I bike for transport. I frequently have to leave my bike locked up outside out of necessity, so Ive never bought very expensive bikes, as theft is always a possibility even with a good lock. Also I grew up knowing only mountain bikes, had never touched drop bars or friction shifting in my life.
Enter this 80s Nishiki.
I desired something faster for long commutes and took a chance on what seemed to be a good deal for this spindly, alien looking vehicle for $120. And I am completely in love. Though not light it ways half what my old Kent MTB did, and it rides like a cadillac ….smooth and powerful feeling, and once moving doesnt want to stop. Cant believe I never tried a road bike before in 40years. I LOVE friction shifting now . No clicking or adjustments, i can find the perfect sweet spot for every gear, no worries about cassette compatibility…I had doubts about the Diacompe brakes (sidepull=trash) but they stop well even with the suicide levers.
First time in over a decade that after buying a bike, was not immediately wishing for and lusting after a different model or having buyers remorse.
Bearings feel smooth, all parts are original and I Love it , making any excuse to ride more than I already do. I dont think it can go full gravel but 30mm tires are skinnier than ive ever tried but it seems to handle well over dirtpack, light gravel and grass. Looking to get as wide of tires as will fit, and some racks that are at least slightly more aesthetic than a milk crate.
Trying to pinpoint the year it was made,but mostly showing off.
tdister on
Glad you have found a bike you enjoy so much.
Make sure that stem is at minimum insertion
Pallas_in_my_Head on
Suggestion: take off the pie plate. The bike will look so much better.
singlejeff on
That’s a nice one. Careful the kickstand doesn’t crush the chain stays. Be sure the quill stem is not extended beyond max height. Maybe lower the shifters so there is a bit less stress on the shift cables.
4 Comments
I bike for transport. I frequently have to leave my bike locked up outside out of necessity, so Ive never bought very expensive bikes, as theft is always a possibility even with a good lock. Also I grew up knowing only mountain bikes, had never touched drop bars or friction shifting in my life.
Enter this 80s Nishiki.
I desired something faster for long commutes and took a chance on what seemed to be a good deal for this spindly, alien looking vehicle for $120. And I am completely in love. Though not light it ways half what my old Kent MTB did, and it rides like a cadillac ….smooth and powerful feeling, and once moving doesnt want to stop. Cant believe I never tried a road bike before in 40years. I LOVE friction shifting now . No clicking or adjustments, i can find the perfect sweet spot for every gear, no worries about cassette compatibility…I had doubts about the Diacompe brakes (sidepull=trash) but they stop well even with the suicide levers.
First time in over a decade that after buying a bike, was not immediately wishing for and lusting after a different model or having buyers remorse.
Bearings feel smooth, all parts are original and I Love it , making any excuse to ride more than I already do. I dont think it can go full gravel but 30mm tires are skinnier than ive ever tried but it seems to handle well over dirtpack, light gravel and grass. Looking to get as wide of tires as will fit, and some racks that are at least slightly more aesthetic than a milk crate.
Trying to pinpoint the year it was made,but mostly showing off.
Glad you have found a bike you enjoy so much.
Make sure that stem is at minimum insertion
Suggestion: take off the pie plate. The bike will look so much better.
That’s a nice one. Careful the kickstand doesn’t crush the chain stays. Be sure the quill stem is not extended beyond max height. Maybe lower the shifters so there is a bit less stress on the shift cables.