1990 Bridgestone RB-2 conversion

[Steve Ross]

Hi all, this is my first post to this group. I recently picked up a 1990 Bridgestone RB-2 that I'm considering converting to 650b. It has huge tire clearance w/o fenders. I fit some 700x35c tires on it, but I was only able to get 25's with velo orange fenders. 

This is the page from the catalog courtesy of Sheldon Brown

A review from the time.

The bike is comfortable, maybe a tad too small or may just be smaller than my other road bike. I do have some toe overlap with the fenders and toe clips. Clipless and no fenders its fine. 

I recently cracked the rear hub hitting a pot hole hard and fast so wheels are in order. I've got a crummy 700c wheel on the back but its not a permanent solution. Since new wheels are in the future I think this could be a really good 650b candidate. 

The fork is really ugly so the crust spark fork is tempting. It weighs the same as the fork on this bike supposedly. 

I've got a reasonably deep parts bin to draw from so could probably get away with just having to buy wheels and tires.

Do I have a suitable candidate here?

Thanks!

-Steve

[David Cummings]

Steve,

I have a '91 RB-1 converted to 650b - it's my "racing" 650b as I don't have anything on it but bottle cages.  I have 38mm tires on it, but not sure I could fit fenders.

If you have any friends with 650b wheels, you could test fit one.  Alternately, you could use the Rene Herse fitment tool (oops - not in stock anymore and it doesn't look to be restocked), or make your own.  

Cheers,

David

[Alex Israel]

Steve - David brings up a good point about test fits. Where are you located? Could be a willing 650b’r nearby (I know I have 650b wheels with both 38s and 42s if anyone ever needs a fit check get in touch)

Alex in CO (Highlands Ranch)

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[Steve Ross]

Thank David and Alex. This was an odd year RB-2 so much bigger clearances than other years. I measured over the weekend. I have 68mm of bottom bracket drop so good to go there. With 700x25c tires I have 1.8cm of clearance on each side of the rear tire and 1.7 on the front to the fender bolt. I've got even more space on the fork.

No one in my little local club has a set of 650b rim brake wheels. I'm in Annapolis, MD, and if anyone has a set I can use to test fit it would be greatly appreciated. Or a reasonably inexpensive set that I can sell/pass on if the build works and I buy a good wheel set.

Thanks!

-Steve

[woode...@yahoo.com]

Apologies for my crassness, but I have a  clean red 1990 69 cm RB-2 frame that needs a new home.  And I could deliver it to Annapolis.....