PandaDisco

I've recently fallen in love with the Bridgestone RB-1, a bike almost as old as I am (shush! I just turned 22 and am finally feeling a little older), but as part of generation XYZ-whatever, I really enjoy the mixing of classic & modern... Is it taboo to update a bike as sought-after as an RB-1 with newer components? For example, I have a Fizik Arione sitting around that would probably grace the bike until I can afford something more timeless or era-appropriate... Is that sacrilegious?

Do late 90's, early 2000's components retro-fit to a late 80's frame (ie: Dura-Ace 9spd)?

Thanks for any help and yes, I realize an RB-1 isn't quite classic (and it definitely is not vintage) but it's kind of in a weird arena between new and old and I figured this would be the best forum for an appropriate response

-Ben

USAZorro

It sometimes takes a bit of doing, but several of us here have done what you're asking about. I've hot-rodded a Trek 760, and another fellow here has done it to a Palo Alto.

huerro

Absolutely not! Put whatever parts on that frame will make you enjoy the ride the most. Just hang on to all of the original components in case you ever want to restore it.

And don't worry, it should be very easy to put a modern group on that frame.

Scooper

The only "problem" you're likely to encounter is with the rear dropout spacing. Most eighties bikes had 120mm or 126mm spacing, and modern hubs with 10-speed cassettes require 130mm.

The fix is easy; cold-set the rear triangle. Saint Sheldon has a great article on the subject HERE. If your RB-1 has 126mm spacing, you can just pull the dropouts apart enough to slip in the hub whenever you have to install the rear wheel.

tolfan

Try it if it dosent work try something else. It will be a great learning experience. I started rebuilding a couple years age and didnt know what was what. It is surprising what you can do when you dont know you cant. I built a 21 speed Schwinn continental before I knew you couldnt do it.

cuda2k

As long as either A) it didn't come with original parts to start with when you got it. or B) you keep the original parts so you can put it back later (and don't make any changes that would prevent you from doing so): I have no problems with it. I've done it to an 83 Gazelle (case A) and a 86 Serotta (little of A, little of B)

RobbieTunes

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/361558-retro-roadies-old-frames-sti-s-ergos.html or search C&V for "upgrade"

You'll find one or two threads addressing this subject....maybe more...

1-It's like buying new clothes for your girlfriend. She looks better and appreciates it. Win-Win.
2-You can likely get a 130mm wheel in there, even without cold-setting (which works well), with effort.
3-An RB-1 is a cool bike, and if you like it, make it better and you'll like it more.
4-Saddles don't fit bike, they fit riders. Arione or B-17, whatever fits and if you like it, use it.
5-You're 22, and you're already getting ahead of the curve with C&V. You must be a genius.

Glad to have you on forum. If I can help you, I will. If not, I'll lie about it.

cuda2k

I was 25 when I bought my first vintage, and cudak888 must be a super genious by this criteria.

I like all of your other points too.

txvintage

Robbie, does your wife know about this!

PandaDisco

First off, you guys are way too nice and, well, quite hilarious. It's a refreshing change of pace from other sub-forums on here where it's a constant pissing match about whose opinion is more correct or an exercise in hazing the noob...

Anyways, I was looking at buying an RB-1 and just wanted to run the question past the powers that be in this here C&V forum... I checked out a bargain '88 RB-1 (which was in great shape!) tonight but turns out the seller had mislabeled the size and it was way too small for me so the search continues...

I'm looking for a bike like an RB-1 or similar that can be had for $300 or less in good condition and can take me on anywhere from my 30mi round-trip commute to a 400K rando. Do you guys have any suggestions of what to look for? If they are easily retro-fitted with modern components, that would be a plus!

Thanks everyone I have a feeling that this forum is more to my liking and, while I'm not that mature, it is definitely closer to my maturity level as well

-Ben

Gambutrol

My long-term project is to update a 3rensho with a more modern campy/dura-ace group, so let me know how your project goes! I like the look of old bikes with new component. I once saw an 80s waterford built schwinn paramount with a new campy record group- it looked hot hot hot!

ps- I'm also 22 :-)

RobbieTunes

both of you are 22? there's hope for mankind yet.

PandaDisco, I can't begin to list the good bikes for $300 or less. I can tell you that it's easier to start with something in 700c footwear and 130mm rear width. First you need to know your size. Then, maybe keep looking for that RB-1. A Panasonic is a half-sibling to that. Once you have a frame and rear wheel capable of the upgrade, most everything else is bolt-on.

For the kind of riding you plan to do, you may be better to focus on your wheel set. You need a strong, all-around set that is rock steady and reliable.

I've only done one 126mm to 130mm upgrade that kept the OEM 126mm rear wheel, without spacers. I had to change the axle, re-dish everything, and add a 8/9/10 freehub. The wheel set looks exactly as it did with the 7-speed setup, but is 9-sp. It was a lot of work, and you can get decent used wheel sets for $150-$200, so I'm not sure I'd do it again. Still, it's got the look I want.

Gambutrol, I've seen some mixed Campy/Shimano setups. They look nice, but guys like me have to walk around the bike a few times to figure it out.

bigbossman 

Ewwwww....... Don't do it.

swif

I win, I'm only 20.

My bike is 4 years older than me, therefore it is vintage.

But the way I see it, you're the one riding it. Do whatever you want to make you happy.

It might affect resale value, but as long as you don't make any permanent changes, why not?

RobbieTunes

That's the ticket. As you age and ride, you'll be in better position to fiigure out what you want to keep original, upgrade with era-correct, drastically alter, buy, sell, give away, or trade for a PS3 or rock-climbing gear.

Enjoy the older bikes, brag about yours, and get help here if you need it. .....Plus, send pics.