lsr1969

**UPDATE**
Since this is a valuation forum, I thought it would be helpful to let everyone know what the bike actually sold for. If this breaks any rules, I apologize, but it seems like this information would help others in their valuations.

Bike was listed on CL for $475.00; received one call from a guy who already owned an MB-2. We haggled back and forth and wound up at $375.00. The highest bid I got on ebay was $180.27 (I guess the bidder had some spare change lying around). Market is the Mid-South Gulf Coast of Florida.

Again, I want to thank the folks who responded - your input was very helpful.


Go easy on me, ladies and gents - I'm a newbie here. I'll apologize before hand for any stupid mistakes I'll probably make.

Purchased new by me in 1988 at Conway Cycles in Orlando, FL.
Ridden less than 100 miles.
Always been a Florida bike.
Always stored inside.
One blemish on paint in the chain ring area where chain came off.
All decals in perfect condition.

Made in Japan. Lugged Construction.
45cm Triple Butted Chromoly Frame, all tubes. Forged dropouts.
Ritchey Force stem 130mm length X 72 degree rise. Nitto B811 handlebars.
Viscount 2280 Vento Propizio Saddle. SR MTB-300L Seatpost.
Shimano Deore SIS Rear, Friction Front derailleurs and shifters.
Shimano Deore BioPace Crankset - 48 X 38 X 28
SR MTP-122 pedals, Shimano CS-1000 cassette freewheel 13 X 15 X 17 X 20 X 28 X 28
Shimano N450 Front and N450 Cassette Rear hubs.
Araya 7S Anodized Rims with Ritchey Force 26 X 2.0 Skinside (good condition)
Shimano Deore Cantilever Brakes and Levers

Your help is greatly appreciated. I'm going to try to link to photos on Flickr. Wish me luck! https://www.flickr.com/photos/lsr1969...th/6873236403/

FastJake

Usually old MTBs get little respect, but this is a Bridgestone which has a bit of a cult following. And the condition is amazing. Still, it's "just" an MB-3, not an MB-1 or the more valuable MB-0/MB-Zip.

I'm having trouble putting a number on this one. In good used condition I would probably say $150-$200 but this one is so outstanding, maybe up to $300?

blilrat

I saw this one on Ebay. Yes, it is in amazing shape, but as FastJake said, it's not the MB-1. I've seen MB-2 and MB-3 on my local CL for $150-$200 and they seem to sit for awhile. You are fighting shipping on Ebay also which adds an automatic $50-100 to the price. Try your local Craigslist, you may find that guy looking for an old Bridgestone MTB.

lsr1969

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate the input. I have some other items I'll be asking about as I get them dusted off and cleaned up. Hope I can add something to the forums at some point, instead of just picking your brains. Best regards.

FastJake

No worries, we like telling others our opinions however wrong or foolish they may be Why else would we be here?

wxflyer

Nice bike. For more Bridgestone info, check out Sheldon Brown's website, www.sheldonbrown.com. As mentioned, these come up on eBay pretty regularly. In that condition, you should be able to get a couple of C-notes for it at least. Good luck!

jyl

Interesting. That seems like a pretty high price for a MB-3. Good to see the older MTBs getting a bit of attention.

Snydermann

I think a dedicated enthusiast will see the true value in a bike, more than just the average person looking for any MTB/C&V to come down the path.

If I tried to buy bikes for what the forum evaluates their worth I'd never get to buy any good bikes! If you don't care about originality, then you can probably get a deal. But if you want an original bike and you realize what vintage parts cost, IF you can find them, it's generally worth stepping up to the plate and paying a little bit more to get an outstanding bike in the first place.

The guy that bought your bike had possibly passed over 50 of the same model in less condition until he finally found yours. At least I've been in that situation.

blilrat

Wow! That is a great price for an MB-3. There were two MB-1s on ebay recently that didn't sell at $400. Of course, there were in no where near the condition your's is.