1983 Nishiki Cresta Restoration (Completed)
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1983 Nishiki Cresta Restoration (Completed)
Before: A frame, a fork, two Dia Compe center pull brakes & cables, a bottom bracket and a headset. It is number: KC 29584 . Which tell us that: this was the 29,584th frame made in 1983 for the U.S. market.
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I have long had this in the back of my head, the memory of the first real bike I ever bought. It was back in the early 80s. An REI Novara 15 sp with lovely chrome accents, Tange No. 2 frame, all the braze ons for touring, Suntour components and blue. The one I never should have given away. Finding that bike wasn’t going to happen, but you keep looking and then I saw this frame/fork listed for sale-blue, nearly the same blue. This rebuild is giving back that bike, but with all that I’ve learned since and honoring the body I ride with now ride. Together we will begin training through this winter outdoors, a first. Then in April of next year I will ride the 40 mile loop on this Grand Tourer in the California Eroica, hopefully with a lot less of me to carry along. Wish me luck and wise training.
The Rebuild:
Hubs & Quick Release: Suntour Superbe36H (Vintage)
Rims: Velocity Atlas Polished, wheel build by Bill Stevenson builder of our custom bikes single/tandem (New)
Tires: Compass Stampede Pass 700c x 32cm (New)
Fenders: Honjo/Hammered (New)
Stem: Nitto Technomic (New)
Handlebar: Nitto Grand Raundoneur (New)
Shifter: NOS Suntour Barcon (Vintage)
Front Derailleur: Suntour Mountech (Vintage)
Rear Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport Tri-Wheel (Vintage)
Brake Levers: NOS Dia Compe (Vintage)
Brakes: Dia Compe 981 (Vintage)
Bottom Bracket: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Headset: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Crank Set: Sugino AT (Vintage)
Chain Rings: Sugino 26t, 36t, 46t (New)
Cassette: Suntour ultra-6, 6-speed freewheel 13/14/17/20/24/28 (Vintage)
Water Bottle Cage: Nitto R (New)
Pedals, Toe Clips & Straps: MKS Sylvan Touring New, XL Toe Clips, Leather Straps (New)
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HPG (New)
Bike Bag: Gilles Berthoud 786 Saddle Bag (New)
Bar Tape: Fzik w/ Fzik handlebar gel (New)
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Max (New)
Seat Post: Campagnolo Nuovo Record (Vintage)
What’s Left?:
Possible installation of Nitto M-12 front rack w/ Nitto Cantilever Bolts
Then either Gilles Berthoud-Alex Singer Mini Bag, or, Sackville Trunk Sack Small – Blue
The Rebuild:
Hubs & Quick Release: Suntour Superbe36H (Vintage)
Rims: Velocity Atlas Polished, wheel build by Bill Stevenson builder of our custom bikes single/tandem (New)
Tires: Compass Stampede Pass 700c x 32cm (New)
Fenders: Honjo/Hammered (New)
Stem: Nitto Technomic (New)
Handlebar: Nitto Grand Raundoneur (New)
Shifter: NOS Suntour Barcon (Vintage)
Front Derailleur: Suntour Mountech (Vintage)
Rear Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport Tri-Wheel (Vintage)
Brake Levers: NOS Dia Compe (Vintage)
Brakes: Dia Compe 981 (Vintage)
Bottom Bracket: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Headset: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Crank Set: Sugino AT (Vintage)
Chain Rings: Sugino 26t, 36t, 46t (New)
Cassette: Suntour ultra-6, 6-speed freewheel 13/14/17/20/24/28 (Vintage)
Water Bottle Cage: Nitto R (New)
Pedals, Toe Clips & Straps: MKS Sylvan Touring New, XL Toe Clips, Leather Straps (New)
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HPG (New)
Bike Bag: Gilles Berthoud 786 Saddle Bag (New)
Bar Tape: Fzik w/ Fzik handlebar gel (New)
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Max (New)
Seat Post: Campagnolo Nuovo Record (Vintage)
What’s Left?:
Possible installation of Nitto M-12 front rack w/ Nitto Cantilever Bolts
Then either Gilles Berthoud-Alex Singer Mini Bag, or, Sackville Trunk Sack Small – Blue
#3
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Now here are the pictures: and yes I know polishing those rims, but isn’t that what the garage stereo, a rag and a beer are for? Hmm beer and Advil we’ll have to see.
P1060472.JPG
P1060483.JPG
P1060472.JPG
P1060483.JPG
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#4
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That's a fine looking restore project.
#9
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Love all the little blue details like the wheel and fender decals. Great looking bike.
#10
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So now I get out the allen wrenches and head out for the tinkering ride, raise the seat, lower the stem, back and forth until you throw your hands up and just ride. Say about 20-30 miles with lots of rootlets and three over passes with expansion joints to buck over. Really looking forward to what the 32cm tires at 80-85lbs does to the ride. I'll report back later in the day, gonna let it warm up a bit.
Oh, and relearn the art of entry and exit from toe clips, might even consider going naked (not clips) after all for the first 20 years all the bikes I rode were toe clipless, we'll see.
Oh, and relearn the art of entry and exit from toe clips, might even consider going naked (not clips) after all for the first 20 years all the bikes I rode were toe clipless, we'll see.
Last edited by since6; 10-27-17 at 09:28 AM.
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P1060503.JPG
Necessary things. The bike bag with spare tire, allen wrenches to adjust seat and stem height during first ride and expresso money.
Plus bike pump. I like this pump because its light, has a handle oh so much easier, compact and has a pressure gauge built in, though not such a big deal with 32cm lower pressure tires. Good clearance between the pedal so my heel can wander without contact.
Ride in the afternoon, there may even be some sunshine.
Necessary things. The bike bag with spare tire, allen wrenches to adjust seat and stem height during first ride and expresso money.
Plus bike pump. I like this pump because its light, has a handle oh so much easier, compact and has a pressure gauge built in, though not such a big deal with 32cm lower pressure tires. Good clearance between the pedal so my heel can wander without contact.
Ride in the afternoon, there may even be some sunshine.
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#14
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
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Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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Great project. I always liked the Cresta.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#15
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Great fall day, even wore my sunglasses. Slowly getting the stem and seat heights dialed in, maybe 1/4" lowering of both the stem and seat height and then keep it there for a week of rides and longer distances to see how everything settles in.
Removed the toe clips for now. I have enough going on adjusting to friction bar end shifters and six gears in back to not worry about hanging up in the toe clip. Riding back without them was much less distracting as I just took foot off the pedal and no drama, but have to master that a bit too as things would spin and I'd end up no foot on pedal, interesting position. But better to work on one thing at a time. Master the shifting braking and then revisit the toe clips.
I do like the bar end shifters. Unlike a down tube when your hand is on the bar end shifter it's also on the handlebar and just feels much more stable and in control to me. What ever works for you great, but this I liked.
Course the first thing out the seat post did the slide and I ended up riding a tri-cycle and then the handle bar slipped slowly once, tightened things down, may investigate a better seat post bolt. On the ride back no issues and won't need a bike bell for a while as the front new kool stop brake pads and the rims sound like a wailing banshee when applied, but do brake well.
Monday we start with a 30+ mile ride and see how things shake out for real. Will try to get a heart rate monitor and cycle computer installed by then. Good rides to you all.
Removed the toe clips for now. I have enough going on adjusting to friction bar end shifters and six gears in back to not worry about hanging up in the toe clip. Riding back without them was much less distracting as I just took foot off the pedal and no drama, but have to master that a bit too as things would spin and I'd end up no foot on pedal, interesting position. But better to work on one thing at a time. Master the shifting braking and then revisit the toe clips.
I do like the bar end shifters. Unlike a down tube when your hand is on the bar end shifter it's also on the handlebar and just feels much more stable and in control to me. What ever works for you great, but this I liked.
Course the first thing out the seat post did the slide and I ended up riding a tri-cycle and then the handle bar slipped slowly once, tightened things down, may investigate a better seat post bolt. On the ride back no issues and won't need a bike bell for a while as the front new kool stop brake pads and the rims sound like a wailing banshee when applied, but do brake well.
Monday we start with a 30+ mile ride and see how things shake out for real. Will try to get a heart rate monitor and cycle computer installed by then. Good rides to you all.
Last edited by since6; 10-27-17 at 06:37 PM.
#16
Senior Member
Great job on your Cresta restoration! I added Compass Stampede Pass 32c Extralight tires to my Cresta last year, what a difference! Super plush ride. Thanks for sharing!
#17
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Thanks Saguaro it is a nice bike and I will investigate the 32c Etralight tires next summer, but since I will be riding through the fall/winter with branches, twigs, fir cones,etc. on the trail went with the stiffer sidewall. Probably swap out to the Extrlight tires before the ride I'm training for in April/2018, be about the right time to change.
#18
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P1060589.JPG
All kitted up and ready to go. Banana bag with tools, tube, and front rack with bag for cellphone, garage door opener, food and clothing odds n ends. The rains return tomorrow so its a fitting day for the first big ride, will let things set for the rest of this week as far as stem and seat height. And yes plastic toe clips without the straps, kind of a toe clip training wheel. I need to get in out without a snag as for the next couple weeks I have to re-learn friction shifting, double shifting and shifting/braking so attention is going to be there. Without a strap I will test this afternoon ease of exit/entry, and then if needed I can cut them back to the brace mid way up the strap. This way I got something to keep the foot pedal in contact as I drop a foot out to stop. Even in the rain it should be beautiful as yesterday I rode through many showers of leaves.
All kitted up and ready to go. Banana bag with tools, tube, and front rack with bag for cellphone, garage door opener, food and clothing odds n ends. The rains return tomorrow so its a fitting day for the first big ride, will let things set for the rest of this week as far as stem and seat height. And yes plastic toe clips without the straps, kind of a toe clip training wheel. I need to get in out without a snag as for the next couple weeks I have to re-learn friction shifting, double shifting and shifting/braking so attention is going to be there. Without a strap I will test this afternoon ease of exit/entry, and then if needed I can cut them back to the brace mid way up the strap. This way I got something to keep the foot pedal in contact as I drop a foot out to stop. Even in the rain it should be beautiful as yesterday I rode through many showers of leaves.
#19
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
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Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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I remember when my ex-brother-in-law bought one of those new. The Cresta is one of the finest touring bikes in the "reasonable" price range. Perfect for L'Erocia California! I like your choice of tire width and pressure, as well as those barcons.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#20
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John E that's what I'm training for and why I restored this bike. Now I've just got to lose the weight and add the miles and do it through winter and the holiday meals!? Wish me well.
And yes Teddy was a great President and human being.
And yes Teddy was a great President and human being.
#21
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[/FONT]
The Rebuild:
Hubs & Quick Release: Suntour Superbe36H (Vintage)
Rims: Velocity Atlas Polished, wheel build by Bill Stevenson builder of our custom bikes single/tandem (New)
Tires: Compass Stampede Pass 700c x 32cm (New)
Fenders: Honjo/Hammered (New)
Stem: Nitto Technomic (New)
Handlebar: Nitto Grand Raundoneur (New)
Shifter: NOS Suntour Barcon (Vintage)
Front Derailleur: Suntour Mountech (Vintage)
Rear Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport Tri-Wheel (Vintage)
Brake Levers: NOS Dia Compe (Vintage)
Brakes: Dia Compe 981 (Vintage)
Bottom Bracket: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Headset: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Crank Set: Sugino AT (Vintage)
Chain Rings: Sugino 26t, 36t, 46t (New)
Cassette: Suntour ultra-6, 6-speed freewheel 13/14/17/20/24/28 (Vintage)
Water Bottle Cage: Nitto R (New)
Pedals, Toe Clips & Straps: MKS Sylvan Touring New, XL Toe Clips, Leather Straps (New)
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HPG (New)
Bike Bag: Gilles Berthoud 786 Saddle Bag (New)
Bar Tape: Fzik w/ Fzik handlebar gel (New)
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Max (New)
Seat Post: Campagnolo Nuovo Record (Vintage)
What’s Left?:
Possible installation of Nitto M-12 front rack w/ Nitto Cantilever Bolts
Then either Gilles Berthoud-Alex Singer Mini Bag, or, Sackville Trunk Sack Small – Blue
The Rebuild:
Hubs & Quick Release: Suntour Superbe36H (Vintage)
Rims: Velocity Atlas Polished, wheel build by Bill Stevenson builder of our custom bikes single/tandem (New)
Tires: Compass Stampede Pass 700c x 32cm (New)
Fenders: Honjo/Hammered (New)
Stem: Nitto Technomic (New)
Handlebar: Nitto Grand Raundoneur (New)
Shifter: NOS Suntour Barcon (Vintage)
Front Derailleur: Suntour Mountech (Vintage)
Rear Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport Tri-Wheel (Vintage)
Brake Levers: NOS Dia Compe (Vintage)
Brakes: Dia Compe 981 (Vintage)
Bottom Bracket: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Headset: Came with the Frame (Sakae?) (Vintage)
Crank Set: Sugino AT (Vintage)
Chain Rings: Sugino 26t, 36t, 46t (New)
Cassette: Suntour ultra-6, 6-speed freewheel 13/14/17/20/24/28 (Vintage)
Water Bottle Cage: Nitto R (New)
Pedals, Toe Clips & Straps: MKS Sylvan Touring New, XL Toe Clips, Leather Straps (New)
Pump: Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HPG (New)
Bike Bag: Gilles Berthoud 786 Saddle Bag (New)
Bar Tape: Fzik w/ Fzik handlebar gel (New)
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Max (New)
Seat Post: Campagnolo Nuovo Record (Vintage)
What’s Left?:
Possible installation of Nitto M-12 front rack w/ Nitto Cantilever Bolts
Then either Gilles Berthoud-Alex Singer Mini Bag, or, Sackville Trunk Sack Small – Blue
Congrtulations!
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#22
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First long ride today, wind, rain held off (wore my rain coat of course), rootlets, long steady climbs, sharp freeway over pass climbs, the stem and seat height are spot on, I am so glad I did this:
An Autumn Ride
P1060573.JPG
Autumn, is the time of soul.
An Autumn Ride
P1060573.JPG
Autumn, is the time of soul.
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