Road Fan

Did you keep the 27" wheels or change to 700c for the resto-mod? That can change the steering geometry.

The_Old_Man

A single stage urethane is a paint that has the UV stabilizers and gloss agents mixed into the base of the paint. It does not require a separate clear coat to provide protection and gloss.

All that is needed is to mix the base and hardener with any thinner needed to shoot it.

Love the crank on the 500

The_Old_Man

I did replace the 27's with 700c, so that may be the cause of the sharper steering.

kcblair

Thanks for the info. The crank arms are still original, but both chainrings have now been replaced with 34/50 rings. I'm going to have to update the photo. KB.

Road Fan

The 700c wheel has radius about 4 mm less than the 27" which reduces the trail. Higher trail can lead to quicker handling, I had that happen with a similar change to a Trek 610. But it could also be that you just need to regain the skill of easily handling that bike. Time and acclimation could be a bigger effect than a little less trail. In any case, time and acclimation should fix the problem.

The Golden Boy 

It looks fantastic!

So let's hear the build list and why you chose the parts you did!!!

If you're planning on a "touring" set up- it looks like it's still set up in "go fast" mode- but it's all about what's comfortable for you.

It's a magnificent looking bike, and it's even cooler with your history and back story with it!

The_Old_Man

Sorry for the slow response, I have been out of the country on business over the last few weeks.

I'll start with what is still original to the bike:
Frame/Fork
Dia-Comp 500 brakes
Sakae CR Crank
52/42 Chainrings

The shifter and dérailleur set are courtesy of my '12 Allez, a Shimano Sora group, with new Shimano brake and shifter cables.
(I really like the way this group-set shifts so wanted them on this bike since I was replacing this groupset on the Allez with a Campy group).

As I am a larger rider, I had the wheelset built up with some extra strength, using 32 spokes front and rear, with deep V DT Swiss RR 511 rims, on Shimano 105 hubs.
(The wheels are currently wearing Speciallized All Condition Armadillos, but I have been looking at some new Bridgestone rubber for this bike). ;-)
(Also, I had to cold set the frame to accommodate the 9 speed rear axle)

I am using an Origin 8 headset and front dérailleur hanger, picked because of price/performance, and for the alloy finish.

I really wanted a brown saddle/tape combo, I like the riding on narrow saddles so that kind of drove the choice, vs. say a Brooks saddle.
(I will have to see how I like this saddle over the long term as I am trying something new with this "Change" one).

The stem is a 3ttt and the bars are Centurion, I had these laying around in my parts bin.

The seatpost is somewhat strange because it is off an old Specialized Hard Rock mountain bike.
(The seat tube diameter on the Bridgestone is really odd, and the mountain bike seatpost was the only alloy post I had in my parts bin that would fit without the need for a shim).

I have replaced the pedals in the pictures with a set of Shimano PD-M324 SPD pedals.
(I am a big SPD fan and these pedals let me run with or without cleats)

I am using a KMC X9 chain since I am mixing old "10 speed" front chainrings with a new 9 speed rear Shimano cassette.

The "Bridgestone" decals are from VeloCals, and I am very impressed by the quality of these decals.
(The decal set is actually for a 1985 Bridgestone 300, not a 1984. VeloCals did not carry the 1984 decals. I like the 1985 version better anyway so I am happy with how they turned out).

ascherer 

Outstanding incarnation! Just asking to be ridden.

The Golden Boy 

Sweet build and it really looks to have a "classic" look to it!*

Nu2Miele

Hi,

this thread is exactly to the point in reference to this one .

Every choice is a personal one, and you have a very good eye and a beautiful bike.

BrewsterII

Your bike is truly outstanding, absolutely beautiful! Your choice of colors and your workmanship leaves nothing to be desired.

I have a 1984 Bridgestone 500 that is all original other than the typical consumables, bar tape, tires, brake pads, cables, etc. Mine is bone stock and rides like a jewel. I really think these mid level "pre" Grant Petersen Bridgestone bikes are truly underated ......... that's just my opinion though.

I haven't wanted to modify mine as of yet, but after seeing yours I'm having second thoughts, serious second thoughts!

RiddleOfSteel

@BrewsterII that 500 is a time capsule! Gorgeous! I understand the having of second thoughts, and you can do what you like of course, but.....man, that thing is just perfect the way it is, especially as it is all original.

Slightspeed

Great looking job, I too, like the color choice. I recently picked up a Peugeot with similar bar tape. I like it better than the more expensive Brooks leather wrap I have on another bike. I changed the brake levers and was able to re-wrap the tape with no problem. Glad to see where I can buy more. Here's my Peugeot. It almost matches the Brooks Professional that is on the bike too.

The_Old_Man

I agree, there is very little I would change about BrewsterII's 500, that bike is in beautiful condition and has much better components then my 300 did when it was stock.

BrewsterII, love the 500, it is in super nice shape! Oh, and that is one tall bike! a 62 ??

BrewsterII

Thanks Guys. I certainly didn't intend to hijack this thread as the OP's restoration is just amazing. I just had to show my 500 as threads on the older Bridgestones are few and far between. It seems to be all about RB1's and MB1's and they are certainly very nice bikes but so were the "Pre Grant" Bridgestones IMHO.

After a good nights rest I came to my senses ........ I'll just continue to use it as my Sunday bike. I would never consider stripping the paint, it really is to nice. And yes, the components are very worthy and function perfectly, even triple butted 4130 tubing.

I'm pretty sure it was considered a 25" frame in its day. Tall, because I am.

RiddleOfSteel

The next frame size down offered was a 23"/58cm, so it's for sure a 25" which I had suspected. Best size, IMO.

The Golden Boy 

Last year (or was it 2 years ago- I got the Ritchey faux-leather stuff- IIRC, it was under $20. I don't like or dislike it; it feels sort of plastic-y, but not in an entirely bad way. I recently got the Brooks "microfiber" tape- but I haven't put it on a bike yet- in the package it seems to be pretty similar to the Ritchey tape. I was surprised that I got it for around $20 as well.

The Ritchey tape:

1990 Miyata 1000LT by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr

The Brooks tape:

620 Build Cages Straps Tape by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr

velojym

I picked up some of that Brooks synth stuff. Probably gonna go on my LHT, but I may wait a bit, as the current black tape is still in pretty good shape. Heck... only have about100 miles on it.
Some brown cork tape for the B'stone 200, but I'm also gonna try to find a saddle and try to match it as best as I can. I want to use that bike if/when I can hook up with any tweed runs.


...unless they're hilly and I'm not "in shape" yet.... then it'll be the LHT.

The_Old_Man

Thanks,

I went back and read the thread you linked to.

To your point, I would have never bought a Bridgestone 300 frame and put this much time and money into it, it was the sentimental value of this particular bike that made the effort worth it, to me at least.

Also, since this is not a significant bike, it is not rare or particularly valuable, repainting the frame worked best for me as repainting the bike did not, and could not have devalued it from a monetary perspective. ;-)

I have now put some miles on this bike and I absolutely love it, great steel feel and super quiet performance with the new components!

It's like riding a brand new, but somehow familiar bike.