Nishiki Serial Number Database
#2126
Your frame was manufactured by Giant of Taiwan, during weeks 37-38 of 1988. This the grey period where it could be a 1988 or 1989 model. However, in this case, we know it's a 1988 model as the 1989 version utilized cantilever rear brakes, straight bladed forks and a revised down tube logo which incorporated a "Cunningham Design" designation. Thxs for the contribution.
#2127
Junior Member
I have a '77 Nishiki Superbe, bought new when I was 21. A friend of mine had a dealership license so he gave me a "deal". It was a fairly high end bike at that time IIRC. I think I paid around $1000 Cdn but not really sure.
Serial # KH 05922, Sugino 54t crankset. Not sure what the smaller ring is. Small cog 5 speed cassette. SunTour Superbe derailleurs, Gran-Compe brakes, Cr-Mo frame. I've changed the saddle, pedals and tires of course, but still have the originals....even the tires! The handlebar tape is original. I just can't bring myself to change it.
It's mounted to a trainer, and has seen most of its life as such. Unfortunately I bought a 58cm frame when a 56 is my fit so I've never been totally comfortable riding on the road, plus it has impossibly high gearing and never bothered to change the cassette, so the bike really hasn't been used that much on the road. Most of the bumps and bruises are as a result of our many moves.
It's a beautiful bike.
Serial # KH 05922, Sugino 54t crankset. Not sure what the smaller ring is. Small cog 5 speed cassette. SunTour Superbe derailleurs, Gran-Compe brakes, Cr-Mo frame. I've changed the saddle, pedals and tires of course, but still have the originals....even the tires! The handlebar tape is original. I just can't bring myself to change it.
It's mounted to a trainer, and has seen most of its life as such. Unfortunately I bought a 58cm frame when a 56 is my fit so I've never been totally comfortable riding on the road, plus it has impossibly high gearing and never bothered to change the cassette, so the bike really hasn't been used that much on the road. Most of the bumps and bruises are as a result of our many moves.
It's a beautiful bike.
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#2129
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have a '77 Nishiki Superbe, bought new when I was 21. A friend of mine had a dealership license so he gave me a "deal". It was a fairly high end bike at that time IIRC. I think I paid around $1000 Cdn but not really sure.
Serial # KH 05922, Sugino 54t crankset. Not sure what the smaller ring is. Small cog 5 speed cassette. SunTour Superbe derailleurs, Gran-Compe brakes, Cr-Mo frame. I've changed the saddle, pedals and tires of course, but still have the originals....even the tires! The handlebar tape is original. I just can't bring myself to change it.
It's mounted to a trainer, and has seen most of its life as such. Unfortunately I bought a 58cm frame when a 56 is my fit so I've never been totally comfortable riding on the road, plus it has impossibly high gearing and never bothered to change the cassette, so the bike really hasn't been used that much on the road. Most of the bumps and bruises are as a result of our many moves.
It's a beautiful bike.
Serial # KH 05922, Sugino 54t crankset. Not sure what the smaller ring is. Small cog 5 speed cassette. SunTour Superbe derailleurs, Gran-Compe brakes, Cr-Mo frame. I've changed the saddle, pedals and tires of course, but still have the originals....even the tires! The handlebar tape is original. I just can't bring myself to change it.
It's mounted to a trainer, and has seen most of its life as such. Unfortunately I bought a 58cm frame when a 56 is my fit so I've never been totally comfortable riding on the road, plus it has impossibly high gearing and never bothered to change the cassette, so the bike really hasn't been used that much on the road. Most of the bumps and bruises are as a result of our many moves.
It's a beautiful bike.
I appreciate your comments regarding the gearing. That 54T is OEM and was paired with a 46T inner chainring. The stock freewheel was 13-21T, so it's definitely tall, competition gearing. However, it's not as bad as the CCM Tour du Canada, which came stock with a low gear of only 46T-18T Thxs for posting.
#2130
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The serial number format, as transcribed doesn't match anything I've come across. However, the combination of fade paint, decal style and chain stay mounted rear brake all point towards a 1988 model. Thxs for posting.
#2131
Yeah, I realized it didn’t quite match. I’m going to see it in person and I’ll make sure to correctly get the number and a photo of it.
#2132
Junior Member
It's definitely not a 1977 model, as the Superbe was introduced for the 1978 model year. While some 1978 models would have been manufactured and sold in late 1977, this one was actually built in 1978 based on the serial number and would be a 1978 or 1979 model. The serial number also indicates it's a USA market model, so it's curious that you bough it in Canada, as Canadian market models with their unique serial number format go back to at least 1977.
I appreciate your comments regarding the gearing. That 54T is OEM and was paired with a 46T inner chainring. The stock freewheel was 13-21T, so it's definitely tall, competition gearing. However, it's not as bad as the CCM Tour du Canada, which came stock with a low gear of only 46T-18T Thxs for posting.
I appreciate your comments regarding the gearing. That 54T is OEM and was paired with a 46T inner chainring. The stock freewheel was 13-21T, so it's definitely tall, competition gearing. However, it's not as bad as the CCM Tour du Canada, which came stock with a low gear of only 46T-18T Thxs for posting.
The guy I purchased it from was an acquaintance that was a bit sketchy. For some reason, can't remember why, he had a wholesale license but didn't own a shop or sell bikes. It took a few weeks to show up so he might of brought it across the border. It was brand new.
Regarding the gearing...I knew nothing about gearing or cassettes back then, and me and a buddy took our bikes on a camping trip to the gulf islands, with racks and panniers. We were both sprinters on our university track team but I couldn't get up any hills and he left me in the dust on every climb. I was so mad, thinking he was stronger than me. Ha ha!
#2133
Strangely enough it really is either 3Z885779 or BZ885779
#2134
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Given the era and level, I was wondering if it might be GZ885779, That would make it a Giant sourced model, which would be appropriate but it should also make it a 1989 model manufactured during the last fortnight of 1988. However, an MBA review of the 1989 Nishiki ATB lineup shows that year's Backroads to use rear cantilever brakes and have the down tube logo with the Cunningham Design designation, at least in the USA market. This is consistent with other 1989 Nishiki ATBs that have surfaced. The Canadian market models were still using U-brakes in 1989 but there was no Backroads model in Canada that year.
#2135
Nishiki Colorado Question
I am new to Bike Forums and am curious about my vintage Nishiki Colorado - I welcome your input and suggestions for more information. The serial number on the bottom of my bike is: GR868851.
Do you know of any sources for ads or catalogs for Nishikis from this period?
Also, I saw a Diamondback catalog dated 1988, and the Apex looks nearly identical.
Did Giant make Diamondbacks? Thanks much.
Do you know of any sources for ads or catalogs for Nishikis from this period?
Also, I saw a Diamondback catalog dated 1988, and the Apex looks nearly identical.
Did Giant make Diamondbacks? Thanks much.
#2136
Given the era and level, I was wondering if it might be GZ885779, That would make it a Giant sourced model, which would be appropriate but it should also make it a 1989 model manufactured during the last fortnight of 1988. However, an MBA review of the 1989 Nishiki ATB lineup shows that year's Backroads to use rear cantilever brakes and have the down tube logo with the Cunningham Design designation, at least in the USA market. This is consistent with other 1989 Nishiki ATBs that have surfaced. The Canadian market models were still using U-brakes in 1989 but there was no Backroads model in Canada that year.
It has Sugino cranks and Suntour Derailleurs And thumb shifters. Cycloid Chainrings. Araya 1.50 rims and Joytech hubs. A Steel handlebar.
Maybe there was a demand for another batch of the old model? It was originally sold in Newhall, CA.
#2137
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You’re right it really must be “G”. When I zoom in as far as I can, and compare it to my own Giant manufactured Colorado it has to be G.
It has Sugino cranks and Suntour Derailleurs And thumb shifters. Cycloid Chainrings. Araya 1.50 rims and Joytech hubs. A Steel handlebar.
Maybe there was a demand for another batch of the old model? It was originally sold in Newhall, CA.
It has Sugino cranks and Suntour Derailleurs And thumb shifters. Cycloid Chainrings. Araya 1.50 rims and Joytech hubs. A Steel handlebar.
Maybe there was a demand for another batch of the old model? It was originally sold in Newhall, CA.
#2138
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I am new to Bike Forums and am curious about my vintage Nishiki Colorado - I welcome your input and suggestions for more information. The serial number on the bottom of my bike is: GR868851.
Do you know of any sources for ads or catalogs for Nishikis from this period?
Also, I saw a Diamondback catalog dated 1988, and the Apex looks nearly identical.
Did Giant make Diamondbacks? Thanks much.
Do you know of any sources for ads or catalogs for Nishikis from this period?
Also, I saw a Diamondback catalog dated 1988, and the Apex looks nearly identical.
Did Giant make Diamondbacks? Thanks much.
Most Diamond Back models from the late 1980s tend to originate from Fairly or CBC. Off hand, I can't recall seeing one sourced from Giant. Most designers tend to copy what sells, so there's often a lot of resemblance between brands.
The 1988 Colorado was heavily promoted with double page advertisements in cycling magazines. Unfortunately, my scanner is currently down. The frame and fork was an unspecified CrMo, so presumably it was plain gauge. The component group was Shimano Exage Mountain. Claimed weight was 28 lbs and MSRP was $390 US.
#2139
Nishiki Colorado 1988
Welcome to the forums. Your frame was manufactured by Giant around late August 1988. This is a gray area where it could be either a 1988 or 1989 model. However, the presence of a U-brake indicates the 1988 version.
Most Diamond Back models from the late 1980s tend to originate from Fairly or CBC. Off hand, I can't recall seeing one sourced from Giant. Most designers tend to copy what sells, so there's often a lot of resemblance between brands.
The 1988 Colorado was heavily promoted with double page advertisements in cycling magazines. Unfortunately, my scanner is currently down. The frame and fork was an unspecified CrMo, so presumably it was plain gauge. The component group was Shimano Exage Mountain. Claimed weight was 28 lbs and MSRP was $390 US.
Most Diamond Back models from the late 1980s tend to originate from Fairly or CBC. Off hand, I can't recall seeing one sourced from Giant. Most designers tend to copy what sells, so there's often a lot of resemblance between brands.
The 1988 Colorado was heavily promoted with double page advertisements in cycling magazines. Unfortunately, my scanner is currently down. The frame and fork was an unspecified CrMo, so presumably it was plain gauge. The component group was Shimano Exage Mountain. Claimed weight was 28 lbs and MSRP was $390 US.
#2140
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Rupert's Land
Posts: 1,296
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh GP, 1985 Norco Bush Pilot, . . .
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I recently picked up a Nishiki Colorado off the local CL. I believe it's a 1989 model based off of Shimano component codes. However the serial number located under the down tube towards the BB is odd. The second to last number looks to be a degree symbol. It could be an 8 that's worn away but it doesn't look as such and it sits higher than the other numbers. So the serial number looks like this:
W890930°0
W890930°0
#2141
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Rupert's Land
Posts: 1,296
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh GP, 1985 Norco Bush Pilot, . . .
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Hello everyone. I have a Nishiki custom sport serial # S1 4B383, I would love to have some info on. I received it as a gift and wondered if it was worth fixing up or keeping as original as possible. I’m too new to post pics yet apparently but it’s in pretty good shape. The tires are 27 1/4. Brakes are Dia-compe. Shimano 600 derailleur. It seems fairly old and I always hesitate to alter anything that’s vintage. Thanks.
welcome to the forum.
From the serial number, the frame was manufactured in 1981, probably in month 4 or April. The model year is also 1981. The frame was probably made in Japan, but not by Kawamura.
#2142
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welcome to the forum.
The serial number is for a frame made by Kawamura. The first character "G" was used by Kawamura to indicate the frame was intended for a market in Asia. The "J" is for the year 0 or 1990. The frame cannot be for 1980 because Kawamura was not making MTB frames in 1980.
#2143
Thank you for your help with the manufacturing date of my Nishiki Colorado (1988). I am in the process of restoring it, and want to make it as stock as possible (within reason - for instance I used a more modern Shimano pedal rather than the shin shredders that came on it).
It has the stock white neck, but the bars are black. I can't seem to find many white bars out there that are not loaded with logos, so I could paint the bars white. Any suggestions on a very tough white spray paint that might work on the bars? Or other suggestions?
It has the stock white neck, but the bars are black. I can't seem to find many white bars out there that are not loaded with logos, so I could paint the bars white. Any suggestions on a very tough white spray paint that might work on the bars? Or other suggestions?
#2144
Thrifty Bill
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KS 162777 for this Nishiki Safari. 47-7 on the Sugino Maxy cranks (July 1972), OE on the Suntour RD (May 1972). American Eagle decal on the seat tube, Nishiki head badge and everything else. So a late 1972 or 1973 model.
1973 Nishiki Safari by wrk101, on Flickr
1973 Nishiki Safari by wrk101, on Flickr
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#2145
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
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One of my dream bikes!!!!!!!!!!
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#2146
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Nishiki International
Local CL find for wall art. Another serial number for T-Mar / KA06711
Super maxy cranks
Suntour Blueline FD
Suntour BL DT shifters
Kyokuto Pro Vic pedals
20.00 wall art
San Luis Obispo
Super maxy cranks
Suntour Blueline FD
Suntour BL DT shifters
Kyokuto Pro Vic pedals
20.00 wall art
San Luis Obispo
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#2147
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Grove, Ok
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Bikes: 71 American Eagle Olympiad, 03 Trek 5200 P1, 2013 Trek 6 series Domane, 83 Apollo branded Kuwahara, 78 Trek TX 300, 73 Nishiki Intl. 86 Nishiki Prestige, Nishiki Olympic, 72 and 73 Nishiki Safari', two-speed Electra BMX cruiser 1, 87 Nishiki Linear
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Nishiki Pacific 5
Found this on the cheap for a buddy with no transportation too many DUI's Anyway, I'll service this and puncture proof the tires (Goat head thorns) Another serial number 5157088 for T-Mar. Interesting mix of parts...
For T-Mar
For T-Mar
#2148
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thxs for posting. I don't think I've seen one of these before. It's obviously a 1985 city bicycle but the one piece, Ashtabula style crankset and BMX style fork are atypical. What's the model name on the top tube? TIA.
#2149
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Grove, Ok
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Pacific 5 is on the top tube. I was expecting a different serial number format and location was odd.
#2150
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And that's a unique handlebar. Upright bullmoose?