Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Nishiki Triathlon

Here's (http://detroit.craigslist.org/bik/1273917697.html) another Japanese bike near me. Looks all original, doubt it's been overhauled. $175. It has been listed before. I know it's probably too much - what would be a good offer? Looking to ride, not flip.

Also - where did this fit in Nishiki's lineup? All I can find is that they were made in the late 80s.

http://images.craigslist.org/3n63kb3oaZZZZZZZZZ97gdc73ec6c56c3134c.jpg

I don't have any literature on the Triahtlon, but I'm sure it was one of Nishikis better bikes. That looks like a Tange 1 label on the seat tube. If it is, my estimate (you may not like this but) is that the asking price is fair. Anything less is better. IMHO, in a good bike market, it won't last long. Anything Tange 1 means it was high in Nishikis line-up.
EDIT: I'm guessing mid 80s based on the brake levers. Although Nishiki used aero levers on some upper end models, they did not use them on the early 85 Medalist, one of their highest models. Go figure. The did use them on the 83 Comp II. The paint scheme, two tone matching headtube and seattube says mid to late 80s. If I'm right about the Tange 1 tubing, and combining the brake levers and paint job I'd say it's a 85.
OK, now I finally was able to open the CL ad. Looking at the SHimano 600, I'm staying with my upper end model. I might go up one year on the age to 86, but I'm still betting on 85.

Thanks Roccobike. I think I saw that they were made in '86 and '87. Now my only questions are: Can I afford it now and do I really need/want another bike? Can I get it past the Mrs. without too much sturm und drang? But only I can answer those. :D

There are at least two Tri-A's in the Nishiki Serial Number Database thread on the C&V forum. I am correct, it appears they used Tange 1 for the main frame. I don't think you're looking at a 87 because the downtube decal does not follow the Nishiki model that year. Nishiki put an "insert" in the decal that stated what model group the bike fell into. Also, Nishiki used aero brake levers on lower models than the Tri-A in 87. I still think its a 85-86, but that's just an opinion.
One thing is for sure, the more I learn about that model, the more I think that bike is a good buy.

Kind of a late reply, but I just sold a Nishiki Triathlon. A buddy of mine bought it new in 1985 or 86. It had a Tange Champion #1 frame, Campy Nuovo Record derailleurs, Suntour Superbe brakes and pedals (they were gorgeous), and a Sugino Super Mighty crankset. I think it had Suntour Sprint hubs and Araya rims. SR Laprade seatpost, can't remember what stem it had and I lost the original. The bars were super narrow. Interestingly, the sticker on the top tube was spelled "Triathron." Really quite a nice bike. I think Nishiki put it out to cash in on the whole triathlon thing that was just starting to get popular around that time.