Classic & Vintage - Nishiki Sport... 70s? 80s?

I scored this nice looking bike for $25. It has essentially zero wear, but it needs plenty of cleaning and a bit of paint. I'm wondering if somebody can help me figure out the age?

Turquoise "Nishiki Sport": lugged, frame says 4130 CroMo, Maillard 36 hole hubs, brand new tires on presta-drilled Araya 27" rims, Sugino cotterless cranks, Suntour Ar II derailers, quill pedals, Suntour 6-speed freewheel, Suntour friction shifters on stem, Diacompe brakes + levers (not aero), threaded fork/stem/headset, vetta saddle. Frame + most parts made in taiwan.

Anybody know anything about this model? I'd like to give it as a present to my girlfriend, but I want to touch up the paint first. I've already sanded down the scraped up areas. Would it be terrible to just spray paint the (sanded) areas that need it, and then spray it with clear coat?

ps- I also picked up a lugged Spalding Blade with nearly identical geometry, but lower-end components (riveted chainrings etc.)

Sounds like a late 70s model.

Sounds like a late 70s model.
Concur.

I have a 1983 road test for a Nishiki that matches the general specs of you bicycle: 4130 frame, SunTour AR derailleurs, Sugino crankset and Maillard hubs. However, there are a few notable items that imply your model is probably a year or two newer. Specifically, the 1983 uses a 5 speed freewheel, while yours is 6 speed. Also the 1983 model used Schraeder tubes, while yours is Presta. Finally, Nishiki started using Vetta as a saddle supplier around 1985.

The Sport was traditionally Nishiki's entry level bicycle. It's good value, but is an inexpensive bicycle.

Considering that you've alrerady sanded the scarped areas, you are committed to some sort of touch-up. Prior to spraying, clean the area and apply a neutral colour primer to obtain better adhesion. Sand the primer lightly with fine sandpaper and then apply your colour coats. Hopefully you can find a close match. I wouldn't go to the trouble of a clear coating an entry level bicycle. Most entry level bicycles from that era would not have had one.

Cool, thanks, I think I will just mask off the head tube and decals and spray paint the whole darn thing (after a light sanding).

I have a similar Nishiki sport, though it may be a year or two newer than yours. The main difference seems to be mine has Suntour VX derailleurs. I love the thing, and ride it daily. With a few minor modifications (period-looking downtube shifters, aero brakes, ergo bars etc.), it really shaped up to a nice ride. One odd thing though, bike shops (at least, those not very familiar with Nishikis) seem to think it's a higher-end late-70s model (the hubs and brake calipers say '86). It could be the lugged frame and friction shifters that confuse people. Anyway, they're quality bikes, if lacking a fancy name or prestigious country of manufacture. Should be dependable.

For what it's worth, mine has a factory 2-tone (maroon & silver) clearcoat paintjob.

I have a similar Nishiki sport, though it may be a year or two newer than yours. The main difference seems to be mine has Suntour VX derailleurs. I love the thing, and ride it daily. With a few minor modifications (period-looking downtube shifters, aero brakes, ergo bars etc.), it really shaped up to a nice ride. One odd thing though, bike shops (at least, those not very familiar with Nishikis) seem to think it's a higher-end late-70s model (the hubs and brake calipers say '86). It could be the lugged frame and friction shifters that confuse people. Anyway, they're quality bikes, if lacking a fancy name or prestigious country of manufacture. Should be dependable.

For what it's worth, mine has a factory 2-tone (maroon & silver) clearcoat paintjob.

Thanks for the info! I think the one I got looks like a really solid setup. I'm giving it to my girlfriend so that she has a bike that doesn't suck, and can't use that as an excuse to avoid going on rides with me :)

yeah i have a Nishiki Sport also. it was maroon and a goldish head tube. all the specs you guys mentioned, also. Stripped it down, now im just using the frame, was using as a fixed gear for about a year. now its going to be my SS CX bike.

have fun

jeremyb

I also have a Nishiki Sport, but with a double upper support-bar design. It's got about the same specs as the one being discussed. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what exactly a bike with those two bars rather than one is called?

I also have a Nishiki Sport, but with a double upper support-bar design. It's got about the same specs as the one being discussed. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what exactly a bike with those two bars rather than one is called?


Sounds like a mixte. Photos?

East Hill