1985 Bridgestone MB-2 Torched and Rusted ATB Build

[@vpcogworks]

The amount of effort you put into these videos, the perfectly elaborate commentary and the sheer uniqueness of your bikes makes your channel an absolute standout gem. This build is no different. Please keep them coming, your videos are therapeutic!

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thank you for your kindness. I'm glad you've enjoyed the work.

[@rael0803]

agree. really therapeutic. thanks for using some brown(?) noise as background.

[@ericmarth]

@@rael0803 I use nature sounds, my own recordings or some found on free sound libraries. This one has some sound of waves lapping the shore very faintly in the background.

[@ultraromance]

Nice one Eric! a tasteful remix of an 80s classic to be played on 90s college radio. the living finish lives!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Ron. We're live, we're local, we're broadcasting your favorite alternative radio at 80,000 watts right here at ninety-eight-point-seven, W-E-M-U. Stay tuned, we have the Stone Roses, the Feelies and Television coming up. Here's a new one from Galaxie 500.

[@whiffofbrine920]

working within the confines of your shed you have pulled out an exemplary transformation of a trusted thoroughbred for the ages Salutations are due you and your mates

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks to you, bruv!

[@fatrobdouble]

i mean, he roached the steel frame so it's not likely to last "ages" anymore

[@sharriffwinnhouser237]

my head just exploded with delight with your symphony of eternal wonder

[@ericmarth]

I hope there's a reprise to this symphony that allows your head to be pieced back together. Thanks so much!

[@wyattsurges5647]

transcendent otherworldly creation putting the U in unicorn Congratulations from the cosmos itself

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Wyatt of the Cosmos for sending these vibrations my way

[@FrictionShifter]

Almost cried a little when you deanodized the M952 rear derailleur, but it turns out really well and matched with that silver WTB headset. Built overall is so good.

[@ericmarth]

I'm glad that by the end I could convince you! I did figure some would consider de-anodizing that mech to be a mistake ;) Thanks for the nice note

[@watts391]

This man is a legend. 🚲

[@ericmarth]

"Man was built but from clay"

[@TheMetabolicMadness]

Jesus christ Eric! Just when I thought you couldn't top that Riv you pull this outta the bag! Stunning! Absolutely love these early 80's bikes. Well done sir!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so very much! I spent a lot of time thinking this one up.

[@organizedcrockery]

evidence of your staggering creativity in a landslide

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for saying so!

[@mountaincruiser817]

And another level up Eric. Really really nice project. I did something similar with a frame a while back, used a copper oxide solution with vinegar as a catalyst. Also clear coated it after. It did eventually started to rust lightly I then robbed burned linseed oil once and again to keep it nice. Maybe thats an idea for you when rust creeps up. Keep up these projects Erik it's a joy to watch. Again cheers from the Netherlands.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for your very kind words. Always fun to see what kind of stuff you can get up to with a living finish on metal. I'll keep an eye on the frame, hoping I can keep it in check. Cheers!

[@angusross7922]

Are you able to give more information on the copper oxide and vinegar solution. Or the acid you used Eric? Thanks!

[@mountaincruiser817]

@@angusross7922 not sure if your question was to Eric the maker of this video or to me but here what I did. I got a jar of copperoxide (blue powder). This is also used to enrich garden soil I believe. You mix this in some water till it devolves. with a brush I painted it on my steel bare metal frame. This solution looks like water just as thin. After every stroke I sprayed it down with vinegar in a plant sprayer. It's super cool, you see the clear liquid turn into copper instantly. Repeat this process till it's to your liking. In the end it looks like an old patina'd copper frame. A little like in Eric's video only a little lichter and copperich. To prevent the frame from rusting (because the copper layer is ultra thin) I used burned linseed rubbed over with a cloth and after a minute wipe it down with a clean rug and your good for weeks.

[@angusross7922]

@@mountaincruiser817 Thanks that is really helpful.

[@HITABikes]

Something about those brake cables just flying out of the tops of those levers really does it for me.

[@ericmarth]

Like a geyser of coiled steel springing forth from thy chromed bars

[@robappleby583]

Beautiful inspiring build. It makes my heart soar like an eagle to see people building up unique bicycles instead of just getting the latest gravel bike from whatever boring brand. Congrats on a great job and a really inspiring video.

[@Lousysuperior]

Oh my god this bike is beautiful. All those small touches really add up to something special

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks!

[@suchpastiche312]

your home made head badge just might wind up hanging in the LOUVE next to the Mona LIsa

[@ericmarth]

Ah, mais ouis! Merci, Monsieur Pastiche!

[@Conversationpace87]

Unreal. This is maybe your best resto video yet!

[@ericmarth]

Dang! Thanks, Steven.

[@captaincoyote1792]

Wow! Yours is literally a work of art! I still have my 1985 Schwinn Sierra….I bought it to keep on my ship (at that time, I was stationed aboard a Navy Oiler in Norfolk), so that I would have something to ride wherever my ship went…and sometimes I used it for my daily commute to the ship when in Norfolk. Mine is in Black Chrome. The Sierra was Schwinn’s early foray into the “mountain bike” category. I haven’t had the heart to part with it. I did improve the seat, new tires of course, and some nice flat bars….but she’s still original. And the “black chrome”still looks great!

[@ericmarth]

Sounds like a great bike, captain. I've never seen a black chrome frame, I'll have to look one up. Seems a bike would be a great way to get around when the ships came in!

[@lukehendrickson3669]

Obsessive attention to detail. I love it!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Luke! Should I have found some MAFAC tandems? Might have been more period appropriate :)

[@lukehendrickson3669]

@@ericmarth what you did was way cooler 💫

[@davepoplin]

Amazing skill and tasteful details. Worthy of the MADE bike show.

[@jared1212]

Always a treat

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Jared. I forgot to get a shot of that Campagnolo seat post binder ;)

[@ScottCopeland-yh9lm]

A work of art. Your hard work and artistic talent has paid off with one of the most stunning builds I’ve seen. Enjoy your day.

[@TheRickurb]

Seriously gorgeous dude

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Rick, I appreciate that :)

[@ryanoneill8734]

Absolutely incredible.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Ryan!

[@adhunt1]

Incredible build!

[@ericmarth]

Cheers, Tony!

[@whatissixtynine]

your videos make me super happy, and i'm very thankful for them. i hope i see more, but i'll happily rewatch again and again if i dont :)

[@ericmarth]

O-M-Gosh that is so nice to say! I have at least one in the hopper, hopefully ready for you soon

[@jasonstella74]

Such a great looking ride…

[@ryanho7033]

this was a spiritual experience, thank you

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@eggplant9277]

awesome build. love the patina and all the brass, and always love a dynamo. really fun mix of parts!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for saying so. Dynamo is such a delight. I do appreciate weathered metal and just had to embrace it all for this build.

[@vtharpe44]

Executing the vision in your head to this degree must be very satisfying. I can't yet seem to get the vague ideas on patina, texture, engineering and bicycles out of my head and onto a bike as well as you have here but I keep trying. Inspiring and informative. I look forward to your other videos!

[@ericmarth]

Virgil, thanks so much! Keep diving and those moments of transcendence are sure to come.

[@rpiereck74]

Quite a work of art! Well done. Beautifully bike!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks a bunch!

[@davidsaxby5400]

I started to think Why, Why, Why? But as the video progressed it got it and the end result is amazing. You truly have great vision. Your videos are always so well produced and the clear commentary is appreciated. As for the B&W final scenes, so cinematic and beautifully shot. Thank you.

[@ericmarth]

David this is a very warming comment, I thank you!

[@a.i.l.u.3485]

I would love that look on my Salsa Fargo. You sir are quite the artist.

[@ericmarth]

That sounds rad. And thanks so much!

[@paulmaurice4491]

Beautiful build! You are a real artist.

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks a bunch! Nice of you to say.

[@alecserra-wagneur4558]

Great project once again ! I built my commuter from an 86 Miyata Ridgerunner frame that had been repainted by the previous owner. I ended up selecting the same type of parts that you chose for this bike. I like mine but yours looks truly amazing !

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Alec. The Miyata sounds sick!

[@bernesepuppy]

Fantastic detailing and choice of components!

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks!

[@benspeedschannel888]

That’s an incredibly impressive build! Very well done indeed!! 😎😎

[@ericmarth]

Thank you for saying so! Cheers

[@172turtla]

Great job! The video is so well made, the bike is excellent. I love how you recycled so many older used parts into a work of art, do it all bike. Also liked that you had the BOB card in the background.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Len! Glad you caught the BOB membership card, I picked it up when buying some BOB Gazettes. Also have four Bridgestone tees from the Gazette days (BOB, RONA, Silca pump and Pino Moroni three green mice).

[@kaelawoods]

I'm reminded of an artwork i chanced upon at a friend's restaurant, she's a Japanese chef with who studied art and has a mini gallery at the front of her restaurant where she displays her personal collection of art. There was a piece that caught my eye, upon closer inspection i realised it was made with rust. The artist wanted to celebrate nature and created a lovely framed piece. It definitely stood out amongst the rest, the raw richness of texture, colors and tones. Your build is like that. It's also reminiscent of Kabazaiku, cherry bark craft which often yields dark reddish brown tones to lighter orangey browns. Nature is beautiful, and you've transformed this bike into a stunning piece of highly functional art. Thank you for sharing such inspiring work.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for sharing this, K.A., that is very kind of you. I'll look into Kabazaiku right away, sounds like something I'd appreciate.

[@DiegoCamarero]

Superb build. So much taste in it. Congrats Eric! You earned a new subscriber from Spain.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Diego!

[@charlesblithfield6182]

Your process very much reminds me of my own but yours is much more refined. I’m learning a lot from your videos and appreciate you making them.

[@ericmarth]

I'm glad to hear it, thank you!

[@wescheslak9408]

This is just everything good. I just came across your channel. Liked and Subscribed. What a great video.

[@ericmarth]

Much appreciated! Thank you!

[@PaoMadrid]

This channel deserves a lot of subs. The amount of work you do with your builds and videos are truly amazing. More power!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you Fidel! I appreciate your kindness.

[@Brackcycle]

Cool take. Great components mix. I really like that it took you a year to assemble the parts. Care and attention to detail shows in your build.

[@ericmarth]

Peter, thank you! I appreciate it, the whole build has still spent more time in my head than in reality.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Outstanding ! I thought I was out here alone in continuing to use Suntour brakes and bar ends. I have them on a couple bikes including my 1982 MIYATA Aero Pro I bought new and modded for daily driver use. I also own a Riv Hunqapilla which I bought new, one of the early elephant gray and kidney bean units.. killer bike. I have bikes such as my wife's Rive Cheviot under the stairwell, a 1983 SOMEC in my studio next to the MIYATA, my 1992 CADEX CFM in the bathroom in the basement, 1993 TREX MB in the storage shed...they're all over. Can't have enough bikes. From J'Ville in So. Oregon.... thanks for the inspiration. Liked and subscribed.

[@ericmarth]

Very cool to hear you're running some SunTour, Jeff! I think it's nice stuff, the Miyata sounds rad. A Hunq is a grail Riv for many! Sounds like you have a bike in every closet and cupboard, nook and cranny. Be well.

[@pottery1950]

Well done, a joy to watch and learn!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks very much!

[@Maik1968]

Simple comment: awesome and perfect 👍 greetings from Germany and thanks for this video 🌞🍀

[@ericmarth]

Thanks for watching!

[@themississippikidful]

Fantastic build , has that Ronnie Ultraromance look to it !

[@ericmarth]

Thank you and yes indeed, I am in his debt. Can I borrow twenty dollars?

[@themississippikidful]

@@ericmarth 🤣

[@Bernholesurfer]

Amazing build!, love that SunTour cap with the old logo too, kudos!

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Daniel. The SunTour hat is from a small batch I had made in December of 2022. I did a few runs and they've all sold out but I might make some more in the future.

[@Bernholesurfer]

@@ericmarth I'll be looking forward to it. I'll be wearing it while riding my 1987 MB-2 with that rear Rollercam brake that is a pain/delight to adjust depending on who you ask.

[@withfilm]

Incredible work Eric! I’ve caught myself up in my second riv inspired vintage mtb and your bikes/videos are a huge inspiration. My new fav bike channel hands down.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much! Enjoy those builds. Cheers!

[@gianfrancotornetta6875]

Amazing! You are and artist...

[@bob-o9865]

Nice build and inspiring! I have an old Bianchi Super set(in Black) it has some surface rust, I think I will clean it up and add some clear coat and put on a brooks saddle, toss out the 27 “ wheels for some 700c with gravel kings , keep the friction down tube shifters and idk about the derailers I’m not sure what handlebars to go with but I’m looking forward to getting it done! Thanks for your superb bike build videos!

[@ericmarth]

That sounds great! Wishing you the best on those upgrades

[@drewlyall6845]

Fantastic project Eric! Such a fun watch from up here in frigid, snowy, Montreal. Keep 'em coming, and take care. -Drew

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much, Drew. It's usually much colder here in Virginia this time of year but it's been weirdly mild in 2023. Temps this week in the 50s and 60s when they should be in the 20s and 30s. Take it easy!

[@davidf1288]

Awesome project build. Engineered with a truly artistic eye. Thanks for sharing your vision.

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thank you David!

[@davidf1288]

@@ericmarth I have an old Bridgestone steel HT M6 mtn. bike from 89 I bought new back in the day. The parts have long worn out. This would make a great project for it in bringing it back to life.

[@arleydial1124]

Beautiful Build!

[@bobwilliamson5574]

Fully sik man, wish I could make my carbon frame look rusty 👍.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you, Bob! There was a rusted production Specialized frame a few years ago, can't remember if it was carbon.

[@GrandSyzygy]

Beautiful craftsmanship between yourself and your fellow artisans and excellent editing my friend! I came here from the SR mixte video and have officially become a fan!

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thank you Christopher! I'm glad you could find something to enjoy here.

[@drewcarlson2562]

This is a terrific build! I discovered your videos thanks to Rivendell, and I'm glad I found it. I have a late 90's S-Works Stumpy I'd like to do something similar to. Inspired!

[@ericmarth]

Damn, thanks Drew! I appreciate Will included me in the email. Your 90s S-works sounds rad, enjoy the build!

[@Tedwarddddd]

Whole project looks great. I can really empathize with the radius of the head tube badges. It's so hard to get it right and every head tube seems to be just slightly different. You did fantastic work!

[@ericmarth]

Ted, thanks! The cutout of the B made it really tricky, many of my first bends had almost sharp corners. Learned to finesse it into shape, gradually. Laying that piece of steel over the badge in the cradle and hammering on it definitely did the trick. I've seen professional head badge presses and they're essentially the same shape and idea as mine, I knew I was on the right track but it was frustrating for a bit there. Thanks again for the kind feedback.

[@JimLBon]

What a cool bike. Well done.

[@ericmarth]

Namaste

[@Baha45315]

Cool,you put a hell of a lot work into that build 👍

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Evan!

[@allankamper7769]

Very nice. Well done. 😊

[@MrSchattka]

Awesome build. Thanks for sharing.

[@ericmarth]

Thank you for checking it out Bernie

[@TheRickurb]

Glad to see the vibra-benchcam is still functional

[@ericmarth]

The happy accidents of resonant frequency

[@glenngatzke5688]

Beautiful vid, love the end result! This was a special one.

[@ericmarth]

Couldn't have done it without your words & music, bruv

[@StevenBryanKnives]

Such a satisfying video to watch!

[@ericmarth]

Quite glad to hear it!

[@450STH]

Really nice inspiring video ! First time I see patina on a steel bike and its just amazing. I would really like to know what are the products you apply ? and where you got this technique ? Thank you very much and hope to see more videos from you ! Cheers !

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much! Check out "metal patinas," there are a few companies that make them and they have instructions and videos on how it's done.

[@tomwickert4158]

probs my fav build vid on YT

[@ericmarth]

Wow, thanks!

[@034BAL]

Another great one Eric. Nice bike and great video.

[@ericmarth]

Andrew, I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@G_Ozare]

Superb job! You gave great taste 👌🏼

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Gio, I'm diving and refining every day.

[@chrisl2285]

Awesome bike and great DYI video!!!! I've loved the look of that style finish ever since RBW put out a few raw metal Bombadil bikes. I think that look really appeals to the utilitarian bike nerd.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Chris! Yeah, the Bombadil finish was the first point of inspiration for me to consider a raw finish like this! The brass spilling out of the lugs is really good on those Rivs, especially on the raw Glorious mixte frames with the two-hearted seat lug!

[@patrickb840]

Haha man at the beginning of the video I though maybe it was just hipster trash but you did a really good job on this build, very tasteful. Keep it up.

[@ericmarth]

Glad I could shift your expectations, thanks Patrik!

[@glennpaulmusic]

Great build!

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks, I appreciate it!

[@paultaylorbikes]

I have no idea how I stumbled on this, but super cool. I may even borrow some ideas.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, Paul, I'm glad you found it. My thanks to the KZbin sidebar and autoplay. Enjoy!

[@gautam4697]

Good work

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks!

[@davidgutierrez6312]

Perfect work with ❤. Congratulations. We share hooby.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks, glad to hear that!

[@MrPhotodoc]

If I could even organize a beautiful shop like that, I would think I won the lottery. Then he goes on to create a one of a kind work of art. Wait, what just happened?

[@MrPhotodoc]

Subbed!

[@ericmarth]

This is a very kind comment, thank you Chuck! I think the work I put in to set up the shop has paid off, it's a real comfort.

[@chrisarnold462]

I was almost crying when you said you were de-anodising M951. Now mine is quivering in fear.

[@ericmarth]

Ha! I just like the silver

[@clayton3H]

amazing process

[@ericmarth]

I appreciate it, Clayton

[@BROWNBRONCO1]

Really like this video. How would you compare it to a Rivendell. Which is better?

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Sweet ride. Interesting finish.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks

[@pokey764ids]

Beautiful build! I'm all about patina

[@ericmarth]

Hell yeah, thanks Willie!

[@Joe_from_iowa]

Looks great Eric!! Thanks for sharing.

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks, Joe!

[@pierreviard1362]

so gorgeous!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks Pierre!

[@davidrobinson9507]

Nice one! I'm in the midst of re- making a Ritchey Ascent with a nice U brake from possibly 1988 or '87. Today, my sister handed me a saddle very much like your Brooks but made in India I think, by Hojabr, with six copper rivets and nice little perforations in the centre. The bike needs a frame refinish and while I really like what you've done, I'll need to work off the over- painted turquoise and see what's underneath. I'm a big believer in older well made parts like the big cannister thumb shifters and the heavy duty brake levers. I want to re-spoke the wheels with heavy gauge stainless, because this bike is designated to pull a trailer that I'm custom building. I love long wheelbase eighties mountain bikes as touring rigs. Instead of drop bars I usually go for two pairs of bar ends, above and below. That gives you lots of positions. Out of the saddle riding has become a necessity for me, as it saves me from soreness, and I can go into a big gear without straining my knees, using my hefty bodyweight to turn over the cranks. Best wishes, dave

[@ericmarth]

David, the Ascent sounds like a fun build. Good luck with your custom trailer! Some of the old parts are certainly robust. Enjoy that Hojabr and all to come!

[@gusnuk68]

such a gem

[@ericmarth]

I thank you, Wahid!

[@jillishan]

Really nice! What solution did you use for the patina?

[@CandidZulu]

Heat turns rust black. You can look into rust bluing firearms. Angier wrote the best book on it. Awesome build!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks so much! I've blued a few bits in the past but not for bikes

[@antoniocorigliano68]

Bravo 👏🏻amazing bicycle amazing video 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻ciao da Milano Italy

[@ericmarth]

Grazie mille, Antonio.

[@underbikingrules]

the best vids in the game!

[@ericmarth]

Many thanks to you!

[@starmichaelbuilds]

Interesting build! I especially like those cool headbages you had made! Any left for sale? Also in case you don't know, EAI (Euro Asia imports) makes a generic "campy hood in gum, black and white that fit the superbe levers very well and retail for about $20. If you ever want to go that way.

[@itsacorporatething]

Very cool bike!

[@ericmarth]

Thanks, I'm glad to hear it!

[@RestorationVideo]

*_Parabéns pelo seu talentoso trabalho _*

[@ericmarth]

muito obrigado pelo seu apoio

[@FranklinUHyde]

Sweet steed! My neurodivergence would (really) like to know if it was acquired from Craigslist or FB Marketplace?

[@MuckingMunt]

Hey Eric. Love your work - in build & video presentation. This one got you one more sub when it bubbled up in my feed. Just a query re: your deanodising of the Rear Der. I found your mix/link in the Appaloosa Update video.... Is there any concern with the Jestco remover affecting any of the non-metal parts like bushing or seals when you dunk the whole assembly? I've seen caustic solutions, usually utilising a generic granulated drain cleaner, used to do this before in a few other HowTos; but only with the parts disassembled as much as possible. Just curious if the Jestco product is very far removed from a diluted "Draino" (sodium hydroxide) solution.

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! Yes, that is a concern. I would definitely recommend taking the derailer down to bits and only de-anodizing the aluminum body and cage plates. I was too impatient to do this. I'd wager the Jestco is just as caustic as drain cleaner, if not more so.

[@paultinajero9733]

2:07 What is the name of that patina, where do I get it? So cool!

[@ericmarth]

Hi Paul - Thanks! There are a few patinas out there, try looking for "steel darkening patina" or "verdigris patina" depending on what you're after.

[@speedikat6822]

Nice job. I'm a new subscriber having just found your channel. I'm interested in your de-annodizing procedure. It seem to work well. Would you mind describing it?

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! Check out my Appaloosa updates video for more on the de-anodizing process. I use an anodizing remover from Jestco. It's toxic stuff, if you use it make sure to wear goggles, a respirator (vapor cartridges are best), gloves and make sure it doesn't touch your skin. I follow the instructions on the packaging. After removing the anodizing I rinse in water, then dry. After that it's too the buffing wheel where I use a while polishing compound.

[@riskyrax]

Dang another nice one! Maybe a copper water bottle to tie the room together ? Ha

[@ericmarth]

Thanks! That might be something to check out, if I can find a shape I like and confirm it doesn't have a clear coat before I purchase.

[@regXxX]

Love the patina! What do you spray during the second layering process?

[@ericmarth]

Thank you! That was a clear satin lacquer. Should have done three coats!

[@reinmutuc8999]

Great content and awesome build! 🤙🚲

[@ericmarth]

Hey, thank you so much!

[@coreymoseley3325]

Beautiful build, Eric. I'm curious about how you de-anondized the rear derailleur. Did you remove any parts beforehand, or did you simply submerge the intact derailleur in the de-anodizing mixture? Thinking about doing this to an old XTR m950 I have lying around.

[@ericmarth]

I dunked the whole assembly in the de-anodizer but I removed the pulley wheels. Wish I'd disassembled the whole thing! @Atboy has a good video about full disassembly of the XTR M952

[@coreymoseley3325]

@@ericmarth This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the reply.

[@alexvldz7]

I’m inspired. Can I ask what acid you used for the first layer of patina?

[@ericmarth]

Hey thanks! First round was a cleaner/degreaser. Second is called a "darkening patina," there are a few makers out there, internet search will get you there!