What do people think of older Nishiki road bikes?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What do people think of older Nishiki road bikes?
Specifically wondering about Nishiki bikes from the 70s and 80s? Are they fine bikes, worth anything?
#2
Senior Member
I don't know but I recall a guy next door to me from the big island in the college dormitory in San Diego who rode a gorgeous, silver one w/ full Campy every day in the mid 70's. He was very fast on the bike and at the time he could have afforded anything and yet he chose to ride this all through college.
Come to think of it...wonder if he/it is the reason that both of my road bike frames are old Merlin titanium frames purchased used (that will never see the landfill) and used to own a titanium frame Moots YBB.
I'm mostly a trail rider, ride a rigid Fatback Corvus fatbike (1X12) year round (non-snow set up w/ 27.5" X 2.8" rubber) and am going to change the 2X10 on the compact Merlin frame (w/ Ericksen ti sweetpost) to 1X11 SRAM Force 1 44T or 46T/Shimano 11-42 later this winter.
Come to think of it...wonder if he/it is the reason that both of my road bike frames are old Merlin titanium frames purchased used (that will never see the landfill) and used to own a titanium frame Moots YBB.
I'm mostly a trail rider, ride a rigid Fatback Corvus fatbike (1X12) year round (non-snow set up w/ 27.5" X 2.8" rubber) and am going to change the 2X10 on the compact Merlin frame (w/ Ericksen ti sweetpost) to 1X11 SRAM Force 1 44T or 46T/Shimano 11-42 later this winter.
Last edited by stormpeakco; 11-05-19 at 09:04 PM. Reason: addendum
#3
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,650
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3091 Post(s)
Liked 6,601 Times
in
3,785 Posts
Thread moved from General Cycling to Classic & Vintage.
#4
Senior Member
I wish the 81 Nishiki Pro Tour 15 I picked up was my size. Would love to find another because of the quality frame and components.
#5
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,526
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
They sold a complete line of bikes. Like many brands from that era, some were very basic (worth very little), some were really nice (worth more), and everything in between. They didn't make bikes, they were a marketing company. Add to that condition. So one of their more basic bikes in mediocre condition would be worth essentially nothing. One of their top of the line models in superb condition would have significant value.
Likes For wrk101:
#6
tcarl
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 561
Bikes: Roark, Waterford 1100, 1987 Schwinn Paramount, Nishiki Professional, Bottecchia, 2 Scattantes, 3 Cannondale touring bikes, mtn. bike, cyclocross, hybrid, 1940's era Schwinn
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
I have/had two Nishiki's from that era. The Nishiki Competition had weird frame geometry and handling, and tremendous flex in the bottom bracket. I got rid of that frame years ago - gave it to someone who wanted to cut it up and use the tubes for something else. My other one is a Nishiki Professional. One of the best frames I've ever ridden. Fast, stiff, light, very high quality. I just got the frame refinished and am building it up with vintage Suntour Superbe components. Can't wait to get it back on the road.
#7
Old Rider
Likes For jan230:
#8
Death fork? Naaaah!!
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
Likes For top506:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,039 Times
in
1,877 Posts
As previously stated. Nishiki was a full range brand. They were also all contract manufactured. Over the course of two decades they used a lot and different manufacturers, including several from Japan, Taiwan and Italy. Combine the varied sources with the wide range of models produced over two decades and there is no simple answer. You certainly can't lump a Nishiki manufactured in Taiwan with one costing 10x as much and manufactured by one of the Italian high end builders. You pretty much have to treat each bicycle on a individual basis. At best, you can make some generalities by breaking them down into eras, level and origin but even that would involve about a dozen different categories.
Likes For Mr. 66:
#11
Half way there
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,957
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 987 Post(s)
Liked 880 Times
in
527 Posts
I have a 1976 Nishiki Professional, which I very much enjoy riding. Relatively light and responsive. It has a longer top tube than other similar frames, so I need to run a shorter stem. The Sugino Mighty Comp double is set up for half-step gearing, which is a joy to use once you get used to it.
#12
Senior Member
Good brand. I temporarily had a really nice 1989 International Series touring variant in my hands. In the time that I had it, it rode a lot better than I expected. I would say it was a lot lighter than my 1982 Miyata 1000 and rode better than it as well. It was very well built with internal routing for dynamo cables and well crafted lugs all around.
I sold it because I didn't want to deal with the rust that it was developing on the inside. The tubes being so thin made me realize it wasn't tour ready. Otherwise I would've kept it.
I sold it because I didn't want to deal with the rust that it was developing on the inside. The tubes being so thin made me realize it wasn't tour ready. Otherwise I would've kept it.
Likes For BikeWonder:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Whittier
Posts: 873
Bikes: 1973 Colnago Super, Litespeed Classic , Automoto , Pinarello Gavia TSX,Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra,Eddy Merckx EMX-5 , 1982 Moser SL, Concorde TSX, Vitus 979 KAS. Diamant SLX,60's Meteor
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 235 Post(s)
Liked 947 Times
in
327 Posts
A Nishiki was my first real quality road bike I had as a Teenager. It was a Yuuge step up from the Huffy I was riding and I knew it was good because it came with Aluminum wheels and quick release. No more carrying 2 wrenches to fix a flat. It had Suntour parts on it but it was still a lower level bicycle than other Nishiki's I saw with Suntour Superbe grouppo , better wheels and Nicer handlebars. (mine were steel chrome)
I must have put a few thousand miles on it before I finally got enough money to get rid of that boat anchor on wheels.
Like others have already said,you might have a excellent Nishiki Version,or a generic one like I did. The details are in the Tubing and Parts installed that will tell you its Value or collectability. Either way, Nishiki's dont have a huge following in the C/V world.
I must have put a few thousand miles on it before I finally got enough money to get rid of that boat anchor on wheels.
Like others have already said,you might have a excellent Nishiki Version,or a generic one like I did. The details are in the Tubing and Parts installed that will tell you its Value or collectability. Either way, Nishiki's dont have a huge following in the C/V world.
#14
I think I know nothing.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NE PA
Posts: 709
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 233 Post(s)
Liked 290 Times
in
204 Posts
I currently have two functioning Nishiki road bikes. Both of them were 1986 models.
Of the two, the one I like the best is the Olympic. Mine is a 21 inch frame. Not sure but I think I paid around $300 for it new. The frame was made by Giant, CroMo double butted and lugged. Good fit and finish. The components were mid-line Shimano drive train, Dicomp Brakes and Siguino cranks, 700c alumi rims, entry level sealed hubs and alloy seat post. I rode the bike quite a bit from 1986 to 1994 then it sat until this time last year. I have kept the down tube shifters but replaced the brakes and levers with Spram. I put about 1000 miles on it this year still solid as a rock. I acquired a Cannondale Synapse a few months ago, that will be my primary road bike, the Olympic is currently attached to my fluid trainer. I enjoy riding the bike, it has a semi-race geometry and compared to the Synapse it a bit heavy but a smoother ride. I have rode numerous half and metric centuries with it.
The other one is a Sport. A solid but heavy bike, low cost components.
As other have said Nishiki was actually an importer bot a manufacturer. My brother bought one in 1975, his was (later called the international) made in Japan. I think up to the time the name was sold to Dicks most of the bikes were good quality but some better than others. These days when you say Nishiki it is assumed that it is a modern low cost big box store bike.
Of the two, the one I like the best is the Olympic. Mine is a 21 inch frame. Not sure but I think I paid around $300 for it new. The frame was made by Giant, CroMo double butted and lugged. Good fit and finish. The components were mid-line Shimano drive train, Dicomp Brakes and Siguino cranks, 700c alumi rims, entry level sealed hubs and alloy seat post. I rode the bike quite a bit from 1986 to 1994 then it sat until this time last year. I have kept the down tube shifters but replaced the brakes and levers with Spram. I put about 1000 miles on it this year still solid as a rock. I acquired a Cannondale Synapse a few months ago, that will be my primary road bike, the Olympic is currently attached to my fluid trainer. I enjoy riding the bike, it has a semi-race geometry and compared to the Synapse it a bit heavy but a smoother ride. I have rode numerous half and metric centuries with it.
The other one is a Sport. A solid but heavy bike, low cost components.
As other have said Nishiki was actually an importer bot a manufacturer. My brother bought one in 1975, his was (later called the international) made in Japan. I think up to the time the name was sold to Dicks most of the bikes were good quality but some better than others. These days when you say Nishiki it is assumed that it is a modern low cost big box store bike.
#15
Jazz Aficionado
I had a Nishiki Pro beginning in 1976, came with Suntour Grupo that I replaced with full Campy Super Record that I pulled off of a Teledyne Titanium bike I found at a police auction. The Teledyne was painted in gunmetal grey, nobody wanted it. Rode the Nishiki for twenty years, great bike, brings back old, good memories.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,847
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2338 Post(s)
Liked 2,827 Times
in
1,543 Posts
I like Nishki....still have one I bought new in 82..... I stripped it for painting and the brazing work was super clean and well done.
Good value
Good value
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#17
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
I have a Nishiki Cervino, Italian made possibly by Olmo. Columbus tubing. I bought it about five yers ago as a fame and fork only. Built it with a mix of Campy and Sun Tour parts. I love how it handles, light fast and responsive. I have it built with a 6 speed freewheel set up.
I'm not sure of the year, The Nishiki serial number database doesn't work for the higher end Nishiki's.
I'm not sure of the year, The Nishiki serial number database doesn't work for the higher end Nishiki's.
Likes For riva:
#19
Senior Member
A friend of mine had a Nishiki Pro ONP and the way I remember it .. he was a quite a fan of that bike in particular . Very high end quality the way he recounted it as he has told me more than once that it rivaled Italian bikes for ride quality .
As for most of the bikes I’ve seen that were Nishiki bikes they don’t seem to be especially desirable.. There’s always at least 3 or 4 Nishikis of various Marques for sale on CL..
As for most of the bikes I’ve seen that were Nishiki bikes they don’t seem to be especially desirable.. There’s always at least 3 or 4 Nishikis of various Marques for sale on CL..
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 654 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,039 Times
in
1,877 Posts
I have a Nishiki Cervino, Italian made possibly by Olmo. Columbus tubing. I bought it about five yers ago as a fame and fork only. Built it with a mix of Campy and Sun Tour parts. I love how it handles, light fast and responsive. I have it built with a 6 speed freewheel set up.
I'm not sure of the year, The Nishiki serial number database doesn't work for the higher end Nishiki's.
I'm not sure of the year, The Nishiki serial number database doesn't work for the higher end Nishiki's.
#21
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 340
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
The Nishiki serial number database does work on the high end Nishiki models, but only those manufactured by Japanese sources (Araya, Kawamura, Katakura). The Italian manufactured models are relatively rare, with little data available for analysis. Consequently, they are not included. Still, it's relatively easy to date these to a fairly narrow range.
#22
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,821
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2441 Post(s)
Liked 3,136 Times
in
1,975 Posts
This thread is enlightening. Did not know Araya made frames, nor did I know Nishiki contracted Italian builders...
Now Kabuki...? That was an interesting brand.
Now Kabuki...? That was an interesting brand.
#23
WV is not flat..
I’ve had several Nishikis, but this is by far my favorite. A 1984 Prestige that I’ve upgraded slightly. This is one of the Tange 2 Kawamura frames. Rides amazing. Like everyone has said there are several models in the lineup, just a matter of learning the quality of frames and components.
Likes For brandenjs:
#24
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
27 Posts
At one time I was really into Nishiki, had 10 or 12 of them at one time. I'd guess around 20 passed through my hands. When Robbie Tunes came to my former house he joked that one side of the basement was the "Nishiki wing". I lost interest in the brand over time but have maintained ownership of four bikes. Two Nishiki Ariel MTBs, one is the last Ariel model before they changed to the raised chain stay design, and the other has the raised chain stay. Then I have a 86 Prestige I converted to a brifter bike. But the last is the most rare, a 1984 Nishiki Medalist pictured above. I have it boxed up for now, but intend to re-assemble it over this winter so I can use it on my MUP rides. The one change I intend to make is to install Suntour Superb Aero levers to replace the non-aero levers currently on the bike.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Likes For roccobike:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 796 Post(s)
Liked 522 Times
in
367 Posts
I really like my Tange 2 1987 Cresta GT