Nishiki Road Compe
 

I am currently looking at a vintage Nishiki road compe bicycle, but I don't know anything about Nishiki bikes, it looks pretty nice, I guess that my question is would this be a worthwhile candidate for a restoration? Thanks for your input -Gerry https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dbb6fcd88b.jpg

Those were pretty decent, upper end Japanese bikes. The only slight knock on them is the fork is hi tensile steel, rather than full cr-mo like the highest end offerings. It would make a very nice rider, but wouldn't be "worth" paying for a new paint job. (To be fair, very few bikes are "worth" a restoration from an economic point of view.)

In cherry, original condition you're probably looking at a value around $400-500 max. (Japanese bikes are great, but with a few exceptions, aren't worth as much as European bikes to collectors.)

That frame, built up with decent parts, maybe $250-300 around here.

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These are quality honest products.

This one looks close to 1973.

It is one down from the top of the line.

One odd dimension it may exhibit is an .833" steerer & stem.

This somewhat limits your options should you wish to change the present stem for purposes of personal fit.

Original brakeset was DiaCompe centrepull.

Original pedals were KKT ProAce w/leather covered KKT toe clips.

Gear ensemble was Maeda Compe-V or SL front paired with Maeda VGT Luxe rear.

Original saddle was a YFC leather covered plastic shell (similar to Cinelli).

Hubs were Sanshin Matsumoto large flange QR paired with Ukai tubular rims.

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I think it has worth, I have a '77 the ride is great.

What's not to like about a quality, older Nishiki with forged drop outs, chromed rear triangle and half fork, and bar end shifters?

The two potential issues I see are (1) price matters and (2) if the bike has an .833 steerer, that may matter.

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CORRECTION: Chrome Molybdenum Fork
 

In my 72-73 Catalog says the Road Compe has a Chrome Molybdenum fork. It’s the next one down, the Competition that has a (slightly) heavier High Tension Steele fork.

The Road Compe & Professional get equal-looking top billing in the catalog I have. The two are really different bikes though.

The Professional built by Silk with it’s bi-plane fork looks inspired by Italian racers such as Masi or Cinelli. In the Japanese market it was Silk's top of the line offering.

The Road Compe seems more like an English racer modeled after a Raleigh or Falcon with its wrap around rear stay. In the Japanese market it was Kawamura's top of the line offering.

it seems like Nishiki (WCC West Coast Cycles) wanted to offer something for everyone.

I’ve logged a lot of miles on my Silk/Professional and Competition and love them both. I’ve got a Road Compe waiting in the wings to build up.

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