Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - nishiki sport facing conversion
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ma figueroa
10-03-09, 05:16 PM
i have a nishiki sport serial # G1077 that im considering converting to a trike. it is equipped as discribed by mark 4 in a "05" posting. before i cause the bike great injury i would like to know if anyones feelings would be hurt. im not trying to sell the bike, but making sure that im not doing injury to a bike that might deserve better. thanks ma figueroa tmaytoe@att.net
In general, it is best to convert department store grade bikes: Huffy, Roadmaster, and similar. Around here, you can find one of those brands really cheap. And you can tinker with it, see how it turns out and possibly convert a couple of bikes as you refine your technique.
As far as the bike you want to convert, without pictures, I wouldn't guess, and I would rather not search through four years of postings to find the one you referenced.
As I recall, a Nishiki Sport is at the lower end of their model line. But I am not sure.
roccobike
10-04-09, 08:45 AM
As usual, Bill hit it right. The Sport is a lower end Nishiki. The serial number you gave is not a serial number at all, but a manufacturer/date code. It means that bike frame was manufactured in October of 1977 by Giant for Nishiki. It's a 1978 model. If that's correct, it's not only a low end Nishiki, but it's a Hi-Tensile steel frame and probably has chrome rims. As much of a Nishiki nut as I am, I don't get too excited about older Sport models. Just one word of caution, make sure the date code says 1977, not 1987. A 1988 model Sport is a full chromoly main frame and a very nice riding bike. Converting one of those would be a real loss IMHO.
Still, Bill is correct. Try to find an old Huffy, Roadmaster or Murray for your project. The Nishiki is still worth a few bucks.
ma figueroa
10-04-09, 12:29 PM
thanks to thirty bill and the bikejunkie. the project bike is a "78" model and one of two i have for this project. the other is a raleigh. preferring the nishiki look and not knowing what "a few bucks" are im inclined to use it for the project. however if the raleigh is a better choice let me know. please anyone weigh in. thanks ma figueroa tmaytoe@att.net