I purchased that bike in the early 1990's as a used bike. It was about 7 or 8 years old at the time and if I recall, I paid something like $200 for it. Not sure the list price for the RB-2 when new, but most likely somewhere around $600 sounds about right. It was in mint condition so the $200 I paid for it was a bargain. Bridgestone had several RB models: RB-1, RB-2, RB-3, and I think even an RB-4. The RB-2 is a middle of the road performance road bike stocked with good quality components.
Of all the vintage equipment I use, two items stand out when it comes to receiving compliments on them; my 60 year old 22 rifle and my RB-2. I cannot count the number of times I have been out riding over the years and run across another biker whose first words of greeting are, "I really like your Bridgestone...good looking bike." Seems my pace increases after such encounters. What I find amusing is most other riders I run into are riding newer, light weight high tech bikes and they are excellent bikes for sure, but my old RB-2 can keep pace with them...well, the bike can, not so much the rider anymore.
Some years back I loaned it to a good buddy of mine who wanted to participate in a multi-day bike ride. His old clunker bike just was not up to the task, so I offered for him to use mine. A week later about all he could do was praise how that bike performed flawlessly during the several hundred miles of riding he had to cover. He also mentioned that numerous other riders threw out compliment after compliment on how much they liked the looks of that bike.
It's not the lightest, nor is it equipped with the best components, but along with its flawless performance, its design and color scheme is what makes it stand out. Over the years I have literally pedaled thousands of miles on it.
In more recent times, those miles have been reduced to a few occasional jaunts around the neighborhood, the reason being is...well, I'm just getting older. The bike it seems has held up better than its rider. Truth is, I recently learned I have a circulation issue with my right leg, something to do with a clogged up Iliac Artery, you know, the one that branches down into the lower extremities. Seems when I put too much stress on that leg, well, it's just not getting enough blood flow into it and that's when all the discomfort kicks in. The vascular doctor who diagnosed the situation said it was like I was experiencing a heart attack except in my leg. Fortunately, my old guy's heart looks to be in pretty good shape with the CT scan showing everything looking clear and clean. We're trying a few things to see if we can improve on the leg situation and hopefully, in the near future I'll be able to once again take off on one of those fun cross country rides without worrying about if my leg is going to hold up.
There are not many things more rewarding than reaching a point where your physical conditioning meets your desire to get out and ride. Cruising along at a good pace with the wind in your face, blue sky above, and a warm sun across your back and feeling good about it, well, I have certainly missed being able to do such things. (Stupid leg...). But...never underestimate an old guy with a bum leg and his vintage road bike. I just might catch and pass you on the road someday. Hope to see you out there.
