Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Nishiki Olympic worth it?
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superape
04-16-09, 07:58 PM
I am looking at this Silver Nishiki Olympic, it seems like 70s model.
Are these older models better then the newer ones? Is this worth me spending $145? Or should I continue my quest?
clean frame and shimano 600 components. New tubes, tires and tape.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5246/nishiki.jpg
(http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5246/nishiki.jpg)
The older ones are worse. Notice the steel rims and the stem mounted shifters? Typical low end boomer bike. Clean and road ready, this price would be a stretch. Most likely has gas pipe frame.
I sold a similar condition and age Olympic (1975 model) earlier this year for $110, and it took a while to find a buyer.
But if you like it and it fits, it is a lot nicer than what you would find at Walmart.
superape
04-16-09, 08:45 PM
so it seems there is a sweet spot in the age of these bikes, bascially 80's , because the later ones where made in Taiwan, correct?
I had a 1986 NIshiki, much different decals than your bike, and it was in that sweet spot. Excellent frame (Tange Infinity), nice components, alloy rims, stainless spokes, and so on.
I would not pay $145 for a bike with steel rims, but with a discount from that price, you can address that deficiency and end up with a good looking bike.
ricohman
04-17-09, 11:49 AM
That is a $30 bike.
No, I take that back. I've bought many bikes far better for $30.
roccobike
04-17-09, 05:47 PM
so it seems there is a sweet spot in the age of these bikes, bascially 80's , because the later ones where made in Taiwan, correct?
Taiwan turned out some really nice bikes. IMHO, it's better to focus on the model and components than the location where its made. Agreed, all things being equal, I'd rather have a bike made in Japan. As for Nishiki, IMHO they made some of their nicest bikes in the mid to late 80s.