1991 Bridgestone MB-4 mountain bike orginally stocked at 27.5 painful pounds. Some people consider the Bridgestone mountain bikes the greatest mountain bikes in the world, and I'd have
to agree with them to a certain degree. The designers didn't bow to fad by adding technical or shiny gears designed to attract new customers.
In their 1992 catalog, Bridgestone boldly proclaimed their US bike lineup does not include something for everyone. Unfortunately, Bridgestone left the USA bike market after 1994, but they do still produce practical bicycles in Japan, where
the company originated.
For a time, I wanted to get a second-hand MB-1, maybe because it was more "prestigous," but looking back, the 1991 MB-4 frame weighs only 8 ounces more than the 1991 MB-1 (frame to frame comparison, no forks), but the MB-4 has rear
braze-ons (that probably accounts for at least 2 to 4 ounces of the 8 ounces right there) for a rear rack, and the 1991 MB-4's tubes are also lugged (some MB-4 models are not lugged). With all that steel on there, this wasn't just a bike, it was a tank. I have less interest in the MB-0 because the tubes are welded together. I've done all the maintenance on this bike ever since
I took it in once for a free tune-up within the first year of purchase. I've rebuilt the wheels on the fly (while touring). The only
problems I've had is removing the freewheel (never able to), but it's much easier to remove the cogs with two chainwhips. (If you replace the chain and your favorite cog starts to slip, just take the cogs apart and reinsert backwards.)
If you want to do maintenance on your own bicycle, try the Park Tool how-to web site.
I currently own two 18" models, but the 1995 Team Marin has become my favorite bike.
A spare tire tube is wrapped on the frame under the seat. The cable lock will be wrapped at the front of the frame under the handle bars. Also, at the front, a velcro strap
will attach the solar power battery charger.
A Specialized saddle bag will hold bicycle tool, glueless tire patch kit, chain-link tool, tube of lithium grease, spare lock key, plastic tire remover, bottle of teflon chain lube, and 10/11mm wrench.
At the bottom of the frame, there are 2 spare spokes secured with duck tape.
Upgrades: ($250 later with mostly used parts, the 1991 MB-4 weighs about 22.5 lbs including Tyvek homemade tire liners and bar ends on the bathroom scale; this weighs approximately 2 lbs less than the stock 1991 MB-1). Pictures of bike.
For a time, I wanted to get a second-hand MB-1, maybe because it was more "prestigous," but looking back, the 1991 MB-4 frame weighs only 8 ounces more than the 1991 MB-1 (frame to frame comparison, no forks), but the MB-4 has rear
braze-ons (that probably accounts for at least 2 to 4 ounces of the 8 ounces right there) for a rear rack, and the 1991 MB-4's tubes are also lugged (some MB-4 models are not lugged). With all that steel on there, this wasn't just a bike, it was a tank. I have less interest in the MB-0 because the tubes are welded together. I've done all the maintenance on this bike ever since
I took it in once for a free tune-up within the first year of purchase. I've rebuilt the wheels on the fly (while touring). The only
problems I've had is removing the freewheel (never able to), but it's much easier to remove the cogs with two chainwhips. (If you replace the chain and your favorite cog starts to slip, just take the cogs apart and reinsert backwards.)
If you want to do maintenance on your own bicycle, try the Park Tool how-to web site.
