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Submitted by
yokohama1970
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Robinson TWP | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, easy to maintain Rock Shox & solid Shimano Deore LX components | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 Bridgestone MB-3 Single Speed Urban Bike w/ Ritchey Logic Rigid Fork.
| | Bike Setup: | MB-3 MTB has mostly original parts. Rock Shox Quadra 10, Zoom Stem, Shimano Deore LX, etc.. Tires have been replaced a few times. A few seats over the years.
MB-3 SingleSpeed has mostly original parts except for the Chain Tensioner, new seat & 26" Road Tires. | | Bottom Line: | I own two Bridgestone MB-3's. The 1994 is an MTB. The 1992 is a Single Speed Urban Ride.
My 1994 Bridestone MB-3 is an Excellent Single Track Bike, & hill climber. Simple to maintain. I would never venture away from Cro-Moly or Hardtail frames. So glad eBay has old school MTB's. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Q.
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Az. USA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd owner | | Strengths: | This is actually an MB-2. Beautiful condition, came with original brakes, (Ritchey) levers and stem / handlebar. Surprisingly light steel frame (Prestige / cro-mo mix). | | Weaknesses: | Wish I'd been the first owner | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper, Mongoose IBOC Zero-G | | Bike Setup: | XT thumbshifters, derailuers, stock wheelset, Avid SD shifters and v-brakes. IRC Mythos XC tires, Specialized stock cranks. | | Bottom Line: | This is actually an MB-2. I love this bike. One of the few advantages of a poor economy is that I was able to find this bike at a super-reasonable price!
It handles extremely well, very light and nimble. The XT rear derailuer has a short cage, which is rare, in addition to the smaller cog range in the rear. The shifters work really well and the brakes are sure stoppers! This is going to be my daily commuter (in Arizona). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
saxpride52
a Weekend Warrior
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Any Mountain (1995) | | Strengths: | Really nimble, original owner and it still runs so smoothly, mechanically sound. | | Weaknesses: | still running on a lot of original parts as i forgot about the bike for many years, so some gears don't work well. but its 15 years old... | | Similar Products Used: | specialized bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | As I grew up with the bike, i didn't realize it was such a treat until maybe a year or two ago. I personally didn't even realize it was a Bridgestone (what? tire manufacturer makes bikes??) until I needed a bike and I pulled it from the attic (after it having been there for a decade or so). Compared to all my friend's wal-mart specials, this bike is like liquid loving. What really blows me away is the confidence I have in maneuvering. I just read up there are differences in Bridgestones (read shorter chassis) which makes it turn with ease and confidence. the bike rides very smoothly too. some gears aren't working right, and i'm not a bike enthusiast right now so i'm not sure why, but other than that this bike is solid. btw here is a link to the original brochure.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1992/1992.pdf
If you come across one of these and are looking for an older, more sport oriented bike then definitely look into this bike!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Hope, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ottawa, Canada | | Strengths: | Steel frame is as smooth as butter and just keeps going for ever | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | I ahve upgarded the major components as they'v e worn out over the years (e.g. replaced with XT hubs and XTR derailleurs, Brooks leather saddle) Rugged old shifters are still going strong after more than 15 years | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike new in 1992 and I have ridden it without trouble for many thousands of miles. It has been across Africa and to the high Arctic on some of the worst roads and toughest trails on the planet. I've commuted on city streets, pulled a BOB trailer with 70lbs of gear, and loaded it down with panniers. There is nothing that this bike can't do. Right now I'm planning to get the frame refurbished and repainted to deal with the scrapes, scratches, and rust that life throws my way. It's probably going to cost $300 but it's money well spent to keep the best bike I've ever owned on the road.
My old Bridgestone still turns a lot of heads among those who know their classic rides! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
herbe chun
a Downhiller
from palo alto
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | cupertino hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | 1991 - never bought another bike | | Strengths: | exceptional ride and unique riding position | | Weaknesses: | ZERO | | Similar Products Used: | Never bought another bike since the Bridgestone MB-3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bridgestone does not make bikes anymore, but Bridgestone's MB bikes lives on... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
herbe chun
a Downhiller
from palo alto
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | cupertino hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | 1991 - never bought another bike | | Strengths: | exceptional ride and unique riding position | | Weaknesses: | ZERO | | Similar Products Used: | Never bought another bike since the Bridgestone MB-3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bridgestone does not make bikes anymore, but Bridgestone's MB bikes lives on... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from South Bend ,Indiana
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | roads | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | MB-4 | | Strengths: | duration and dependability of frame after 69,000.... original Front deraillier [suntour],& shifters 7 speed friction/index only can use friction now with 8 speed casette. | | Weaknesses: | none . had this bike new since 1991 after about 60,000 miles began to notice the radically detereoration of the frames livelyness | | Similar Products Used: | CyclePro Skyline | | Bike Setup: | MB-4 Ritchey tubing, fully lugged frame. one piece fork with eyelets & braze-ons..many diff components over the years | | Bottom Line: | after 69,000 miles of use since 1991 this rider of 155# and with occasionaly another 25# of gear loaded for xc road touring has finally whipped this frame into submission..Thought I was going to retire it at 100,000 but I'm not having any fun climbing with it anymore it just soaks up anything I put to it. Must retire this frame now it'been a good ride off & on the roads.......
I'm looking for a Good GT Backroads frame with the ridgid chrome moly fork...17-18"..for it has eyelets for racks for touring | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in pisgah | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | yard sale | | Strengths: | lugged steel, geometry and ground control. | | Weaknesses: | they don't make it anymore. On this model, the steel is not as good as earlier years when they used Ritchey Logic. | | Similar Products Used: | bridgestone mb-1 | | Bike Setup: | 1x7, thumbshifter, mostly stock with saddle, post, crank, and wheel upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | I have more fun on this bike than any other. I had an mb-1 back in the day and got rid of it for a bike with a suspension fork. (youthful mistake) I found this at a yardsale for 50 bucks in 2001 and bought it. I was riding a full suspension stumpjumper at the time. Now, that stump is gone. I have since added another mb-3 to commute on and found a 93 mb-1 that i have set up as a singlespeed. I rode the Kokopelli on this bike last year, really enjoyed the ride over the long haul. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shy alkan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tel Aviv, Israel
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Austin Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$107.00 | | Purchased At: | Pawn Shop | | Strengths: | Steel frame, good ride. Looks modern. | | Weaknesses: | for its age - no weakness | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Comp ST,
Fisher Sugar 3
Giant XTC SE2
Canondale Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Made it into a singlespeed. A mish mash of parts, some stock, some newer. This frame makes any part look good! | | Bottom Line: | This is a 1994 MB-3 SUS.
I am never selling this bike. Its fast and rugged, with a ride quality that makes me want to get on it again as soon as I finish a trail. Turning it into a singlespeed is the best thing that happend to this bike. Very stealthy - no one knows what it is (its former owner repainteded without any markings). Dumb luck finding it in a pawn shop (I didn't know what I was buying, seven years ago when I was just starting out with mountain bikes).
The bottom line is, if you get your hands on a Bridgestone, do not let it go. Steel is unbeatable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Kelly
a Racer
from Gilbert, AZ, usa
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Classic lug frame. Grant Peterson knows what he is doing and didn't fall prey to gimicks. | | Weaknesses: | Where? on the MB-3....nada! | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Hopper, Fisher HK2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock baby! I did mangle the fork and replaced it with another steel one. The owner of the shop that put the new fork on couldn't get over the quality of the frame even though it was about 10yrs old at the time. | | Bottom Line: | I worked at a shop and bought my MB-3 directly through our rep. back in '90. It's all red w/ yellow graphics and I wouldn't get rid of it for any $$$$. When people ask me what type of bike I have the have this glazed look when I tell them Bridgestone. Newbees just don't understand the classic styling and/or appreciate that Bridgestone made something other than tires.
When I go it goes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Walburn
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunstable, MA. U.S.A
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Browns of Beverly | | Strengths: | The tougest bike you could be lucky enough to own | | Weaknesses: | none unless you ovalize the headtube like I have | | Similar Products Used: | jamis, kona,haro,you name it i've owned it | | Bike Setup: | new xt 9 spd kinesis fork spinergy wheels old school xtr yes the big chainring stuff | | Bottom Line: | My Bridgestone MB-3 has had many forms over the years from an all out road bike to trials to freeride,thats how the head tube went south I think the big drops in Lynn woods.I'm going to try and fix the headtube.This was my first real bike I bought as a frame and fork set in 1993.I've been a mechanic in the past and have ridden them all but nothing rides like my MB-3, My uncle has a 1994 MB-1 that I've got my eye's on but he won't part with it;smart man.If I could only go back in time and buy 10 of these things I would in a second. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Harrington
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | david.harrington@mindspring.com | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | steel, long top tube, balanced, SOLID AS A ROCK | | Weaknesses: | You will never want to part with it-EVER | | Similar Products Used: | fisher pro-caliber | | Bike Setup: | stock-stock-stock-ok, one mod and that is a cinelli unicanter seat | | Bottom Line: | Seriously, B-stone was such an awesome company. I have beat this bike (and I am 200 lbs) and this thing never gives out. Once, I mangled my rear der. on a log (actually twisted the body of the der. to a 45 degree angle and the dropouts didn't even budge. I am looking at a lemond ti and a cinelli but seriously I can't ever see myself riding anything else. Thank you to the person that sold me this bike (my road bike is collecting dust). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john su
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles, ca
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | el prieto | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | missing link, berkeley | | Strengths: | steel, stiff but compliant, great handling | | Weaknesses: | heavy compared to modern hardtails | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to 1" threaded indy xc, xtr 8 speed shifters, selle saddle, white industry/217 wheels, 26.5lbs | | Bottom Line: | an update to my earlier post... i've had this bike 10 years now... gradual upgrading as parts broke including xtr 8 speed, indy xc fork. the original threaded headset or maybe its the fork is having some play now. the 1" is very limiting. the original lx crankset is still going strong although chainrings are pretty worn out. i've got a raceface turbine set waiting to put on it. i love this bike and with the "new" used white/217 wheelset i just got it just flies up hills (had lx/rhynolites previously) and the weights down to 26.5 from 28.5 stock. the frame is close to 5.5lbs i believe so i'm tempted to upgrade to a lighter 853 steel or titanium 3-4lbs frame. the mb3 maybe retired to commuting duty only but i still love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve c
a Cross Country Rider
from bradford ma
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Farina cycles | | Strengths: | incredible frameset. ritchey logic tubing is great, steel is great anyway. | | Weaknesses: | has a long top tube for me. but other than that, nothing!! | | Similar Products Used: | none. my first mtb. although now i just got a used Ted Wojcik full suspension frame for a project build. | | Bike Setup: | kept it stock for a bit and i ended up changing out the front end to a Specialized FS Carbon fork (basically a Rock shox Mag 21), Answer bar and stem and changed to Grip Shift. everything else is still stock and running strong. original paint job, maroon, is still good too!! | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money at the time and still today. show me where you can get a steel lugged complete bike for $700 new!! and using a nice tubeset to boot!! simple design, strong frame, decent parts, short money to upgrade the front end, couldn't have done any better!! love the bike dont think i'll ever part with it. unless of course the right amount was thrown my way!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rose Battle G
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaufort, SC
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugar Bottom, Solon, IA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Can't Remember, IC, IA | | Strengths: | Resiliant, well balanced, versatile, nimble, hard, perfect fit. I purchased this bike in the fall of 1992 and have been riding it ever since-- for 11 years now. Won a couple NORBA cross country races on it from 93-96. In my last race in 96 I was noticably the only competitor with no suspension and my Bridgestone MB-3 was admired by all. I take this bike everywhere with me. It has been on hard top, gravel roads, single track and snow. It has been used for racing, weekend trail riding, weekend road riding, commuting and I even used it while hunting for pheasant--just sling my shotgun on my back and have my dog run through the ditches when she points I jump off my Bridgestone and shoot. It has been looking a little rough lately but nothing a good cleaning can't take care of. She is one of the best investments I have ever made in my life. | | Weaknesses: | This product has no weaknesses. The only weakness is that they are sadly no longer sold in the US. | | Similar Products Used: | Richey | | Bike Setup: | I have Deore XT brakes, Deore XT front derailer, Deore LX crank, Selle Italia Seat, Shamano PD M525 pedals, Specialized Handlebar Grips, Specialized Small Bar Ends and I am on a third set of tires--Mongoose Hanz. I have a stock rear derailer and stock Richey wheels. It is a 15.5 inch and a beautiful maroon color which polishes really well. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will be with me until the very end. It is hard to believe that there would be anybody out there who would get rid of or sell this awesome machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Perl Charles Memorial Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Outfitters (OOB) | | Strengths: | Excellent components, tough as nails frame. Has NEVER let me down. | | Weaknesses: | NONE for its day. Just an awesome piece of engineering. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn High Sierra and Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the wonderful addition of a Manitou EFC front shock. Dumped the BioPace chain rings many years ago. Shimano Deore brakes, shifters and derailers. Ritchey Vantage rims. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike brand new back in 1987. Prior to that I owned two different bikes in short span of 3-4 years. What does that tell you?
I LOVE this bike. I have babied it, abused it, neglected it, ridden the heck out of for a commuter bike (26 mile RT) and tortured it on the rocks of the Phoenix Mountain trails.
It has never let me down. Nothing has broken in 16 years. My son, who has a full suspension bike, prefers my MB3 over his bike. Other than accessories being a somewhat difficult to locate, owning this bike has been a true gift.
I'll keep riding this machine until it completely wears out - which doesn't appear to be anytime in the near future.
If I could give MORE that 5 Flamin' Chilis, I would.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Etbana Yunaris
a Cross Country Rider
from Kudus Central Java Indonesia
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Muria Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | This is my favourite bike because of good stength and feel smooth to ride. | | Weaknesses: | More weight if compaired with another. Producing was stopped so we can't find the new models. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Oakley and Trek 16.
| | Bike Setup: | All of component is Shimano Deore DX and Ritchey Logic.
| | Bottom Line: | This is smart bike. I never think to change to ride another bike. The price is the best for new biker. Lets enjoy with this bike........ I suggest to another new biker to try this smart bike and ...... Good Luck!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rex
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bella Vista | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bay Path Cycle in 1991 | | Strengths: | Beautiful bike with amazing ride charactristics. | | Weaknesses: | Headset failed after about 500 miles of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M400, Bridgestone MB-0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I rode a Cannondale M400 prior to MB-3. After testing MB-3 in the parking lot, I knew I had to get it. It made the ride much more comfortable and handeled amazingly. I got rid of MB-3 to trade up to 1991 MB-0. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
travis perich
a Cross Country Rider
from ventura
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | gridley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | out of business | | Strengths: | rides uphill,downhill and streets-all in one | | Weaknesses: | got stolen, looks like an expensive hardtail (with the lugs) | | Similar Products Used: | didn't need to | | Bike Setup: | replaced with judy xc, V-brake, XT rear, road/trail wheelsets, kept topthumshifts, clip XT pedals, sealed bearings... | | Bottom Line: | I was reading this review site, and saw the MB3 review, and brought tears to my eyes! Mine got stolen, out of my shop, on a rainy night 2 years ago.
This was a bike I had dialed in for the 6+ years I had it(don't know the year but the dark green/cream). I replaced all the LX stuff with XT (except the thumbshifts) as it broke. And a first year JUDY XC. Try to find a 1" threaded headset now!
This bike was the kind when you know exactly what to expect from an old friend.
like someone said above, it saved my life a million miles, but also made me ride harder and crazier because it was so damn solid.
It rode streets (ventura to SD 200+ miles 2x) as well as great ventura/santa barbara singletrack with ease.
Even against friends who had full suspension..
I just got a DBR-X4 full suspension, which is a great deal bike, but the MB3 just is like an old girlfriend you always wonder what happened to, oh well.
(And even though the new bikes a creampuff, I'm still checking out the market for other stuff!! I never even cared with the MB3)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Sky
a Weekend Warrior
from South Burlington, VT, Chittenden
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Camp Johnson | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | STEEL! Tough, smooth, indestructable and a lot of fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, old shocks died and had to be replaced requiring expesive headset upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialzed Rockhopper, 1991. | | Bike Setup: | Shimanoe LX components,Ritchey logic headset, bars, grips. Still on the old Arya rims. Manitou SX suspension fork. (Suspension rocks) | | Bottom Line: | I will ride this bike until it dies, or I do. After 8 years of hard riding and the occasinal race this beauty keeps on rolling. I am sure that I will never be able to replace this bike so I will probably (gasp) take up road riding when it finally goes. If you can find an old MB-3 buy it as fast as you can, you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Su
a Cross Country Rider
from brookline, ma
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Missling Link, Berkeley, CA | | Strengths: | bombproof, stiff, understated workhorse-racer, classic | | Weaknesses: | bridgestone's no longer around | | Bike Setup: | deore lx shifter, hubs, cranks (mostly stock, one 2nd set of shifters from tree bashes), sunrims (original arayas would no longer stay true), vetta tri-shock vanadium, original rockshox quadra 10 (really has to go!), 27lbs for 19.5" model | | Bottom Line: | bought this bike over 7 years ago, my sophmore year at berkeley, 1993, the year bridgestone left the us market. was on-sale and i couldn't pass up getting this legend of a maker, which always seemed to spec decent parts on classic frames.
that said, my 93 is quite un-bridgestone like with the oversized welded frame, rapidfireplus shifters and fork (prior, most bridgestones were lugged, thumbshifting, shock-less...quite retro).
i love my mb3. its survived pounding after pounding riding the east, north, and southbay of the bay area, lake tahoe, and the last 4 years in new england! the fork is really shot, but the geometry is ideal for singletrack.
it's just a super-solid, quick and reliable hard tail that will last another 7-8 years... i'll be heading back to california soon, and may pick up a full-suspension as they seem to be getting light enough. but it will be hard to part with the mb3. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Starr Pass | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Swap Meet | | Strengths: | ('93 model) Strong, steel, lugged construction, perfect geometry, high zoot with those who know, great for sandbagging those who don't, better bike than I am a rider. This is the best bike I have ever owned. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy, 1" headset size limits forks available now, paint and decals soft and scratchable, these are completely nitpicks, there is nothing really wrong with this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Many by Specialized, Trek, Schwinn, Cannondale, Mantis, Gary Fisher, Diamond Back | | Bike Setup: | XT rear derail, XTR rear hub/ Velocity rim and 8 speed cassette, Sachs chain, Suntour XC Pro shifters, Judy fork w/Englund Total Air (have also had Mag 21), WTB front hub and Laserbeam rim, other lightweight parts, some titanium bolts, I have upgraded almost every single part in this bike, some several times, and the frame has always repaid my investments. I have it down to an honest 26.5 lbs as measure by a reliable hanging scientific scale. (I weigh over 200lbs, by the way, if you weigh less, you'll probably just like it even more.) | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike in slightly used condition from a woman whose family runs a shop here. It is, IMHO, the ideal working man's bike, a real citizen racer, a do it all trail bike for desert and Southern Rockies mountain riding and would probably outlast me if I take minimal care of it.
I paid $1300 for a Mantis Pro Floater frame in '93, it was fine, though the MB-3 handles better and always climbed better, the Mantis lasted 7 years and then the swingarm cracked mid-tube and can't be economically repaired. Richard Cunningham (editor of MBA that designed the Mantis and owned the company at the time) had no recommendations as to repair, I tried an aluminum specialist I found on the web and the bike broke again 1/2" from the repair after the first two rides. So much for aluminum AND full suspension longevity. Steel is real.
You could get a bike this nice for $2,000 or more, you could even get a Seven or other custom titanium frame built as an exact copy and shed a pound or maybe even two. When I get $3,500 or so with nothing else needing it worse, I may do just that. 'Til then this bike does everything I need and has run me about $1K including all the parts upgrades. MB0's, MB1's, MB2's and MB3's are all available on eBay from time to time. If you have patience and some bike knowledge, or a maechanic you can trust and dollars to toss his way, you can have a blue-collar classic. Those who know will nod with respect and approval. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sequoiah Creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | SF bay area | | Strengths: | Although I got this '91 Bridgestone used and most of the decals were already gone, that really doesn't matter. It has withstood everything I have ever thrown at it even though I average about 2000 miles per year on this bike. | | Weaknesses: | What weakness? The decals? | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Specialized, Marin, GT | | Bike Setup: | Like I said, I don't know what model this is, but its got LX everything, that rugged Cro-Mo frame that I have come to love over the years, and various Ritchey components scattered around. It did need bar ends, but that as not a problem, and I put on some XT brakes after the old canti's finally wore out. | | Bottom Line: | Bridgestones have got to be one of the longest lasting bikes on the road. Nothing but good stuff to say about them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado(all of it), Kettle Morraine | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Willy Street Bikes | | Strengths: | Everything, I had this bike for eleven-years and did everything I wanted it to. Then, stupidity took hold and I bought a full-suspension bike and gave my MB-3 to a friend in Colorado, what a mistake. The MB-3 could handle anything, respond to any conditions and rode smooth. I even raced the bike and use to laugh at riders with the high end bikes, now I'm one of them. It must have been the altitude. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing-just a former owner who is in distress. | | Similar Products Used: | None. The MB-3 was all that I needed. | | Bike Setup: | stock with smoke tires | | Bottom Line: | This was the greatest bike. I would gladly give back my full suspension for my old MB-3. The bike climbs well, responds to tight switch backs and goes like mad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tobin Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Resurection Pass, AK | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | St. Louis, MO | | Strengths: | Intelligent choice of components, no all Shimano. | | Weaknesses: | Not the MB-zip, but for about half the cost, you can't complain. | | Similar Products Used: | MB-5, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock, new mavic rims, fatboy slick tires | | Bottom Line: | I love that Bridgestone bikes put the best individual components on bikes (for the money). It was like building your own bike from the frame up, only they did it for you. Those little dia comp 986's will still stop a bike just fine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle Mountain
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Gourmet Bikes | | Strengths: | Durable, this bike just won't die. Technical climbs (climbs like a mountain goat). Retro top-mount shifters (never miss a shift - durable). | | Weaknesses: | Much funner on smooth single track then it is on hard - fast decents (i.e. Porqupine rim). | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab-1 (cromo), Gary Fisher Paragon. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Diore (top-mount) shifters. Avid SD 2.0 levers, Avid SD 20 v-brakes. Selle Italia Flite saddle. Sun CR17 Rims, LX hubs (7 speed 12-34) Panaracer Fire XC Pro 1.8. XT rear LX front Derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | I still LOVE this bike, I have to ride it every once in while just to remind me why I started Mountain Biking. On smooth, snaking single track, I have never felt as connected to the trail or the bike. On hardpack, this bike is extremly responsive - and fairly secure on loose fire roads (the transition into a two wheel slide is fairly predictible). But where this bike really shines is technical climbs - there is no wasted energy here (no suspension).
Oh well, I could go on and on here - but I won't. I sure wish that Bridgestone would return to this market again (with cromo frames) - If you can get your hands on a BridgeStone, get it - you wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainbow Jersey | | Strengths: | Indestructable. This was my messenger bike, trail riding bike for Kettle Morraine and it lived in the SW with me. Now it's a commuter. Won't die. | | Weaknesses: | I replaced the headset after it crapped out. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for headset and Continental tires. | | Bottom Line: | Sometimes I hate it because it won't go away. I haven't done anything except grease it for the last 5 years. I've had it for nine. It's the best bike I've ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dude
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Barton Creek Green Belt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Great Handling, Bombproof Components, Good Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Factory Rims are weaker than rest of the bike. The bike's perfect geometry makes it hard to use other components | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 920 | | Bike Setup: | Everything Factory Except the Rims. | | Bottom Line: | This Bike RULES THE WORLD! I have owned this bike for 9 years now and it is still the best bike I have ever ridden. It has no suspension because the bike is absolutely perfect how it is. I have since perchased a newer Trek 920 and still ride the Bridgestone more often because it is just that good.
Almost all the components are no longer made, but that's OK because they never wear out! I slighly bent the chain ring on a huge rock a few years ago and it is still kickin' butt. The Shimano Diore shifters and derailuire (sp?) have not been tuned in about 7 years and they still rock! (no wonder they don't make these components anymore: they don't make any money on them because they last forever)
As far as value goes... LOL... its 10 Flamin' Chilis! You can't buy 1/4 of the bike today for $800!
Who this bike is for: someone who loves riding and feeling the trail, loves 100% responsiveness to every move. Trail freaks who wanna crank out some adrenaline.
Who should NOT buy this bike: (1)If you want a nice cushioned ride and a bike that is very forgiving, this bike is NOT for you. (2)If you are looking for an expensive, useless composite-frame, fully-suspended bike that looks really cool, go spend your money on something else that will pump your ego better. (3)the bike is probably no good for staight downhill.
Bottom Line: If you are thinking about buying an MB3 (with mostly original gear), you will not be dissatisfied.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Lemberger
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison WI USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Area 25.5 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Willybikes | | Strengths: | Tough as nails
Nimble
Light for its age
Did I mention tough? | | Weaknesses: | I'm afraid some old school grouch will beat me up and take it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850, Raleigh Technium, GT Karakoram K2, lotso steel stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly original, except for '98 XT crank, Stronglight Delta headset, Zoom Brahma bars. | | Bottom Line: | After my Raleigh got stolen in '93, a salesperson at the local shop talked me out of a Miyata Alumacross and into this bike. Thank God. It's by far the best bike I've ever owned. It's nimble without being unpredictable, fits me really well, has a comfy steel ride and has been tough, tough, tough. I I've ridden this bke to work most of the time for almost 7 years, taken it through 2 Wisconsin winters (and no more--I have a junker for that now), sown my offroad oats on it and pulled my kid in a trailer with it.
I've hired other bikes to do a lot of this stuff now--an FSR for offroading and a beat-up Giant for commuting, but I still ride the MB pretty regularly because it's sill a better bike.
My only regret is that if anything ever happens to it, it would be difficult to replace. They just don't make them like that anymore.Hats off to a truly great bicycle product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew Krenz
a
from conway arkansas
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | everywhere in Minnesota and Colorado | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | The alt-mpls, Mn | | Strengths: | I have had this mb-3 for 8 years, daily rider. i also, have an 1992 mb-2, and a 1991 mb-1. I do not think there is a better bike for the money during the early 1990's. This bike is the one that i enjoy the most. | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | 1989 rockhopper comp | | Bike Setup: | My 1992 mb-3 does have all deore dx. Please feel free to e-mail me. If somebody can tell me why everybody is saying, that thier, mb-3 came with deore lx. | | Bottom Line: | i am keeping my other bridgestones in grand condition. my 92 mb-3 looks a little used! The bridgestone mb-3 is for the money the best bike i have ever owned. old school rocks! also, my mb-3 is the only bike that i have that has traveled everywhere with me!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P. Weberdude
a Weekend Warrior
from Malden, MA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Stiff Frame
LX Components
Ritchey Wheels | | Weaknesses: |
Weight
Military Green Color | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant
Kona
Marin
Klein
Cannondale
et.al. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock - hardtail ... nd we don't need no stinkin' shock in the front!! | | Bottom Line: | Why, oh, why did this bike go away?! As mentioned by the others, this baby's bomb-proof. I've only replaced the LX shifters (for GripShift), a freewheel & a chainring, and the tires. (Thoe Ritchey ZMax STOCK tires took a LONG time ot bite it! - and I ride a couple of times/week almost the entire year!!)) I'm FINALLY down-grading it to my 2nd bike, as it just wouldn't give up the ghost. (I'm looking at relacing it with a Bontrager.) Yes, a steel framed bike weighs a bit more, but I love the FEEL of steel and only a racer needs worry about the weight diff. WHATa steel bike this is!! Like one of the dudes said, if you can find one used, snag it!! Long live steel frame makers!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
streets o cambridge | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Beautiful Frame, Bomb-Proof, Trustworthy | | Weaknesses: |
one-of-a-kind
(they don't make 'em like they used to) | | Similar Products Used: |
you-name-it | | Bike Setup: |
replaced dia-compe brakes w/ LX
replaced worn-out DX thumbshifters w/ XT | | Bottom Line: | Oh what a beautiful bike. The ritchey logic tubing and elegantly lugged frame are a standard yet to be matched. After 6 years of abuse the baby still ran smooth (note component replacements above ) until just last week -- when the front wheel gave up the ghost. Frame is scratched but solid. Now, the only kind of bike I can be happy with is a hand-built steel frame -- I've been drooling over the IF Deluxe and Planet X, in fact. If only I could find 9 speed thumb shifters to put on a new hardtail... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Lague
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambridge
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Backwoods Vermont | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
very solid, indestructible | | Weaknesses: |
Heavier than the average ride. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona, Giant, Trek | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike way back in the early 90's and have tried to kill it for the past couple of years so I can retire the old girl, the bottom line is it won't die.
If you can get your hands on a good condition MB3 DO IT they're amazing.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eeny Bear
a Weekend Warrior
from West of the Rockies
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
West Coast Trail (hike not bike) | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
State of the art when I bought it in 1990. Still rides like new. Ritchey tubing and Deore LX components made the bike bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: |
Certainly heavier by a pound or so than comparable modern steel frames due to the gusseting. | | Similar Products Used: |
I'm not into brag lists... let's just say several - besides, the only way you'll get one now is 'used' so comparisons to modern frames are unfair | | Bike Setup: |
Stock rigid until 1998 then I swapped in a Z2 Bam with 1 steerer and threadless headset and LX V brakes and Time ATAC pedals and Selle Flight Italia saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Mine is the gussetted model which accounts for its added weight but also for its incredible lasting power. Later models had the unfortunate habit of cracking around the BB under harsh conditions. For what it was and continues to be I can find no fault with this bike. As some may know, its no longer my primary bike but I still ride it and enjoy it as much as any hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from NM
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
TOUGH | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy.
UGLY | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 930
GT timberline
Giant 860
giant 890 | | Bike Setup: |
Mavic wheels
WTB Velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | 94 model Oversized steel frame. full lx components Quadra 10 fork.
This is an underrated bike
This bike is indestructable i use and abuse it but cant break it.
It is a good backup bike
| | Overall Rating: |
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