Sunday, August 10, 2014

Early 80's Nishiki Sport



This Nishiki Sport belonged to my friend Karen, this was her college bike and one I occasionally used when I visited Portland.  On a visit to Portland a few years ago I used it to run an errand to a local bike shop, and discovered it needed a little work.  I started out with a 10 speed and by the time I got back it was a single speed as both shift cables failed, at that point I suggested to my friend that I take the bike home with me and rebuild it for her as a "rain" bike commuter.  I think this is a fine example of an early 1980's Japanese crafted lugged steel frame 10 speed.
4130 CroMo- check
Lovely head-tubes lugs-check

I like the fact that this bike is a step up from an entry level 10 speed of the era, it has a lot of cool features like;  engraved Custom handle bars
Shimano 600 brakes, the predecessor of the Ultegra line
Drilled brake levers
In addition to the normal rebuild activities; bearing rebuilds, new cables, handlebar tape, etc. I also went with some commuter specific add-ons; wider 27x1 3/8s tires (37mm) rather than the standard 27x1 1/4 (32mm), fenders for wet Northwest winters, a bell for crowded Portland bike lanes and some combo pedals to handle clipping in or just stepping on and running to the store.



After riding the bike for about a month my friend realized it just didn't fit right, she has been riding a more modern bike for about the last 7 years (one I also built but that's another story) and after getting back on her college bike it just wasn't quite the right fit.   The Nishiki is now hanging out with me while I try to sell it on Craigslist.


As always, Ride.Smile.Repeat.
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11 comments:

  1. Tim Joe ComstockAugust 13, 2014 at 3:44 AM

    That's a sweet ride. I remember lusting after a Nishiki in the bike shop window sometime around '75...but I was a poor college kid and my 3-speed had to do...

    One of these days, though...

    tj

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  2. RoadieRyanAugust 13, 2014 at 8:54 AM

    I agree, its pretty sweet and if I hadn't already got myself a Motobecane Grand Touring I would seriously consider keeping this little gem for myself but I am going to pass it along.

    How's the LMD project going?

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  3. Tim Joe ComstockAugust 16, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    Everything on hold.due to being back on the road. I only slept in my own bed three days since the 4th of July. But it will happen soon enough. Maybe.

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    Replies
    1. RoadieRyanAugust 16, 2014 at 8:28 PM

      Home you get some time in the home port soon Velo brother.

      Delete
  4. Jim BangsAugust 18, 2014 at 10:46 AM

    That is a nice ride. Somebody is going to get a good cruise about town bike.

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  5. RoadieRyanAugust 18, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    Thanks Jim, as I mentioned to the TPC if I hadn't recently purchased a Motobecane Grand Touring I would seriously consider keeping the Nishiki. I agrees some is going to get a sweet ride.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownSeptember 19, 2015 at 4:29 AM

    Still have this bike for sale?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RoadieRyanSeptember 19, 2015 at 8:25 AM

      Hi Colin, Thanks for your interest but this one is long gone

      Delete
  7. UnknownSeptember 19, 2015 at 4:29 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. UnknownApril 6, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    bought one for $10 at a goodwill what a bike jose

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    Replies
    1. RoadieRyanApril 6, 2017 at 6:27 PM

      That was a great deal Jose. I think this a finely built Japanese bicycle from their 10/12 speed heyday.

      Delete