Conference noted::bicycle

    
    Bridgestone Cycle (U.S.A.), Inc.
    
    West:  15021 Wicks Boulevard           <- where the catalogue came from
           San Leandro, California 94577
    
    East:  P.O. Box 49
           Belleville, New Jersey 07109
    
    
    Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd.
    No. 3-5-14 Nihonbashi
    Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103

    
    PS: Bridgestone is donating the proceeds from the catalogue to
        a worthy bicycling organization whose name I forgot.

    	John,
    
    	I just received my February 1992 issue of BICYCLE GUIDE. It
    	had (what must be) the same catalog info on page 11.
    
    	Scott

    
    what is it in the catalouge that is informative? 
    4 dollars seems high to see a manufacturers lineup for you to 
    buy . Can it be tax deductible? (kidding)

    
    The catalogue has a drawing and description of each model, including
    its best uses ("commuting," "training," "fire-roads," "racing," ...)
    and its advantages from the next lower model (e.g., RB-1 vs. RB-2),
    plus a table of geometries for those bikes, plus numerous articles
    on topics including:
    
      - "It's 1992 - Do you know your Q-Factor?"
      - "Fast-Forward Frames - Fad or What?" (by Lennard Zinn, framebuilder)
      - Chain-Waxing tutorial
      - Tire-Patching tutorial
      - How Bikes are Spec'd (the process, the philosophy, market constraints)
      - Advertising - how they write the ads, etc.
      - "beRating the Rags" - critique of major US cycling publications
      - "The 2.2% Solution" - Bridgestone's share of the US market, and
        bike shops vs. mass-merchandisers
      - Off-Roader's Etiquette
      - OS-Tubing (for MTB's) - how OS is enough?
    
    Plus, the model-descriptions contain a fair amount of editorial detail
    on why they specified certain components (e.g., Ultegra bar-end shifters
    on the RB-1, their top racing bike).  So it's an insight I don't normally
    get, into how a manufacturer thinks, and how the industry works.
    
    These are the ones that come to mind from memory.  $4 is a bit steep,
    agreed, and yet I sent off for this despite having no plans to purchase
    a Bridgestone, because it sounded intriguing (and because the $4 will
    be donated).  To me, it was well worth it.  If nothing else, you can order 
    one and pass it around, I guess.
    
    Of course that sum will also get you halfway towards a book on cycling.
    Or maybe a third of the way.  Anyway, I enjoyed the catalogue.
    
    -john

    
    I seem to recall last years having some of the same, but not as nice. 
    Intl Bike gave a "loyal" customer I know one for free - even though he
    didn't buy a Bridgestone either.  One thing I thought about as I looked
    through it was that it appeared they had, for lack of a better word,
    downgraded their line - or perhaps made it less expensive to get out
    the door?
    
    john

    
    Don't know about the downgrading - I'm not that familiar with 
    Bridgestone - but historically, that's been a way to maintain
    certain "price points" in the face of rising costs of components.
    I've seen that with other brands.
    
    -john

    John thanks for your .5 reply from my questions on .4 , I am sold
    on your exitement it does seems like a good investment.

The Catalog also has a questionnaire for you to sent back and they will pick
out 20 of them each month Jan.-Sept. for prizes. You can win T-Shirt,
Bridgestone Bicycle of choice, or other stuff. 

Also, It tell you have frames are jointed and list the advantages and
disadvantage of each method. 

Dou you know the difference between Cold Forge, Gavity-Casting, Melt Forge and
Hot Forge. The Catalog will also explain that too.

I don't know if our store will charge the $4 but If we do, I am sure you could
get the rebate if you buy a Bridgestone from us.

Huey
 

    
    John,
    
    Noticed in VeloNews that Bridgestone lost the name of the helmet winner
    from last year's catalog.  The details were someone from the Carolina's
    that used items from the kitchen, etc.  Got any ideas? They want to
    find him to give out the prize! Bike, I suppose?
    
    john
    
    ps - I'll be south 3/10-11, either Charlotte or Raleigh.  Will you
    still be across the water?

    
    Hi John,
    
    I'm supposed to be returning at the end of March, alas,
    so won't be there for your visit.
    
    Intriguing "Pineapple Bob" clues... I'll think on it.
    
    cheers,
    -john

    I was given one of the Bridgestone catalogues last night by a local
    bike shop...  This is a FUN document.  Whether or not you agree with
    opinions from Bridgestone, there is a good bit of useful information
    about bikes and bike technology in there.