I was inspired by the other recent Bridgestone post! A bike shop.near me had put this bike out in the alley. It was/is in rough shape but I’m looking forward to getting it going again.
Based on info I’ve found one, the serial number tells me it was likely made in February of either 1987 or 1997?
Does anyone have more info on this model or the year it was made?
It has full Suntour components, missing a shifter and brake caliper of course.
Thank you!
by ElBandeyToe
3 Comments
Neither Suntour nor Bridgestone were in the bike business in 1997.
The derailleur and logos look like they are from before [1987](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1987/index.htm). I think dating the derailleur will give you a better idea, I would guess mid 1970s to early 1980s.
https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/suntour_derailleurs_-_the_honor_story.html
TL;DR: I don’t know what it is, but it’ll make a good xbike.
Looks heavy but utilitarian, a no-frills city bike for errands, commute, whatever. This kind of bike isn’t “high performance,” but it has secret advantages that often make them both civilized and useful. Because it doesn’t have tight race-derived spacing, you can usually fit at least mid-size tires; if it came with 27″ wheels you can get more tire clearance by fitting 700c wheels instead. There are double eyelets for mounting racks/baskets and fenders. A Hi-Ten steel frame tends to weigh more, but I think it feels nice to ride–not exactly bouncy, but sorta springy. Hi-Ten + big tires = real nice over rough terrain, potholes and broken pavement. I’ve got a similar age French bike with 41mm small-knob tires crammed on and it goes just about anywhere–around town, urban exploring, unpaved/gravel trails–just not too fast. One last thing, changing the saddle will change your riding experience–the current saddle is probably pretty comfy for very upright posture and lower speeds, but it locks you into more sedate riding. A slimmer one will make it easier to crank harder if you need that. A race-style saddle will just hurt your butt.
Sometime in the 70s. Aluminum head set, bottom bracket and lug below the saddle.