TheStu

I'm fairly new to road bikes but looking for a bike to do some longer distances on, carrying camping gear, and I'm wondering if the RB-1 would be a good choice? I've been looking at used bikes and found an RB-1 that looks to be in good condition. Here's the specs I was sent:

Frame: Bridgestone RB-1 "Synergy", green/white, 58 cm bb-top, 58.5 cm top tube, Ishiwata quad-butted tubing
Stem and bars: Cinelli
Saddle: Brooks B-17, green
Seatpost: Ritchey
Brake levers: Dia-Compe
Brakes: Campagnolo
Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace
Derailleurs: Dura-Ace
Cranks: Campagnolo
Hubs: uncertain
Front rim: Matrix
Rear rim: Mavic Open Pro w/ 7spd freewheel
Pedals: Shimano clipless
Headset: Dura-Ace

So would this make a good touring bike?

Retro Grouch 

Probably not a good choice. I'm thinking it has a real short wheelbase and no eyelets for racks or fenders.

jollysnowman

I'd still jump on the RB-1, though. That's a nice bike.

TheStu

It's definitely hard to pass up, but I need a touring bike first and foremost. Too bad

KonAaron Snake 

If that RB-1 were my size...(licking lips)...

mtnroads

Oh they are sweet - I had one for several years, it's really the bike that got me back into road cycling again after many years away. Eventually sold it <kicks self>. But it's not a loaded touring bike - the frame is too flexy and geometry is tight, as previously mentioned. You could do fine with a lightweight rack for CC tours, or maybe pull a BOB. But racks and panniers no way.

urbannightrider

I know this is old as hell but funny enough it actually is designed to be used as a touring bike as well. At least the 1994 Im buying is. Found the catalog that specifically states it. Poor guy lol

fietsbob

We see many people touring the Coast on road bikes.. in the summer.. 2 headed out from here tuesday.. (bikes shipped in)

I own an RB 1 *... I toured on something else.. personally ..

* there is a threaded hole in the rear dropout.. bikepacking bags need no racks anyhow,, & I have fork tip eyelets..too.

Trans am competing bike tour folks all use road bikes minimal packing.. minimal sleep too..




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veganbikes

You recognize it is old as hell and yet you respond to someone as if it was posted yesterday. If you needed to discuss the RB-1 start a thread if you must but just to respond to an old post is silly.

Of course Grant Petersen said his bikes are designed for touring, he doesn't do performance stuff well because that is not his M.O. The bike is a road bike with a bit more clearance and the idea of versatility. Having rack mounts doesn't mean a bike is a great touring bike. I have seen plenty of road bikes with mounting for racks but there is a lot less clearance and does not have a stable planted feel. One can tour on anything but some bikes are much better for the job. My touring bike wouldn't be good for BMX. Could I do tricks on it, sure (not me but someone with actual skills) but would I want to, no because that is not what the bike is for.

indyfabz

410mm chainstays. Hope you got small feet.

fietsbob

You put the bags on the rear rack further back to have more heel clearance..

Hope he figured it out , those many years ago..






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indyfabz

A. We’re talking to the new guy who is buying one. Guess you missed that part.

B. Having the weight too far back can cause handling problems, especially with little or no weight on the front.

stardognine

I’ve noticed that before, the old “tail wagging the dog” syndrome. Putting weight up front helps that some, but either way, a real touring bike helps more. 😉

fietsbob

Yup, people tour just loading big panniers om the fork with low rider racks..
they come thru town, I see them..

indyfabz

With it’s relatively aggressive geometry, the bike is not a great choice for all the weight on the front. No matter what you’ve seen.

staehpj1

A lot depends on how much you plan to carry and how you load it. I have camped and cooked with similar or perhaps more aggressive geometry and enjoyed the choice. I was packing super light using ultralight backpacking gear. I rode from San Diego to Pensacola with a 14# base gear weight on a 1990 Cannondale Crit bike and enjoyed my choices.

That said it isn't a touring bike. To me that was a good thing since I didn't want to ride a touring bike. I own one and don't especially enjoy them. For me and my setup I'd probably enjoy the RB-1, but if a traditional touring bike is really what you want the RB-1 will probably disappoint you.

Others have packed a lot heavier on race bikes, but there are compromises to be made. That may be good or bad depending on your preferences. Not my cup of tea, but often folks who want to use a race bike and carry a lot of gear use a trailer.