Originally Posted by
tiredhands
I picked up an '87 Bridgestone 550 a while back. I've been working on it pretty slowly, as I'm not sure if I'll find a buyer when it's finished. It's actually in nice shape, once cleaned up. I like the "Junior" brake levers and the 165mm cranks. I'm swapping the toasted Suntour drivetrain for Shimano 600 SIS. Actually, all that's left of the rebuild is to relace the rear wheel and find some tires. I'll post a pic when it's done.
Looks like Bridgestone's effort in a Terry compact style frame lasted 2 years (87, 88) with the 550, and then disappeared. Does it seem logical that the market just wasn't big enough to warrant it, as it required it's own jigs & parts (like the 24" front wheel, smaller cranks, smaller brakes, etc.)?