Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrade and Modernize an Old Nishiki

Hey there guys!

I would like to convert my old Nishiki ( over twenty-years-old) bicycle, into a more modern-looking 24, 27, or 30 speed bike. I would like to also convert from friction to indexed shifters.

I was told that the clearances between my rear drop-outs were too small to find a modern match, because my bike is too old.

However, I could possibly find reconditioned or slightly new componentry to upgrade my Nishiki.

Could someone explain all of this to me please?

Thanks :)

For the rear drop-out spacing, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try cold-setting the frame.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html.
Once you can get modern hubs in the rear, you'll probably need a new derailluer to match the shifter cable indexing.

How about some pics!!

If I should execute this vision, I'll show pics for sure!

I hope your budget is pretty generous. Respacing the frame's rear dropouts from 120 mm (old 5-speed) o,r more likely, 126 mm (6/7-speed) to the modern 130 mm (8/9/10-speed) is the least difficult and costly part of your proposed project. In fact if it's now 126 mm, fitting a 130 mm hub into it is relatively easy with no other changes. The rest of the project will be a lot more expensive.

In no particular order you will need the following new components:

Rear wheel
Cassette
Chain
Brifters (combined brake/shift levers)
Rear derailleur
Front derailleur
Cables and housings

And very likely but not certain:

Crank set and bottom bracket

From your OP, I assume you aren't able to do the conversion yourself so add the cost of a bike shop or other professional mechanic for the installation.

So, yes it certainly can be done but it won't be cheap. Get some estimates and then compare them to the cost of a modern new or used bike and see where the economics fall.

^^^^^^ What he said.

I like doing this king of project but it's generally not cost effective. Not even close.

Unless there's something wrong with the present components, why bother? The cost and effort of converting it to modern components would comprise a significant fraction of the cost a new bike at a fraction of the effort.

Actually, I just got finished successfully rebuilding my Giant Innova hybrid. I therefore, fully expect to rebuild my Nishiki too! :)

I dunno man, do you need 20 speeds? Why not keep it a 10 speed and just restore it?