Acquiring a Bridgestone MB-2

My husband owns one bike that he regularly rides. It's his commuter, touring machine, and all-around go-getter. In other words, it does it all. It's been that way since he bought the bike new. It's a 1992 Bridgestone MB-3. It even brought him around the world.

Eventually it became sun-faded, turning an awful shade of pink. I believe it was a failing of that particular metallic red color. My older, but equally used, Trek is still a brilliant red. 5 years ago The Hub had the Bridgestone's frame repainted and it's once again an attractive crimson.

My husband and his Bridgestone MB-3 in it's glory years.
Yes, that's a goat. They peruse the streets.
Photo taken in Malaysia, 1995.

While he loves this bike he also was searching for an alternative steed to ride. He was given a skinny tire racer, then an antique green Raleigh, and my brother's Peugeot—all beautiful—though he couldn't see himself riding any of those on a regular basis. He loves the stability and fat tires of a mountain bike.

I suggested he look for another Bridgestone—little did we know it would turn into a two year hunt. Bridgestone mountain bicycles were made from 1985-1994. At the helm in design, Grant Petersen created a rigid steel-frame style that was copied by other manufacturers. When Bridgestone pulled out of bicycles altogether, Petersen went on to found Rivendell Bicycles. Between bike guru, Sheldon Brown praising the MB line and Petersen's name becoming synonymous with a well made bike, the Bridgestone MB series became an iconic classic, fetching premium dollars.

Not exactly what we wanted to learn, but it confirmed the MB series was worth pursuing and—though my husband's experience was enough to satisfy him—he might pay more than he initially intended.

I follow Craig's List on a regular basis. I found a bike for my sister-in-law and I'm currently searching for a new girly bike for myself. When I spy the Bridgestone name I pass this information onto my husband. I located one last summer locally but the sizing was too small. He would've been happy with a mid-80s Specialized Rockhopper (he once owned and loved this style too), but those are rarer than the Bridgestones, at least in this region. Go figure. Two weeks ago I found a possible match and as a family we drove to the other side of Vermont.

And came home with this. It's a 1986 MB-2 in original condition, except for the seat, tires (they're new!) and possibly the pedals.

This photo best shows the unusual color.

Of course there are scratches, but that's to be expected from a 25-year-old bike.

Oh, those lugs! Beautiful. His current bike is TIG welded so this frame is new territory for him.

With Biopace chain ring—remember those? The oblong style was promoted to enhance pedaling efficiency, but the technology never caught on. With little wear, my husband will use the current set-up and only replace it when he has to.

That's the beauty of this particular bike. All parts are interchangeable and up-gradable.

I dig the black and red cable housing.

We love thumb shifters, especially because they are separate from the brake levers. This allows for customized hand-positioning. The frame color is one of a kind. The catalog describes the colors as earthy red and moss green. The only immediate drawback, according to my husband, is the wheels lack quick release. The sealed bearing hubs and rims are in impeccable shape though, which I view as a plus. The bike weighs 29 lbs, three more than his MB-3, but not of great concern as he regularly hauls panniers and a bathtub-sized toolkit.

Already he's cleaning the parts, accessing the condition—clearly he is smitten and excited at the prospect of an alternative bike and it's myriad possibilities.