the forums...
I had been looking for a road bike for awhile, nothing competitive in nature, just something that was faster than my gravel/touring rig and could stand up to some sketchier terrain.
Anyways I ended up pulling the trigger on an 89 Bridgestone RB-1, that had some upgrades. Came with a lightly used Shimano 600 groupset and some FIR rims laced to Zipp 217 and 100 hubs.
The plans at this point are to switch out the bars and stem to something more comfortable, wider bars, maybe a stem with less drop (most likely nitto), then switch the DT shifters to bar ends. Besides that the finish is a little ratty, lots of bad touch ups and some small rust spots throughout, my plan is to take care of the rust and maybe seal it with some wax, I live in Denver so rust isnt much of an issue.
I had been looking for a road bike for awhile, nothing competitive in nature, just something that was faster than my gravel/touring rig and could stand up to some sketchier terrain.
Anyways I ended up pulling the trigger on an 89 Bridgestone RB-1, that had some upgrades. Came with a lightly used Shimano 600 groupset and some FIR rims laced to Zipp 217 and 100 hubs.
The plans at this point are to switch out the bars and stem to something more comfortable, wider bars, maybe a stem with less drop (most likely nitto), then switch the DT shifters to bar ends. Besides that the finish is a little ratty, lots of bad touch ups and some small rust spots throughout, my plan is to take care of the rust and maybe seal it with some wax, I live in Denver so rust isnt much of an issue.
#2
Senior Member
Nice project! Not a Bridgestone expert, so I'll let someone who is weigh in further.
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Denver CO
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Bikes: 89 Bridgestibe RB-1, All City Nature Boy, Raleigh Tamland 1.0, Cycles Lamoure Track Bike, Clark Kent MTB, Bridgeston MB2 SS Commuter
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I am sure plenty will weigh in at some point, just picked up some Rivendell Ruffy Tuffys to replace the horrendously uncomfortable 23cc NOS Continental Grand Prix tires that came with it, figured I would start from the ground up...
#4
aka: Dr. Cannondale
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Nice. That's a great foundation for, well, pretty much anything you want to do with it, from traditional to fully modern.
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#5
Banned
The frame Up build and the last owner made their own Parts choices ..
I bought a Red RB1 in 1990, after the Japanese Company left the US Market and So Grant P had to start his Own Company.
I bought a Red RB1 in 1990, after the Japanese Company left the US Market and So Grant P had to start his Own Company.
#6
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Location: Central PA / Silver Spring MD
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Bikes: Bridgestone MB-5 (93), Bridgestone RB-1 (89), Giordana Spica (90)
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I've got the same frame (in the B&W paint, no less), and it's a very nice ride!
I suspect you'll be happy with the 600. I restored mine to the original Suntour accushift drive system. It indexes remarkably well, but was a pain to source all of the components and dial in the RD.
I suspect you'll be happy with the 600. I restored mine to the original Suntour accushift drive system. It indexes remarkably well, but was a pain to source all of the components and dial in the RD.
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Denver CO
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Bikes: 89 Bridgestibe RB-1, All City Nature Boy, Raleigh Tamland 1.0, Cycles Lamoure Track Bike, Clark Kent MTB, Bridgeston MB2 SS Commuter
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cbender
I thought I was going to get some suntour components, but a few searches on ebay changed my mind real quick.
The paint is a mess, not tying to have it repainted, but looking into waxing the frame to protect the coating. I am hoping to make this a randonneuring machine for the spring.
I thought I was going to get some suntour components, but a few searches on ebay changed my mind real quick.
The paint is a mess, not tying to have it repainted, but looking into waxing the frame to protect the coating. I am hoping to make this a randonneuring machine for the spring.
#8
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Bikes: 1973 Italvega Nouvo Record; 1965 Hercules; 1982-83 Schwinn Mystery MTB
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If your build threads are like mine were, then people will begin to compliment the shop and our wide open floor space.
#11
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Obsessive with dates, accurate with facts...what's the difference?
#12
Banned
I got it brand new is all .. some time in the 90's , in Eugene at Paul's
its Painted red over white, leaving a white band on the seat tube .. You tell me, If you're the expert.
its Painted red over white, leaving a white band on the seat tube .. You tell me, If you're the expert.
#13
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Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
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Just pulling your chain.