es1bkacsur

Saw this on Craigslist
"Bridgestone Synergy RB-1. 14 speeds. Ishiwata Cr-Mo frame size 54cm. 6061 alloy Sun rims, Bontrager tires size 700 x 23. Look pedals. Very clean, Excellent condition. $ 650."
are they nuts or is this close to what it's worth. Reason I ask is I have a Bridgestone RB-2 Synergy similar to this bought about a year ago for a keeper. Don't remember what I paid for it but I'm sure it wasn't much more than $100 if that. So, do I have a high dollar bike lurking in my shed or just a nice riding under $200 bike






I thought it was?

ramzilla

It all depends on condition. If it's got all new tires, tubes, chain, brake pads, cables, bar wrap, seat and hoods then it could maybe worth about that much. But, it doesn't look like it's all new stuff to me. So, probably not.

cb400bill

Here is what Sheldon Brown said about the RB-1, RB-2 and RB-3.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/

Road Models RB-1, RB-2, RB-3

Bridgestone "road" bikes, particularly the legendary RB-1, combine frame design taken from classic Italian road bikes of the '70's with excellent Japanese workmanship and functional, reliable parts. The RB-1 was extremely popular with racers, and held its own against competing models costing hundreds of dollars more.

The RB-2 had the same geometry as the RB-1, but with slightly less expensive tubing and considerably less expensive parts.

The RB-3 was a low-end model, of little interest.

bikemig 

You got a good deal on your RB 2 but it's not worth anywhere near as much as a RB 1. The practical difference between the 2 bikes is not large but people are willing to pay a premium for a top tier bike. That RB 1 is not as desirable as the ones from the 90s so maybe it is overpriced but it is worth considerably more in any case than your RB 2.

plonz 

I always think of RB1 vs. RB2 like Centurion Ironman vs. Lemans. Pretty steep drop from one to the next. Just looking relative to the sibling, not saying RB1 value is equivalent to an Ironman.

RB1s tend to command a higher price but not what OP’s CL post is asking. I would think more $400 range for that one.

es1bkacsur

Thanks for the info. Guess my next move is to fix up mine the way I want it, post it here then decide to keep or flip.

shelbyfv

I'd guess that RB-1 is about a $400 bike to the right buyer. I sold a nearly perfect 1994 RB-2 for $200 a couple of years ago. That was about the same as I paid for it a few years earlier. I think there may be a big difference in the RB-1 and RB-2. Though it was an attractive bike, I never enjoyed riding the RB-2. Felt sort of dead and uninspiring compared to other steel bikes I've had. There is the whole "Grant" thing but I get the impression that is fading and the market for Bridgestones in general is past the peak. JMO.

AeroGut

Agree with all. RB-2s usually seem to go for $150-$250 depending on condition and location. The Bridgestone name gets attention, but it’s still not a top dollar bike.

retyred

I watched a 63 cm RB-1 in excellent condition languish on San Diego CL for months. Finally sold a few days ago at $350.