Conference noted::bicycle

    Don't know about Bridgestone, but my guiding philosophy when buying
    a bike on a budget was to buy the BEST frame I could and not worry
    about the components.  I'd then upgrade the components a little
    at a time over the next couple of years.  I'd look at some of the
    "bottom of the line" better bikes around.  Usually they have the
    same frame as the top of the line with cheaper components.
    
    I bought a Cannondale.
    
    Good luck.
    
    bob
    

    
    On my last ride a big dog ran into my bike and bent the back steys
    and rear wheel..  Fortunately, I was close to home and walked the 
    bike back...  The dog walked away too..  Just one of those accidents...
    
    Anyway, I took my "old' bike to the shop to get it straightened out 
    and once again they laughed at my inability to part with my old steed..    
    In a moment of weakness,  I started to look at some new bikes...  Im
    still keeping my old bike I told them...  They laughed again and said
    "absolutely, everyone needs a beater bike..."
    
    So doing mostly day rides averaging 2 - 3 thousand miles a year..  I
    began to narrow my search to touring bikes that can carry some weight,
    Still offer some speed for the road and handle an occasional gravel
    road...  Im looking at a Bridgestone RB-T...  This bike has a mixed
    group and weighs 25.4lbs...   Chromoly frame made in Japan, 21 speed
    (28X13), Shimano hyperglide with indexed bar end shifters,  Sugino 
    crank (50-40-28), Shimano RX100 shifters, 700CX28 wheels, Dia compe 
    cantilever brakes, slick tires and a nice paint job...  I would have to 
    part with 600.00 for this bike and being "cheap"...  I was wondering if 
    anyone had any good or bad experiences with Bridgestone or the components 
    I've mentioned...   The bike shop is willing to switch components, of 
    course this will cost alittle more... 
    
    By the way, I havent taken it out for a ride yet cause of the weather...
    
    thanks
                                         
    jim
    
       
    
    
     
    

    
    Jim, response to Bridgestone bikes (MTB's, road, or otherwise)
    has been fairly positive.  The "mixed group" situation is kind
    of a Bridgestone signature - they are known for flying the face
    of today's single-group-for-the-whole-bike-regardless fashion,
    and selecting from different manufacturers and models for the
    most cost-effective, well-performing components for that price range.
    
    But all of this is "soft" data, including reports from a few
    riding acquaintances that their Bridgestones have done fine.
    
    Another question: Are you satisfied with this set-up?  The triple,
    the bar-end shifters, etc.?  The 700-28 tires?  That's a serious touring 
    set-up.  It's fine if that's what you want.  But before buying the
    package, just think if it suits you.  For example, what kind of
    set-up are you using now?
    
    -john

    	My SO has a Bridgestone RB-T and loves it.  I've never ridden one,
    but the cycling mags generally say good things about Bridgestone,
    particularly their mix-and-match component choices....
    
    larry

    
    Thanks for the replies....   
    
    John, I have been riding an older 10 speed that I converted to a 15...
          Its a high tensel steel Raliegh frame (heavy)...  28-38-48 / 14X28 ...
    
          It also has 27 X 1.25 wheels...  This is really the only bike 
          that I have done much riding on...  I like the 3 ring crank and 
          feel that the wider tires give me better traction on gravel..  I
          problably do 10% gravel and 90% road...   Most of my riding is 
          local 10 to 30 miles, however Im planning a couple of loaded
          trips this spring...  Stability, multi purpose and range are more
          important to me than speed, but I also want a responsive bike...
    
          Sounds like I want everything.. huh...
    
          According to the Bikeshop, this is the about the best combo for
          what Im looking for...  They are really "pushing" this bike even
          over more expensive / higher profit models...    
            
          thanks
    
          jim
    
          
               
    	          
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
          
    
    
    
    

    
    Well, Jim, it sounds like the Bridgestone is the type of bike
    you're looking for, and may be a good deal.  Good luck!
    
    -john