Skyshroud

Hey all,

After some perusing of classifieds, I have come across this intriguing (1985?) 25" Bridgestone 400 - listed for $160 - which looks rather promising. I have done some searching on these forums, and the Bridgestone 400 seems to be relatively well-regarded. I am not looking for anything top-of-the-line, just a solid good-quality bike to get back in shape, and do some light commuting. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for?

The components are listed as:
-Aluminum Handlebars and stem
-Shimano Biospace crank
-Suntour ARX deraileur
-Aluminum seat post and side pull brakes
-27 x 1 1/4 tires on Araya Aluminum Rims
-Quick release wheels
-CRMO 4130 Triple butted tubes

I am planning to speak to seller tomorrow afternoon in order to get more details, but I have attached some photos below, and would greatly appreciate any opinions that you might have.

thinktubes 

Those are definitely decent. Price is right in the ballpark.

Check to make sure the stem and seatpost aren't stuck.

How tall are you?

Fuzzy2964

OK price if it is in good shape and fits - I’d try to get a better price though. If the tires are no good (which is likely on older bikes) - maybe use that to barter down the price a bit. I have a Bridgestone 550 - like that bike a lot. I think the 400 falls in line with what you are looking for.

Skyshroud

I'm 6'3" and I generally look for a 24" frame - which leaves me with just over a hands width of seatpost. I am hoping to knock the price down a bit, but I'll have to wait to see it in person, as photos can be deceiving.

mstateglfr 

It's 2.5cm larger than what you typically ride. I can always ride something 2.5cm smaller, but larger is a little tough due to standover.

That's a nice bike and I would think $200 total for it in refurbished condition is it's worth.
So if it needs new tires, the cables are rusted, the housing is cracking, etc etc then subtract those from $200.

But hey in the end if it fits you great and you like its what's an extra $30 if necessary?

eschlwc

all this price stuff is very dependent where you live.

my nephew bought one of these in dc one summer for $400. there was nothing else available, it was completely overhauled, and he couldn't wait.

he loves it.

in seattle, i could sell a refurbished mid-sized one with good paint for $400 in the summer.

here, $200 gets you a project or a varsity.

plonz 

I own a 400 and recently went through all of the same questions you're asking. It comes down to whether or not you can ride it as is. If you can get by with $60 in tires, $20 in bar tape and maybe a $25 chain, I think the asking price is a good one. If you're like me and need wider bars, longer seat post, different stem, different cranks and new cables, then you need to get it closer to $100. I ended up being into a gorgeous Bridgestone 400 for around $375 that I maybe get $200 for if I were to sell it. Fortunately, I built it to ride it and not sell it.

It's a great riding bike so if your budget is right, do not hesitate to buy it.

inkandsilver

Most riders at 6'3" with average proportions won't have a problem fitting a 25 frame. The 24 seems like a "fine but on the smaller side" fit for most your height. Nice bike. I agree with the comments above, plonz's in particular.

Kobe 

I am on my third 400. The first one was painted by the pervious owner with a brush and after a year it really bothered me. Second one the chain stay broke because someone had overtightened a kickstand. The third one was charm and has been my main road bike for the past 5 years.

The current one I got as a frame so I built it with 700c wheels, and 8 speed rear. The brake conversion was pretty painless and did not need long reach brakes. Mine is 68cm's and I compared it to a Rivendell Redwood and they are very similar.

If we're voting, my vote is for you to get it.

ramzilla

A very agreeable price. I like that wheel set. But, that's a real big boy bike. Make sure it fits.

Skyshroud

Going to take a look at it this weekend, give it a quick test-ride, and see what's what. Thank you all for your input, it is very much appreciated!

Skyshroud

I was able to take it for a brief test ride the afternoon (it is a very smooth-riding bike), and decided to spring for it. I will upload some photos after I've cleaned it up a bit if you would like.

Slash5

Figured you must have bought it. I've been watching it and it just disappeared from my watched ads. You don't see many Bridgestone bikes here so had thought about it for myself.