Classic & Vintage - Ever Heard of a Nishiki Medalist ??

I picked this up a couple of days at my local goodwill store. I've looked around trying to get some info on when it was built and where in the food chain it fell as far as Nishiki bikes go. It has superbee brakes and Cyclone M II front and rear deraileurs, and Champion 1 tubes. This is going to be a keeper either way but I was just curious if I found something as nice as I think I did.

Don't know how far up the food chain this was, but a nice bike for shure. Beware of the weight limit on Nr 1 Champion though, how much did you pay ?

If I told you, you probably wouldn't believe me, $2.00. The rear wheel spokes are all loose, but the rim is good and I'm going to go get it retensioned. What is the weight limit on Champion 1 ? What could happen if I exceed it ??

nice find, I guesstimate 1984-6 (T-mar will know better), Champion no. 1 is rated to rider up to 175lbs... if that helps, it's a nice tube set I like the nishiki on the chainrings. She's a beaut and for that price....! Nice catch! I have never heard of it though..

Umm, yeah, good deal or what? Those components describe their top-of-the-line bike in 1983 (Superbe). Search this forum for the brochure. I'm no expert, but I'd say you've a smoking good deal. And that perfect headtube decal... amazing! Probably worth at least 100x what you paid... .

And that is your catch of the day!!!!!! Awesome looking bike, congratulation!!!

Circa 1983-1984 based on the serial number. The brief description is a good match for 1984. Original price was $580 US so it's a good bicycle and a great deal. Unfortunately Nishiki does not appear to have cataloged all the models available during the era, so the exact postion in the line-up is unclear. For instance, models like the Cervino and Maxima are from this era and would be above the Medalist, but nobody has ever reported seeing a catalog with one. Now for the good news - it was a limited edition model. I don't know how limited, but it's more rare than your typical Nishiki. Considering everything, I'd place it on the cusp between mid-range and high end.

Now for the real question, since I have already been told that the weight limit is 175 lbs. Am I going to kill it since I weigh 250 ? I currently ride a Cannondale, and that it a strong frame, but I wanted to get back into a steel frame vintage, but at the same time I don't want to break something or worst yet kill myself :o

i am guessing you are safe to ride it, columbus SL is rated to only 125lbs! I imagine there are many of those bikes out there with that weight limit being exceeded, Tange champion 2 is speced for 200lbs and they build touring bikes out of that stuff. That is definately going to be exceeded when you are fully loaded.... but I have never broken a frame or known anyone that has... maybe some others will have more expert advice...

Now for the real question, since I have already been told that the weight limit is 175 lbs. Am I going to kill it since I weigh 250 ? I currently ride a Cannondale, and that it a strong frame, but I wanted to get back into a steel frame vintage, but at the same time I don't want to break something or worst yet kill myself :o

Unless you ride it in Paris-Roubaix next year, I doubt you'll have a problem. But if you're concerned, I'd be happy to give you 10 x what you paid for it. :D

As Cyclotoine and USAZorro state, you're probably pretty safe. There is usually a safety factor which they don't mention and the stated limit is a warranty escape clause in the event of failure. I rode and raced an SL frame at 60 lbs over the limit. It lasted 16 years, at about 10,000 km per year. So yes, you'll kill it - eventually. But it shouldn't be too soon, unless you take a fair hit with it. And even if you do, it's not like you've got a lot of money tied up in it! Maybe if you ride it a lot, you'll get down, closer to the limit?