1984 Bridgestone 400 Restoration Project
06-05-21, 08:20 PM
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1984 Bridgestone 400 Restoration Project
Hello,
I am new to forum and to working on bikes. I found a 1984 Bridgestone 400, I want to fix it up and get it working. I am currently trying to change the chain, not sure the size. Does anyone know the size I should get?
Thank you in advance~
I am new to forum and to working on bikes. I found a 1984 Bridgestone 400, I want to fix it up and get it working. I am currently trying to change the chain, not sure the size. Does anyone know the size I should get?
Thank you in advance~
06-05-21, 09:31 PM
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Check in with The Bicycle Mechanics Form
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
06-07-21, 07:22 AM
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Chains are sold by the number of gears at the rear derailleur. You either have a cassette or a freewheel back there. Just count the number of different choices on the cassette or freewheel. Six, 7, and 8 speed all use one width chain. Eight, 9, and 10 are all different widths. Given the age of your bike I will bet it has 8 speeds in the rear.
You can get one for as little as $6 on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/384201463280 or spend $13.50 for a brand name chain often used OEM https://www.ebay.com/itm/332387448047 This is a standard 116 link chain with a quick release link.
Your bike is old enough it may lack the quick release master link that comes with most new chains. You will need access to a chain tool to remove one pin on the chain to separate it into two halves. Anyone who does their own wrenching will probably own one.
You can get one for as little as $6 on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/384201463280 or spend $13.50 for a brand name chain often used OEM https://www.ebay.com/itm/332387448047 This is a standard 116 link chain with a quick release link.
Your bike is old enough it may lack the quick release master link that comes with most new chains. You will need access to a chain tool to remove one pin on the chain to separate it into two halves. Anyone who does their own wrenching will probably own one.
06-07-21, 02:27 PM
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Thread moved from Introductions forum to Classic & Vintage forum.
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06-07-21, 03:15 PM
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Chains are sold by the number of gears at the rear derailleur. You either have a cassette or a freewheel back there. Just count the number of different choices on the cassette or freewheel. Six, 7, and 8 speed all use one width chain. Eight, 9, and 10 are all different widths. Given the age of your bike I will bet it has 8 speeds in the rear.
You can get one for as little as $6 on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/384201463280 or spend $13.50 for a brand name chain often used OEM https://www.ebay.com/itm/332387448047 This is a standard 116 link chain with a quick release link.
Your bike is old enough it may lack the quick release master link that comes with most new chains. You will need access to a chain tool to remove one pin on the chain to separate it into two halves. Anyone who does their own wrenching will probably own one.
You can get one for as little as $6 on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/384201463280 or spend $13.50 for a brand name chain often used OEM https://www.ebay.com/itm/332387448047 This is a standard 116 link chain with a quick release link.
Your bike is old enough it may lack the quick release master link that comes with most new chains. You will need access to a chain tool to remove one pin on the chain to separate it into two halves. Anyone who does their own wrenching will probably own one.
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06-07-21, 04:59 PM
#7
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Welcome to BF! I have a soft spot for Bridgestone bicycles. Rode one most of my younger years growing up in Japan. Took one to Germany and raced on it.
Good luck getting it back on the road. Hang around here when you can!
Good luck getting it back on the road. Hang around here when you can!
06-07-21, 07:59 PM
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Don’t throw the old chain away just yet
Congrats on the Bridgestone. Bridgestone owners are almost a cult following. Sometimes a worn chain will lead to worn freewheel cogs and using a new chain on worn cogs will not be a good match and lead to losts of chain “skipping”. If that happens to you when you change the chain, put the old chain back on until you get a new freewheel.
06-07-21, 11:11 PM
#9
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I’ve had my 84 400 since new and yes if yours is still original it will have a 6 speed freewheel. Good luck on your project and welcome. As mentioned there are plenty of Bridgestone fans here that can help with your questions.
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06-08-21, 05:23 PM
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Great fun to learn to restore, refresh or reimagine vintage steel!
i know he is imperfect, but RJ the bike guy has some interesting videos on how to do some of the work.
Plus his fails are epic...and funny.
And search anything in google and add bike forums and someone has done it (in my case, wrongly)...
i know he is imperfect, but RJ the bike guy has some interesting videos on how to do some of the work.
Plus his fails are epic...and funny.
And search anything in google and add bike forums and someone has done it (in my case, wrongly)...
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
07-08-21, 02:34 PM
#15
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The rear dropout spacing is 126mm. It originally came with a six speed freewheel. Depending on well it was treated by it's previous owners, the rear hub might have a bent axle. The only original parts of mine are the frame, seatpost, brakes, and crank arms. Most 400s came with a S A crank that had 74mm bcd holes drilled so you can convert it to a triple, with a longer spindle.
It was, and still is a nice, comfortable, versatile bike.
It was, and still is a nice, comfortable, versatile bike.
