Product Description
This is among the finest builds I've seen on an RB-1, and it's owned by then Bridgestone sponsored racer Chris Kostman. Chris's red 93 RB1 he was racing was stolen, and Grant Petersen gave him this one to replace it (full story in letter of authenticity in images). The build starts with a period correct 7 speed last gen Suntour Superbe Pro groupset including the rare hidden spring brakes & Avocet R1 saddle. It gets a little less period correct from there but stays towards classically styled (ish) top level parts. Highlights include Chris King Classic hubs laced to Campagnolo Montreal 76 rims, Nitto Lugged quill & Dream Bars.
The RB road bikes were special beasts for their time. They took styling cues from classic Italian racing bikes and made it more functional and practical. The frame/fork fit up to 32mm tires (perhaps 28mm with fenders), and slack-ish angles for a more comfortable ride, and fender eyelets front and rear. Plus, they feature that gorgeous biplane fork crown!
Condition
The frame and components are in lovely condition, and Chris says both have about 1,000 miles total. First thing to note is there are a few paint chips on the seat cluster that Chris says has been there as long as he's had it. A few framebuilders told me they're just in the paint, and the inside of the seat tube is perfect. You can see on the one that reaches the top edge of the cluster that the crack doesn't travel into that upward facing edge even slightly. Other than that, nothing serious to report. No dents, dings, bends, cracks, rust. Always stored indoors and maintained by a pro mechanic. Decals are pristine or very close to it with exception of some wear on the seat stay RB-1 decals. As for paint wear the most significant include some chain slap on DS chainstay a couple chips top of top tube that were touched up with a yellow that didn't quite match, and a smattering of scratches / minor scrapes throughout. Components are in wonderful mechanical condition, with some light cosmetic wear. Front tire looks new, rear looks close to new. Overall, photos show the condition accurately. This machine has a LOT of good looking miles left in it.
Frame details
- Frame number: xxx2997
- Color: Yellow
- Tubing: Ishiwata 022 (equivalent of Columbus SL)
- Frame size: 57.5cm (based on seat tube center to top of seat tube opening). See photos for full geometry chart from the 93' B'stone catalog
- Top tube: 57.5cm
- Seat tube: 57.5cm c-tt, 55.7cm c-c
- Head angle: 73.5 degree
- Seat angle: 73 degree
Components
- Superbe Pro 7 speed group (except Suntour Sprint brake levers)
- Crankset: Superbe Pro 175mm x 49/39t
- Wheelset: Chris King Classic in Silver, Campagnolo Montreal 76 rims
- Stem: Rivendell / Nitto Lugged quill, 100mm
- Bars: Nitto Dream, 44cm with Ambrosio Bike Ribbon perforated tape in white
- Seatpost: Ritchey, made by Nitto
- Tires: Challenge Parigai Roubaix 700x27c
- Saddle: Avocet Racing 1
- Cassette: Shimano
- Bottle cages: King Cage