Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Vintage Nishiki Road Bike

Hi all,

I'm a new biker looking for a road bike for my 5 mile commute. Money is tight so a new bike is out of the question and I have been perusing craigslist in search of vintage gold. I've found, among a few other candidates, a good looking bike. As a novice, I feel rather silly looking up the importance of, say, chromoly double butted frame. My research tells me this is important. What are your thoughts on this beauty. Is 260 too much or the steal of the century???!!??

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/2590100490.html

Thanks for all of your help,

Sam

I have owned a couple of Nishiki Olympic road bicycles and think them to be decent bikes. They are of mid level quality, which is pretty darn good, in my opinion.

For a relatively quick course on Bicycle Quality (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_1/FREE_SITE_6_BICYCLE_QUALITY.htm), just click the link, and you will come to understand how to differentiate between entry, mid and top level bicycles.

As for the price, it is always difficult to determine Vintage Bicycle Value (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_VALUE/VALUE_1_Start.htm) since so many things impact value, and some of those things have nothing to do with the bicycle itself. That said, the price would not constitute a steal of the century purchase but you will like the bike.

Hope this is a help.

I sold one in the Detroit area for $260. The freewheel and chain were replaced. The hubs, bottom bracket, and headset were lubed. The tires, saddle, and handlebar tape were new. The cables and housing were replaced. The bike was very nice.

http://i941.photobucket.com/albums/ad253/bikemanbob/Nishiki/DSCN1182.jpg

bikemanbob did well, his might have been in better shape than the one in SGV.
I have sold a couple of those. As mentioned, mid level quality. 4130 tubing, Sugino cranks, lower end Shimano derallieurs, Dia Compe brakes.

IIRC they both sold for $225 and were in pristine condition. This bike looks ok but for $275 to $325 you could could get something much better. Like an Ironman Expert, Schwinnn Circuit, Trek, etc. IMO, pass.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2593690691.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/2573033808.html

I look at the rear derailleur cable housing and I cringe. Recently service? Give me a break. And it may have brand new tubes, but those tires look pretty well gone to me.

I would assume that bike has been negleted for a long time, and is a recent garage sale find. Seller did the minimum to make it market ready.

I look at the rear derailleur cable housing and I cringe. Recently service? Give me a break. And it may have brand new tubes, but those tires look pretty well gone to me.

I would assume that bike has been negleted for a long time, and is a recent garage sale find. Seller did the minimum to make it market ready.

+1

That bike is likely in need of a complete overhaul and all new expendables - not worth half of what Bikemanbob sold his for.
- Plus the ad says "text me". :rolleyes:

Thanks for the help all

Sam