Bridgestone RB-T
09-16-22, 06:01 AM
#1
Montedino
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Bridgestone RB-T
Hey Gang,
Any idea what the post-pandemic market is like for Bridgestone RB-Ts?
I found this bike (see below pics) listed for $200 on the local web-market site. Do you think it would be a good flip or no dice?
I haven’t spoken with the seller yet. Not sure what size it is (the relaxed head tube angle is throwing me off a bit).
Thanks in advance for letting me know your thoughts.
Any idea what the post-pandemic market is like for Bridgestone RB-Ts?
I found this bike (see below pics) listed for $200 on the local web-market site. Do you think it would be a good flip or no dice?
I haven’t spoken with the seller yet. Not sure what size it is (the relaxed head tube angle is throwing me off a bit).
Thanks in advance for letting me know your thoughts.
Last edited by Mdl; 09-16-22 at 04:11 PM.
09-16-22, 06:18 AM
#2
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I believe that's a 1991. Not an easy bike to find & only produced for 3 years, Bridgestones of this era hold their value better than most brands. I have the same bike waiting for a complete refurb. If you can score it for $150, I think it would make a decent flip candidate. But obviously, every market is different.
09-16-22, 07:10 AM
#3
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Flip as in sell locally? Vintage bikes are going cheap in my local market, seems like I am the only buyer left. So my choices are:
1. Sell to myself (that doesn't work).
2. Part out on yea old auction site.
3. Sell complete on yea old auction site.
Vintage touring bikes used to command a nice premium. Right now in my area, they are not. You either have to recalibrate what is a deal, or choose options 2 or 3. If you have the stomach for pack/ship/fees, then option #3 should be an excellent return! Parts are not so great, so option #2 would yield a lower return.
I recently picked up two Japanese vintage touring bikes that sat for sale in my area for several weeks. So the local market was clear. Sell to myself, or pursue options 2 or 3. In the past, I was able to sell refurbished touring bikes in the $400 to $500 range. Those days are long gone.
1. Sell to myself (that doesn't work).
2. Part out on yea old auction site.
3. Sell complete on yea old auction site.
Vintage touring bikes used to command a nice premium. Right now in my area, they are not. You either have to recalibrate what is a deal, or choose options 2 or 3. If you have the stomach for pack/ship/fees, then option #3 should be an excellent return! Parts are not so great, so option #2 would yield a lower return.
I recently picked up two Japanese vintage touring bikes that sat for sale in my area for several weeks. So the local market was clear. Sell to myself, or pursue options 2 or 3. In the past, I was able to sell refurbished touring bikes in the $400 to $500 range. Those days are long gone.
Yes. I suspected as much. Seems like buyers loaded up on vintage during the pandemic, lol. One of my bikes has been listed for a long time without a bite. And I’ve seen older forum posts suggesting RB-Ts were trading for around $800 just a few years ago.
lol. I’m going to check the big auction site for (very) recent trading history. Thanks.
Last edited by Mdl; 09-17-22 at 04:02 AM.
09-16-22, 07:25 AM
#4
Montedino
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Thrifty Bill,
Yes. I suspected as much. Seems like buyers loaded up on vintage during the pandemic, lol. One of my bikes has been listed for a long time without a bite. And I’ve seen older forum posts suggesting RB-Ts we’re trading for around $800 just a few years ago.
lol. I’m going to check the big auction site for (very) recent trading history. Thanks.
Yes. I suspected as much. Seems like buyers loaded up on vintage during the pandemic, lol. One of my bikes has been listed for a long time without a bite. And I’ve seen older forum posts suggesting RB-Ts we’re trading for around $800 just a few years ago.
lol. I’m going to check the big auction site for (very) recent trading history. Thanks.
Wow. According to the oracle one sold here in the Northeast recently for big money plus shipping. Collectors gonna collect.
Gonna make a call..
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09-16-22, 08:20 AM
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I've never had a problem selling Bridgestones. I was surprised at the response when I posted a neglected CB..
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09-16-22, 09:43 AM
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It looks like it’s a 53 or 54-ish size. Since that is my size I would be all over it like a lampshade at $200
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09-16-22, 03:52 PM
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Yep it's a good buy at $200.
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09-17-22, 05:31 AM
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/12539658120...emis&media=SMS
Additionally, I’m wondering whether the underside of the top tube is rusted? Or, instead, if it’s maybe just dirty?
I’m apprehensive about a 2 hour (round trip) drive. I had told myself I wasn’t going to do this anymore! LOL 😂. However, if I could make a few hundred bucks it would be worth it.
I contacted the seller and we’ve planned to meet up this morning.
09-17-22, 06:19 AM
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Do we think the bike could draw a comparable price to this recent EBay sale?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12539658120...emis&media=SMS
. . .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12539658120...emis&media=SMS
. . .
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09-17-22, 06:33 AM
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09-17-22, 06:42 AM
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09-17-22, 06:50 AM
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To me it would not be an $850.00 bike, but I'm not the target audience for this. This bike, cleaned up and with good photos taken, would appeal to someone who is a Bridgestone fan and is interested in doing some bikepacking or light touring. It seems to be growing in popularity and there are youtubers who regularly post their journeys.
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
09-17-22, 07:23 AM
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To me it would not be an $850.00 bike, but I'm not the target audience for this. This bike, cleaned up and with good photos taken, would appeal to someone who is a Bridgestone fan and is interested in doing some bikepacking or light touring. It seems to be growing in popularity and there are youtubers who regularly post their journeys.
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
It doesn’t matter now, anyway. I’m in the car on the way there (the seller said to come at 10) and I asked if I could call to ask him a question. He wrote back “The bike sold this morning. Sorry”.
Nice. Saved me a trip. Some people… Can’t make this stuff up.
09-17-22, 07:26 AM
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To me it would not be an $850.00 bike, but I'm not the target audience for this. This bike, cleaned up and with good photos taken, would appeal to someone who is a Bridgestone fan and is interested in doing some bikepacking or light touring. It seems to be growing in popularity and there are youtubers who regularly post their journeys.
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
Getting the most out of something is all about finding the right person, and at the right time. With patience, who knows what the end result could be?
It doesn’t matter now, anyway. I’m in the car on the way there (the seller said to come at 10) and I asked if I could call to ask him a question. He wrote back “The bike sold this morning. Sorry”.
Nice. Saved me a trip.
Last edited by Mdl; 09-17-22 at 07:40 AM.
09-17-22, 10:35 AM
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With the bike having sold I'm going to say my non-flipper opinion. That thing is a rusty pile and the only attraction is the Rivendell association. Why would you even post a close up photo of that headset much less two if you ever wanted someone to come look at it? How unlikely is it that the seat post will come out?
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09-17-22, 11:18 AM
#19
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I do two things on longer drives for flips:
1. I get seller to verify seat post and stem are no stuck.
2. I arrange for multiple stops/multiple pickups.
The max I will drive otherwise is one hour, one way. Yes, there are plenty of sellers out there that will do you dirty.
Best/most patient seller ever, I am picking up two bikes Monday where I gave them half up front. Bought the bikes in July......2,000 miles away, so I wouldn't make a special trip.
1. I get seller to verify seat post and stem are no stuck.
2. I arrange for multiple stops/multiple pickups.
The max I will drive otherwise is one hour, one way. Yes, there are plenty of sellers out there that will do you dirty.
Best/most patient seller ever, I am picking up two bikes Monday where I gave them half up front. Bought the bikes in July......2,000 miles away, so I wouldn't make a special trip.
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09-17-22, 12:41 PM
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I disagree with the comment above about this being a rusty piece of whatever. I'll bet even a simple cleaning would show that it is in very good condition. What looks like rust in a photo oftentimes is just grease that has picked up dirt.
But whatever, it is gone.
Wrk101 is correct when he says if a deal comes up you had better jump in the car. Too much dickering or checking on website forums and it's gone. Just the way it works.
As for being "done dirty", unless there is cash on the barrel head, no seller is guaranteed of anything. Many a prospective purchaser has decided at the last minute that they are no longer interested. It takes a lot of faith and luck sometimes when you are the seller. Cash in hand is king.
But whatever, it is gone.
Wrk101 is correct when he says if a deal comes up you had better jump in the car. Too much dickering or checking on website forums and it's gone. Just the way it works.
As for being "done dirty", unless there is cash on the barrel head, no seller is guaranteed of anything. Many a prospective purchaser has decided at the last minute that they are no longer interested. It takes a lot of faith and luck sometimes when you are the seller. Cash in hand is king.
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09-18-22, 09:21 AM
#21
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I disagree with the comment above about this being a rusty piece of whatever. I'll bet even a simple cleaning would show that it is in very good condition. What looks like rust in a photo oftentimes is just grease that has picked up dirt.
But whatever, it is gone.
Wrk101 is correct when he says if a deal comes up you had better jump in the car. Too much dickering or checking on website forums and it's gone. Just the way it works.
As for being "done dirty", unless there is cash on the barrel head, no seller is guaranteed of anything. Many a prospective purchaser has decided at the last minute that they are no longer interested. It takes a lot of faith and luck sometimes when you are the seller. Cash in hand is king.
But whatever, it is gone.
Wrk101 is correct when he says if a deal comes up you had better jump in the car. Too much dickering or checking on website forums and it's gone. Just the way it works.
As for being "done dirty", unless there is cash on the barrel head, no seller is guaranteed of anything. Many a prospective purchaser has decided at the last minute that they are no longer interested. It takes a lot of faith and luck sometimes when you are the seller. Cash in hand is king.
09-19-22, 02:12 PM
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It has the (rare) 600/Ultegra 7-speed indexed barcons, and is the best color they made.
Also, the RB-T is great because it was 700c, whereas most of the "classic" touring bikes in the US (Miyata, Trek, Schwinn, Centurion, etc) came with 27" for way too long.
09-19-22, 04:56 PM
#23
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Me neither, but if you are; this is *the one* to have.
It has the (rare) 600/Ultegra 7-speed indexed barcons, and is the best color they made.
Also, the RB-T is great because it was 700c, whereas most of the "classic" touring bikes in the US (Miyata, Trek, Schwinn, Centurion, etc) came with 27" for way too long.
It has the (rare) 600/Ultegra 7-speed indexed barcons, and is the best color they made.
Also, the RB-T is great because it was 700c, whereas most of the "classic" touring bikes in the US (Miyata, Trek, Schwinn, Centurion, etc) came with 27" for way too long.
😂 I have to laugh or else I’ll cry. 😂
09-19-22, 05:57 PM
#24
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As for being "done dirty", unless there is cash on the barrel head, no seller is guaranteed of anything. Many a prospective purchaser has decided at the last minute that they are no longer interested. It takes a lot of faith and luck sometimes when you are the seller. Cash in hand is king.
My basic rule is call me when you are driving, and I will hold the item a reasonable time awaiting your arrival. So if you are "30 minutes away", call me when you are on the road and I will hold it for one hour. I think this is a reasonable work around, I won't hold stuff, but I won't sell it out from underneath you if you are on the way. Now if you want to wait until the weekend when it is convenient, no.
09-19-22, 08:05 PM
#25
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As a seller, I've had so many people "on the way" that never showed. C/L and FB are the land of no shows.
My basic rule is call me when you are driving, and I will hold the item a reasonable time awaiting your arrival. So if you are "30 minutes away", call me when you are on the road and I will hold it for one hour. I think this is a reasonable work around, I won't hold stuff, but I won't sell it out from underneath you if you are on the way. Now if you want to wait until the weekend when it is convenient, no.
My basic rule is call me when you are driving, and I will hold the item a reasonable time awaiting your arrival. So if you are "30 minutes away", call me when you are on the road and I will hold it for one hour. I think this is a reasonable work around, I won't hold stuff, but I won't sell it out from underneath you if you are on the way. Now if you want to wait until the weekend when it is convenient, no.