Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Price check on this Nishiki Sport

Hi guys,
I am very new to road bikes. I'm getting one to get around campus faster. I saw this posting on CL of a nishiki sport and was wondering if their asking price is reasonable. I don't know much about Nishiki's either. Are they pretty good bikes? Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for taking time to reply. =)

Here's the link.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2062897250.html

Looks like a mid-80's Sport. Nishiki was a good quality brand sold at LBSs just like Schwinn, Raleigh, Trek etc. The SPORT was one of their entry level models, the second from the lowest level for the year you are looking at. Still, it's a good quality bike. The bike in question has alloy wheels and a very small frame, both pluses. It looks like it has new or newer tires and was well cared for along with a chromoly frame, all pluses. While $250 is high, the area you are in (LA) tends to be a high priced bike market. See if you can get them down to $200. If you are a short person, finding another 47/48cm frame in that condition can be hard to find.
If you are not a short person, I'd pass as the price is high and that is a small framed bike.
Your call.
NOTE: That bike has friction shifters, not index (click).

thanks for the quick reply! friction shifters are the old school lever shifters right? I'm fine with those. I'm about 5'5 height. Do you think I am too tall for this bike?

I was also checking out this bike too from the same seller, and its a little bigger in case the 47 cm is too short, which it most likely is. It's a 52cm khs competition. Not sure which is a better buy. Again any help would be appreciated =)

Heres the link:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bik/2062897867.html

+1 regarding all roccobikes comments. Both bicycles are comparable, though the Nishiki Sport is newer. FYI, it's a 1985 model, original price. The KHS appears to be very late 1970s. Given your height, I suspect the Nishiki is closer to your optimum size, but it all depends on your body proportions and how the seller measure his frames. At least they're both with the same seller, to it's easy to test ride and compare. Take your own tools and don't be timid about making position changes to the saddle, stem and bars to get the bicycles dialed in to your liking. Both saddles are non-OEM and look fairly cheap, so if you prefer the fit of one bicycle, but prefer the saddle of the other, don't hesitate to ask the owner to swap the saddle. At those prices, you want to make sure the bicycle is right for you.

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm just going to hold off on this purchase and wait for a sweet late 80s peugeot to come my way hopefully at 49-52cm.

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm just going to hold off on this purchase and wait for a sweet late 80s peugeot to come my way hopefully at 49-52cm.

Smaller frame sizes are hard to find. Be prepared to launch immediately if you see one. Good luck with the search!

Hey thanks for your help guys. Can you tell me anything about this bicycle? Serial number is KF 000212. http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a418/nismojohnny/Picture16173.jpg