Bridgestone RetroMod
10-27-18, 05:37 PM
#1
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Bridgestone RetroMod
My '84 Bridgestone 300 was my first "real" bike, having only had Huffy sewer pipe bikes before.
My dad bought it from my uncle when I was 15 (in '85) because I had an interest in riding competitively and it was all we could afford at the time.
I did well on it for the 9 months or so that I i rode it (while I worked a job to save up for a racing bike), even winning my first time trial in my age bracket.
As such it has some sentimental value to me, which I why I have kept it all these years.
A year or so ago I decided to restore it (shamefully, I had let it get into a pretty bad state).
My intention is to use it as a touring bike, so fenders and racks are in it's future.
Thought I would share some pics now ,since in my mind at least, it's presentable ;-)
My dad bought it from my uncle when I was 15 (in '85) because I had an interest in riding competitively and it was all we could afford at the time.
I did well on it for the 9 months or so that I i rode it (while I worked a job to save up for a racing bike), even winning my first time trial in my age bracket.
As such it has some sentimental value to me, which I why I have kept it all these years.
A year or so ago I decided to restore it (shamefully, I had let it get into a pretty bad state).
My intention is to use it as a touring bike, so fenders and racks are in it's future.
Thought I would share some pics now ,since in my mind at least, it's presentable ;-)
Last edited by The_Old_Man; 10-27-18 at 06:09 PM.
10-27-18, 05:39 PM
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Hmm, I have attached pictures here before, but the system says I cannot post "URLs" even though I uploaded the pics to this site. strange!
10-27-18, 06:20 PM
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It is very nice. While my 200 is a hi-ten frame, it served very well as a single speed airport bike. It may be pressed into service for some of the local casual rides once I've gotten my heft down to a less comical level.
10-27-18, 06:28 PM
#7
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Nice bike! I like the reddish bronze color - unusual.
10-27-18, 06:35 PM
#8
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Sweet! I love the understated mix of colors on the frame, handlebars and seat with the chrome/shine of the seat post, stem and rims. What is the color of the frame called?
10-27-18, 06:55 PM
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I wanted something more subtle then the bright candy apple red metallic that Bridgestone had painted it with originally.
Last edited by The_Old_Man; 10-27-18 at 06:59 PM.
10-27-18, 07:11 PM
#10
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You sure nailed it with what you have done. Great job!
10-27-18, 07:21 PM
#11
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Stunning!!
10-27-18, 07:34 PM
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That's a heck of a good looking bike and a real labor of love, nice job.
10-27-18, 07:45 PM
#14
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Your future here will be extremely bright, and you will be a terrible influence on most of us. 
Welcome!
Welcome!
10-27-18, 07:52 PM
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It's just no-name vinyl covered foam tape, thought I would try it out since it matched the seat color perfectly.
Picked it up from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1?ie=UTF8&th=1
It actually wrapped quite nicely, but I have not put any real miles on it yet, so the jury is out as to it's durability.
Picked it up from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1?ie=UTF8&th=1
It actually wrapped quite nicely, but I have not put any real miles on it yet, so the jury is out as to it's durability.
10-27-18, 10:45 PM
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Damn, that's a good looking bike. I especially like the root beer color and that sharp Sakae crank.
10-27-18, 11:33 PM
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Nicely done sir! so clean how does it ride?
10-28-18, 12:07 AM
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I shot it with a single stage urethane in a GM color called Magnetic Red. It was used on Corvettes, Cadillacs, and GMC trucks. The paint code is 379E.
I wanted something more subtle then the bright candy apple red metallic that Bridgestone had painted it with originally.
I wanted something more subtle then the bright candy apple red metallic that Bridgestone had painted it with originally.
Also, fantastic build. All the right boxes checked even making an incredibly modern derailleur look right at home on the frame.
Bang up job!
Oh, also, great screen name/handle!
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The Simplicity of Vintage Cycles
The Simplicity of Vintage Cycles
10-28-18, 06:33 AM
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Thank you, and thanks to everyone for the kind comments!
I found a couple shots my dad took at the (1985?) Fisk Knob Time Trial in Michigan that I rode on this bike. I rode this time trial on borrowed wheels, as the original 27s were not very good for racing.
(As a side, I certainly did not appreciate at the time the sacrifice my family made to hang around a wait for me during these races)
I found a couple shots my dad took at the (1985?) Fisk Knob Time Trial in Michigan that I rode on this bike. I rode this time trial on borrowed wheels, as the original 27s were not very good for racing.
(As a side, I certainly did not appreciate at the time the sacrifice my family made to hang around a wait for me during these races)
Last edited by The_Old_Man; 10-28-18 at 08:42 AM.
10-28-18, 08:48 AM
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The jury is still out on that since I have not taken it on any long rides yet, just short test rides to get it dialed in.
So far, I like it, but I have been surprised by the sharpness of the steering, I expected the steering to be more mellow with the relaxed frame geometry.
I generally like the feel of steel bike (I love the feel of my '87 Centurion), so I will be surprised if this bike disappoints.
So far, I like it, but I have been surprised by the sharpness of the steering, I expected the steering to be more mellow with the relaxed frame geometry.
I generally like the feel of steel bike (I love the feel of my '87 Centurion), so I will be surprised if this bike disappoints.
10-28-18, 09:07 AM
#23
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Awesome build, beautiful bike! Thought I had all the bikes I wanted, now I’m gonna start looking for a Bridgestone.
Tim
Tim
10-28-18, 10:51 AM
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I have a co-worker who has a Corvette in that color. It really stands out when the sun hits it. Nice choice and beautiful work.
10-28-18, 03:03 PM
#25
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Man, that's is nicely restored. This is my '85 BS 500, that I picked up, that had set in a garage for years. Stripped it, complete restore . It now sports STI shifters (not pictured). What is " single stage urethane" ? I'd like to repaint this bike,. KB.