Bruce Enns

Hey Guys

I just received this Bridgestone 500 today. I believe its a 1985 and it would appear to be NOS, kept indoors with just the slightest layer of dust on it. She even has Bridgestone tires (not dry rotted). Assembly is NOT complete, as I just threw her together to make sure there was no freight damage, all is good.

She'll be a daily rider and I was wondering what color Brooks saddle and grip tape you guys would use. I think she could be a real looker with the proper wardrobe. And Yes, the reflectors will be coming off!

Suggestions ??

Thanks,

badger_biker 

Nice find! I think it could be a 1984 since the graphics match my 400 from that year but not sure. I happen to like natural tan on a Brooks but black wouldn't be a bad choice with the blue either. Not sure what type of tape you prefer but brown cotton would look sharp or there are some nice brown corks available.

Bruce Enns

Yeah, I was thinking a tan saddle (will turn to brown though). Brown tape might be good as it won't show the dirt like the white on my Trek. Black on both might look nice too.

The man I bought her from thought the bike was a 1984, I thought 1985 looking at this brochure. I think the serial number indicates it was built in 1984 though.
S/N G418005

https://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1985/index.html

T-Mar

It was built in 1984 but it was also built in July, probably very late July. This is in the grey area where it could be from either year. The only significant change between 1984 and 1985 was the switch from Cyclone Mk II to New Cyclone. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but the subject bicycle appears to have Cyclone Mk II, in which case it is a 1984 model.

shoota 

Purely aesthetics speaking my vote would be for a white saddle and white bartape

Bianchigirll 

Do they make a white Brooks?

Personally for a daily rider I would go black on both. If you want to add a little color some blue cables and bottle cages would be nice.

Catnap 

saddle color and bar tape color should always match. go with a tan or honey Brooks saddle and matching tape, it will match the gum hoods nicely. black and saddle and matching tape will also look nice. for bonus points, use Brooks leather tape.

shoota 

They sure do and I have the only one left in existence. It's made from the hides of unicorns.

Bruce Enns

Thanks T-Mar

You're right, it does have the Cyclone Mk II derailers (spelling). Is there a catalog or spec sheet for the 1984 Bridgestone's? The 1985 is as far back as I can find.

I tried to load bigger pictures but BF is telling me they are to large ....... oh well.

Cheers,

Bruce Enns

I Agree 100%, a white seat and tape would be awesome looking, just to darn hard to keep nice looking.

Cheers,

Bruce Enns

Hey ................ thats a great idea with the cables, I like that!

Thank You

Bruce Enns

Whoops, I've broken the rule on all the bikes in my mini fleet of three! Brooks leather tape ......... great idea!

Thanks,

oddjob2

Bruce you live in Phoenix, why would you want anything black? Too hot in the sun! My hands used to fry on the steering wheels of rental cars in Phoenix, Tucson, and Palm Springs!

BTW, a beautiful Bridgestone, enjoy!

RubberLegs

Here is a link to the 85 catalog page on the 500
https://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/...stone-500.html

Bruce Enns

I always wear cycling gloves, more so for the sweating than the heat. Everything of every color is hot in Phoenix in the summer, LOL.

Bruce Enns

Thanks, I have that link. Was looking for something on the 1984 bikes.

Cheers,

T-Mar

I have the 1984 spec sheet. The only other variations from 1985 are:

Rims: Araya 20A, 27 x 1"
Hubs: Sakae Royal SR-300, QR, alloy, small flange
Tires, same model but 1" width
Freewheel: same model but 14-16-18-21-24-28T with gold finish
Chain: model not listed but gold finish
Chainstay length: 7mm shorter
Wheelbase: 11.3mm shorter
BB Height: 5.5mm higher
Fork rake: 5mm less
Head and seat tube angles: 0.5 degrees more

Note: 1984 specs list only 23" geometry, but I'd assume slightly more aggressive geometry across the entire size range.

Bruce Enns

Thank you T-Mar, GOOD information. I copied and filed/saved it for future reference.

On another note, lol ........ does the spec sheet happen to list the color as 2 tone "Misty Blue" and "Peacock Blue"?

Cheers,

schiri

Hi.

I have a '86 Bridgestone 500 and I'm looking to change the handle bars out.

I need more height and and am looking at more of a horizontal type of bar.

I love riding that bike but not wanting to lean so far forward anymore, which is what is required using the original bars.

Any ideas ?


TIA !

photogravity

Indeed they do. A friend of mine in Philly has not just one, but two of the white Brooks saddles.

Velognome 

Yup they make/made a white Swallow



and a white team pro




both sold out but they can still be had if you got the ability:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Brooks-B...item2a295347ae
[h=1]NEW Brooks B15 Swallow Saddle - White Limited England Edition - VERY RARE[/h][LIST][LIST][*]US $360.00


Or a cardiff look alike for only $91.50

Bruce Enns

Well, as nice as a white saddle and bar tape would look, I went with a black Team Pro and black cotton tape. I can always change it. This is a nice riding bike though, I'm impressed being its a mid level bike. I put a set of MKS alloy toe clips on too.

Grand Bois

Good choice. A white saddle and white tape is about as cool as white loafers and a white belt.