Classic & Vintage - 1987 Nishiki Prestige

I have a 1987 20" Nishiki Prestige that is in excellent condition. I bought in new, put on a new seat and I think made it an 18 up from a 12 speed. I would like to trade the bike in on a Hybrid but have absolutely no idea of it's value as a trade in. Or, would I be better off to sell it outright?188367188368188366188369188370188477188478188479

Where do you plan to trade it in? Around here, bike shops give next to nothing for vintage bikes. Name one thing where you do better on trading it in versus selling it outright. I cannot think of a single item.

You are much better selling it privately (Craigs List or whatever). Around here, I could get about $250 for that bike in pristine, ready to ride condition. Nice used hybrids sell for $150 or less.

Looks smaller than a 20 inch frame to me. The smaller, the better, for value.

Looks smaller than a 20 inch frame to me. The smaller, the better, for value.

Agreed that it's smaller. Probably 47-48cm. Small bikes are in demand, but yours is very small. 52-53cm bikes seem to always sell well. Bill should know, though. He sells a good deal of bikes, I reckon.

Thanks for the reply....that is why I posted here because I wasn't sure what would be the best thing to do with this bike as far as selling or trading in. When I stopped riding the bike, around 88, everything worked fine. I guess when the snow clears I'll have to jump on it and take a ride to be sure everything still works...I live in the Harrisburg PA area and remeasured the frame and it is 20". Thanks again...

how are you measuring that frame? With "merged" headlugs and a horizontal top tube I'd be very surprised if it's more than 49cm (and I'd not be surprised by less)...and that's a good thing! Bikes with frames that small and matching 700C wheels are very much in demand, mainly for female riders. You should have no trouble selling it in a major urban area (especially with a College or University near) for enough to cover a Hybrid bike and still leave you a profit.

I measured the frame from the top of the seat post to the center of the crank. Here are some pics....
188474188475188476

When I got back into cycling a few years ago I thought I had to have a hybrid. Within a few months I was back to road bikes, and I've heard of may other cyclists following this same pattern. Have you tried riding your Nishiki for a few days? Down the road, you might wish you still had it.

When I got back into cycling a few years ago I thought I had to have a hybrid. Within a few months I was back to road bikes, and I've heard of may other cyclists following this same pattern. Have you tried riding your Nishiki for a few days? Down the road, you might wish you still had it.

I probably would keep the Nishiki because at 5' 1", the frame is a perfect fit for me. I'm going to be doing more off road, rail/trail riding and this bike doesn't serve that purpose.

Looks smaller than a 20 inch frame to me. The smaller, the better, for value.

I have posted additional pics with the measurements of the bike...

with different bars and tires and a fresh tune up, that bike would absolutely serve your purpose, and i vote you keep it because it fits you and it's cool and old and in very good condition.

with different bars and tires and a fresh tune up, that bike would absolutely serve your purpose, and i vote you keep it because it fits you and it's cool and old and in very good condition.
I've been out of bicycles for such a long time...with different tires and handlebars, I could use this for off road, rail trail riding?? I don't plan on doing over rock/tree riding. Just rail/trail, bike path and rural riding....

been running these on an old varsity - very happy - may help your bike fit your needs better

http://www.amazon.com/TIOGA-BLOODHOUND-Wire-Bead-Black/dp/B002SZKCHG

sure, smarten-- find a set of tires like marley mentions, something with some tread texture, some puncture proofing, a set of flat MTB bars and MTB brake levers and you're set...your LBS should be able to help

I measured the frame from the top of the seat post to the center of the crank. Here are some pics....
188474188475188476

Most of us measure from the center of the BB to the point where the top tube intersects with the seat tube. We call this c-t-c or "center to center" measuring. As I said earlier, you have a 48cm frame. (Damn, I'm good). Some bike manufacturers listed frame sizes with "center to top" measurements (namely Schwinn), but most of us use the c-t-c method in a weak attempt to avoid confusion.

sure, smarten-- find a set of tires like marley mentions, something with some tread texture, some puncture proofing, a set of flat MTB bars and MTB brake levers and you're set...your LBS should be able to help

yeah - you might wanna check you'll have clearance with the 'offroad' tires

btw - those bloodhound still run mighty fast on the road (well - fast as you can make a varsity go that is ;) )

yeah - you might wanna check you'll have clearance with the 'offroad' tires


My Nishiki Prestige takes 700x28 without trouble - I tried 700x35 once, and it was pretty tight. So if you can find something in 700x32, that might work for ya.

Most of us measure from the center of the BB to the point where the top tube intersects with the seat tube. We call this c-t-c or "center to center" measuring. As I said earlier, you have a 48cm frame. (Damn, I'm good). Some bike manufacturers listed frame sizes with "center to top" measurements (namely Schwinn), but most of us use the c-t-c method in a weak attempt to avoid confusion.

+10 C-t-C, bike is not a 20. To the top of the seat post? That is a new one.