Bridgestone 400?

[Lanterne Rouge]

Hey,

I'm looking to build up a gravel grinder and I've come across a late 80's Bridgestone 400 which I think might fit the bill. Anyone have experience with this frame?

It's ready to go and is sensibly specced with Ultegra barcons, long cage deore RD (2x8), strong light cranks etc.

Thanks. :cool:

[maunahaole]

Sheldon still provides.

http://sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1986/pages/16-bridgestone-400.html

[pinkshogun]

the 400 is a mid-level 'racer/commuter'. originally they came with 27" wheels. i have a 1986 400 and a Panaracer Pasela 700x32 will fit without fenders. 650b Hetres/fender will also fit with centerpull brakes

[Lanterne Rouge]

Thanks guys. So assuming it's in reasonable condition then it's probably a good candidate for a gravel rider/credit card tourer?

Any ideas on what would be reasonable amount of money for it? He's asking $385 And for a hot market like NY that's pretty reasonable I think? I mean a bashed up Schwinn will go for $250.

Thanks again.

[AngryScientist]

under 400 for a quality steel frame with solid serviceable components is more than fair. if it fits you, and fills a niche you are looking for, jump on it. you will/can spend way, way more than that chasing what you want, bridgestone is a good name to go for at this price point IMO.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Yeah that's what I thought.

My only worry is the rims look pretty worn and might need replacing and if there is one job I don't enjoy it is wheel building.

[mainstreetexile]

385 sounds high for even for a completely mint 400, but if it's been completely overhauled and had all of its consumables (tires, cables, brake pads) replaced, it's not an unreasonable price.

This one sounds like a bit of a frankenbike, but the ultegra barcons are a nice upgrade. If the rims are beat and the wheelset needs to be replaced (or if you're going to relace new rims), I would say that's probably too much and it should factor into the pricing/negotiation.

Could be a good project though if you get it for the right price. Bridgestone made some great frames, hard to find a comparable modern lugged frame for anywhere near the same price.

[fiamme red]

Thanks guys. So assuming it's in reasonable condition then it's probably a good candidate for a gravel rider/credit card tourer?

Any ideas on what would be reasonable amount of money for it? He's asking $385 And for a hot market like NY that's pretty reasonable I think? I mean a bashed up Schwinn will go for $250.

Thanks again.$385 is definitely reasonable, if it's in good condition.