1985 Bridgestone 500 Frame Maker
 

Anyone know , where a 1985 Bridgestone 500 frame (Triple butted 4130 tubing) would have been produce , USA or other ? Thank you. KB

I'm guessing Bridgestone, Japan

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, but not Europe.

Edit: Yep Japan, finally read all that material. Thanks for the link. KB

Agree with above - Bridgestone Japan. They took great pride in doing their own frame work. Here is the 1985 Bridgestone catalog page off the Sheldon Brown pages:



Bridgestone Bicycle Catalogue 1985-03

BTW, I own an 85 Bridgestone 500 that I have converted over to last generation Suntour Superbe Pro Index shifting. Nice solid bike!
I'm also using a different front fork that doesn't cause toe clipping, but I still have the original that will always remain with the bike.

Here's a picture:

http://www.radiolabworks.com/bikes/p...WingSpread.JPG

Thank you Don, I took a look. Wasn't sure. I have my eyes on one. KB

If the condition and price are good I'd go for it. The original second generation Suntour Cyclone derailleurs are actually very nice friction shifters too. The Mark II Cyclone rear derailleur was Suntours lightest EVER! - although the standard on this bike was the long gage version to work with the large 32 tooth rear sprocket, so it would weight a bit more.

Good luck

Thanks for the photo, that's a beauty. Just what I'm looking at, but with the stock 32T freewheel, which is what I like at my age. KB

I live in the relatively flat midwest so that large of sprocket isn't needed for my rides. I did change the front crank to a slightly different SR swept version that has a smaller BCD and thus I was able to get a 52-40 front-end (I could go to a 38 if needed) vs the original 52-42. So the 40 helps with the hills. All my Japanese riders now sport either 23 or 24 for the largest sprockets (13 for smallest) thus allowing the short cage Suntour Superbe or Cyclone derailleurs.

BTW, I'm not getting any younger here either - 58.5 now! :)

Yes, it was almost certainly manufactured by Bridgestone in Japan but given the era and level, there is a slight possibility that Bridgestone contracted the manufacture to somebody else. The serial number will tell us for sure.

I was not able to find much on the Bridgestone serial numbers on-line that would help me point to the actual manufacturing plant or country. However, the one pictured above is B521446 which I think means it's February (B) of 1985 (5) with a serial sequence of 21446. Naturally that agrees with the fact it is a 1985 model. Is that your interpretation Tmar?

Don

Thanks Don, I have another bike with Suntour and SR components. A crankset SR 46/32T and freewheel 14-34T that I may swap to the Bridgestone, if I get it. Hopefully the square taper axle is the same as the current bike ( '81 Huffy Concours). I'll also have to move the Suntour Mountech RD.

I live in Western Mass. with lots of short 8-12% inclines. I just turned 70, so it's time to lower gearing on all my bikes. Or, I might leave the gear train alone and use it for more flatter rides. I can get by with the low 35 gear inch, that the Bridgestone currently has, now waiting to hear from the seller. KB.

Yes, it was manufactured in 1985 by Bridgestone, however around this time Bridgestone appears to have changed the alpha character from a month to fortnight indicator. So, it could be February or weeks 3-4. Regardless, it's very early in the year.

Some Bridgestones from that era came with SR cranks drilled for a triple. My 1983 400 did. I changed the larger chainrings to 46-36 and added a 28.

I just hope I can be tooling up hills at 70 KB. You give me hope :) If you do get the bike don't forget to post pictures here when you get it ready for the riding season.

Thanks Don, The past few years, I've gotten bored riding the flats. It's really harder riding the flats, cause you got to peddle all the time, no coasting. So, all my bikes are getting upgrades to the drive train. Instead of ridding in 39 and 34 gear inches , I'll be in 32 and 27 inch gears on my 2 road bikes, the Huffy already goes to 25 inches.

Just eat healthy and ride a lot, you'll see 70 too.

I'll make a decision on the Bridgestone tomorrow, KB.

Hello Don, I got the Bridgestone 500, looks just like yours, size 21 , my size. Now I wait for Fedex to deliver. It was a one owner, been kept in a garage for years. Few small dings, but looks almost new. Even the UCP spokes are clean. Only needs a new seat and tires (I don't like the one installed). I will get a full restoration, new bearings, grease, lube, and polishing. This is the first bike I have bought that has to be shipped. The seller been in business since 2003 and 4000 feedback @ 100%. Has shown experience shipping bikes, so I feel comfortable. KB

Excellent KB. Albeit mine does have a few scratches and I also replaced the top tube Bridgestone stickers and those silver stripes on the seat tube (Velocal). Regarding saddles I bought my first Sella Anatomica (Model X i Natural) a couple of years back and now use them exclusively on the five riding bikes I use. Once you go SA you don't go back - haa haa. Plus, I like the fact they are made in the USA (Wisconsin) only a short distance from where I live actually. No butt issues even on century rides.

Winter is always a fun time to do the bike restores. I have a Trek 330 on the stand in the basement that I will get ready in the next couple of months. That one I'll be selling and is just a fun project restoration.

Oh yeah before I forget. Notice I have replaced the original rims on my 500. Sadly the original back rim and a side tent that was causing me grief. I was able to find a nice set of Sun Mistrals locally as replacements. Those original versions in the brownish-gold are really nice looking!

Yes, I nooticed that about the rims on the spec sheet and this bike has them. I have one SA seat and it is great, which I could afford one for each bike. I've never had butt issues with any saddles I've tried, I must have the perfect butt. :thumb: