This week’s Reader’s Rig comes from Bryan in New Jersey, who shares the 1993 Bridgestone NB-26 he picked up in great condition, had custom powder coated, and rebuilt into a capable and comfortable bike for any terrain. Read more about Bryan and his bike here…

Words and photos by Bryan Dalik (@bdalik)

My name is Bryan and I’m from Matawan, New Jersey, not too far from the Jersey Shore. I brew beer for a living and have been riding bikes for almost as long as I’ve been able to walk. Bikes have been a part of my life forever, but it’s only fairly recently that I’ve become very much so obsessed with cycling and all it has to offer.

1993 Bridgestone NB-26

I discovered Grant Petersen and read his book and it really aligned with the way I see the bicycle. It truly is a magical thing. My ideal cycling day includes a little pavement, mostly dirt and gravel, some fun singletrack, and a mid-way pit stop for some pizza and a beer along the way.

  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26

The bike is a 1993 Bridgestone NB-26. Apparently, the NB stood for “No Brainer.” My uncle Jeff (a lifelong bike mechanic) had a friend selling it as essentially new old stock, and I snagged it up and immediately started fantasizing about what I could do to it to really give it a Rivendell feel. I had it stripped and powder coated a really nice pastel minty pastel green (thanks Steadfast Powdercoating!) and built it up with my uncle as an upright that could be very capable of most riding terrain. It’s been extremely satisfying to manifest this idea in my brain and then have it come to fruition and work exactly how I imagined.

1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • Frame/Fork 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • Rims Araya 26 x 1.50
  • Hubs Shimano
  • Tires Simworks Panaracer Homage 26″
  • Handlebars Nitto Albatross
  • Crankset Shimano Altus
  • Pedals MKS Lambda
  • Derailleur Shimano Deore LX
  • Brakes Tektro CR720 Cantis
  • Shifter(s) Suntour Barend Shifters
  • Saddle Brooks B17
  • Seatpost Velo Orange Dajia
  • Stem Nitto Technomic
  • Basket Wald 137
  • Front Rack Velo Orange Randonneur
  • Front bags Sackville Medium sack
  • Other accessories Blue Lug Koma rear light, Velo Orange bottle cages

I think of the bike as a testament to Grant and his philosophy and how much I appreciate it. He always seems to be hanging on to older things (I think of him as cycling’s Yvon Chouinard), giving them new life. This bike has certainly begun anew and will be ridden for many years to come. So, thanks Grant for showing us all the way. And a special shout out to my uncle Jeff for helping me build it, making sure it rides great, and fueling my bike addiction fire.

  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26
  • 1993 Bridgestone NB-26

Find more from Bryan on Instagram @bdalik.

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