October 21, 2006
Bridgestone Porn
Just over a month ago, I bought myself a new/old 1991 Bridgestone RB-1 (see past post). The photo from that posting was not mine, rather it was from the ebay seller at the time of the auction. The bike came in great shape, although a few of the components needed to be replaced.
In two Hiawatha Cyclery installments, I first had the 7-speed Shimano hyperglide cassette replaced (due to a missing/broken part) and also got Hutchinson tires, a Brooks B-17 saddle (including a saddle cover) and MKS touring pedals. Next, I replaced the stem and handlebars (which were installed for the previous owner's wife) with a 44 cm Nitto Noodle bar and 9 cm Nitto Technomic Deluxe stem. I also got a bike pump and cool red cork taping to match the red trim. On a separate trip to REI, I purchased the Novara water bottle cage, along with a Bell Furio helmet that was on sale. At the university's pharmacy, I purchased Planet Bike LED front and rear lights for only $13! Last, on Velo Orange, I purchased the Japanese brass bell and MKS half toe clips.
Here is the finished product! I am not a great photographer, but I think these photos do justice to the bike.
Since all the pieces have been put in place, I have been riding to work once or twice a week (20 mile roundtrip commute), meeting the guys on Wednesday nights, and just cruising around the lake and town. What I have loved the most is the fresh air and the new perspective on the Twin Cities. Riding along the greenway and the miles and miles of bike paths, I am more attuned to what is around me. I must say it's been a blast and definitely a bonus workout. Since I have stopped running/jogging, I am glad to have a new way to exercise. Plus, so much less stress on my knees and feet! So inspired that I bought a Cycle-Ops bike trainer at REI to make sure that I keep riding my bike all winter long, even if indoors.
STOP buying bike accessories at REI or I will derby your pretty bike on the next guy's ride, Natch!
Posted by: CrossMax at October 23, 2006 03:28 PMLooking good Rich. Hope that saddle adjustment helps on those long commutes.
Posted by: Jim at October 23, 2006 07:52 PMok, will try to not buy at REI (tho' i confess to loving REI - plus, i get money back at the end of the year!). please don't deby my bike. after all, i did cheer you on at the cyclocross race last sunday.
jim, the seat is so much more comfortable. thanks for the adjustment.
Posted by: rich at October 24, 2006 02:36 PMJust a question...do you have the Technomic Deluxe stem down in the headtube as far as you can get it, or do you have it up at the minimum insertion line?
It looks very tall...almost as tall as the non- Deluxe Technomic.
Thanks
Posted by: Jay Wadsworth at April 4, 2007 02:06 PMJust a question...do you have the Technomic Deluxe stem down in the headtube as far as you can get it, or do you have it up at the minimum insertion line?
It looks very tall...almost as tall as the non- Deluxe Technomic.
Thanks
Posted by: Jay Wadsworth at April 4, 2007 02:06 PMjay, i believe it is set to the minimum insertion line.
Posted by: rich at April 4, 2007 03:17 PM