Bridgestone
 

i don't know much about this marque. anyone? specifically, the RB-1.
good for converting?

Get it if the price is decent. Bridgestone is a Japanese bike company that made some good bikes with good Japanese steel that compares favorably to Reynolds or Columbus. The lower the number the better the bike. I think there may be a RB-0. If so, that is really good and the RB-1 is good, too. In any event, RB-1 are good bikes. I think there is one for sale on e-bay that discusses the type of steel. Also, go to www.sheldonbrown.com and follow the link to japanese bikes. There is a good discussion there.

Good luck.

I just converted a Bridgestone 500 series that I got off Ebay, not sure how it compares with the RB series, which I remember always had a good reputation, but this one is a sweet ride nonetheless. I have 2 other steel frames and this one rides just as well. Go for it.

People are hot for MB1 mtb's, collectable, rideable. No idea on road bikes.
They did use Tange Chromoly and in the MB1 Ritchey proprietary Tange steels.

Seems like high end factory bikes basically.

Never heard of Bridgestone? Perhaps you've heard of the tires they sell in the US under their Firestone name.

Bridgestone also made fine bikes. Mountain Bikes (MB-x), City Bikes (CB-x), Road Bikes (RB-x), and Cross Over (XO-x). The lower the number the higher quality the bike, though in general the top end shared the same frame and differed only in components. As far as I know, the zips were after-the-facts, tacked in as a better-than-the-best kind of offering. I know the MB-0 came along long after the MB-1 through MB-5 were established. I don't know if there any others.

Good bike, if it's in decent condition and cheap, it may be worth not converting.

Oh yeah, random synaptic firing: Bridgestone Cycles USA offerings were designed by none other than Grant Petersen, bike designer and founder of Rivendell.

http://unr.edu/homepage/addison/brid...rivendell.html ?? well, some info..i'm not reading it now..

Definitely pick up a bridgestone if you have the chance. Yes the mtb frames are of the highest quality of there time and still are today. I think the mb1 was tig welded and the mb2 was lugged. The mtb1 is more 'collectable' but both are triple butted light responsive steel frames. I've got an old Paramount frame of the same school and it is a pleasure to ride.

The MB-1 and the MB-2 actually had the same frame. In later years, production shifted out of Japan to Taiwan and was accompanied by a move from lugged to welded construction.

<insert gratuitous own-bike promotion here>
http://www.zweknu.org/pics/bluehills...lls_2_0001.jpg

http://www.zweknu.org/pics/bluehills...lls_2_0012.jpg

http://www.cycleland.jp/re_use/kanse...im/rb30901.jpg

Their track bikes are cool.


I had a Keirin model. I am getting a new one just like above.

S/F,
CEYA!

I have both an MB-1 and an RB-1. Both are lugged steel and have great construction quality and handling. I may eventually convert my MB-1 to SS. It has skinny (130mm?) rear dropouts so it's a hassle to use a normal mtb wheel. Really great feeling frame, though. Just wish it wasn't so small for me. The RB-1 is my only road bike, built up with all-Ultegra 9spd and 28mm armadillos on old wheels. It's not light, but it rides great and holds fatboy tires. I doubt there are many more versatile road frames out there. Would probly make a good fixie but it's vertical here and I already have a Miyata track bike taking up the parking space reserved for completely useless bikes.

You can spread that frame to 135mm easilly if you want.

thank you all very much- i made up my mind. maybe you'll see a picture very soon.

Let us know what you get soon.

S/F,
CEYA!