Classic & Vintage - 1982 Nishiki Cresta Craigslist Find...

Hi All,
I have been searching for the perfect bike to get me back in the saddle, and have finally found it! I couldn't talk the seller down, so I paid the $90 asking price, didn't get quite the deal some of you have gotten, but, I am happy with her, nonetheless.
Here she is after a little cleaning, I still have a ways to go, spokes, DT shifters, etc, but, she is cleaning up nicely. I believe all is original, except perhaps the tires and maybe the bar foam. Did bikes from this era come with bar foam? I plan to get her a Brook's B17 in antique brown with matching tape, and finish cleaning her up, that's it! Whatcha think?

294256294257294258294259294260294261

-mrlassiter

You did good especially if it gets you back on the saddle enjoy

You did good especially if it gets you back on the saddle enjoy


Thanks Marley! Took a ride around the block already and Man!, do I ever need this, my legs were rubber after two blocks! LOL!
That'll go away soon enough...

Nice bikefor a good price. I like my Nishiki, I hope you like yours as much

Nice bikefor a good price. I like my Nishiki, I hope you like yours as much

I already do! That short ride to the local gas station and back was enough to get me hooked on her! Now I need to find lots of time to ride!

rgver, do you have any pics posted? linkie?
Thanks!

Great looking Nishiki CONGRATS!!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=294257&d=1358552521

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=294259&d=1358552525

rgver, do you have any pics posted? linkie?
Thanks!

I think this is rgver's Nishiki
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=289993&d=1356374290
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=289993&d=1356374290

Bianchigirl, Thanks! and thanks for finding the pics of rgver's Nishiki! I think they are beautiful bikes!

Nice find, and not a bad price for how clean it is. I would definitely recommend a complete lube job before you ride it much further. Hubs, bottom bracket, and headset, and you're set for miles and miles. Sometimes the grease is so dried up hubs and bottom bracket can blow out after a few miles of riding.,,,,BD

Nice find, and not a bad price for how clean it is. I would definitely recommend a complete lube job before you ride it much further. Hubs, bottom bracket, and headset, and you're set for miles and miles. Sometimes the grease is so dried up hubs and bottom bracket can blow out after a few miles of riding.,,,,BD


Good advice, Bikedued. I am not in shape to ride it any distance, yet, but those maintenance items are definitely on my list of things to do before I take it much further than up the block and back. It does ride nice! I hope not to have to change a thing, mechanically, that is, just clean, lube , repack, and ride!

My International. I wish it had the triple, but it started getting them a year or two later. Oh well, still a nice ride. I put the Suntour Blue Line on it, originally was Cyclone.,,,,BD

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6212/6292082406_348c235bca_b.jpg

My International. I wish it had the triple, but it started getting them a year or two later. Oh well, still a nice ride. I put the Suntour Blue Line on it, originally was Cyclone.,,,,BD

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6212/6292082406_348c235bca_b.jpg



Beautiful Bike!! Are the Blue Lines a much better brake? Mine has the Cyclones on it. (I think.)

Looks pretty clean, I would say a pretty good price, in our area, that would go for $150-$200. Looks a LOT nicer than the old Schwinn LeTour I got a few years ago in getting back into road biking to chase my son...I was a roller, but EVERYTHING needed work. Last year I put in 1100 miles (not on the Schwinn, but on an 87 Bridgestone and a "modern" 02 Felt) a lot of those miles with my son. Find a riding buddy. But you can go solo, did a 50 on my 50th birthday last year.

"Find a riding buddy. But you can go solo, did a 50 on my 50th birthday last year."

Riding buddy is my wife, whom I just gifted with a Scattante w570, for her upcoming mini-tri, and, hopefully, a new hobby, activity for her. Oh!, and the three munchkins, (3 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 1/2) who are begging me to let them ride with me. Gonna have to break them into it gently.
As for the 50th birthday, mine just passed, so I guess it'll have to be a 51 miler on my 51st! :)

Might have to get some of those Jr Road Bikes! :-) My riding buddy, is my youngest son, and at 14, don't know how much longer it will be OK to go riding with the OLD MAN! We did a nice little 37 mile ride last Sunday...and I had to SLOW for him a bit towards the end....he claimed he hadn't eaten enough for lunch and was out of energy....may be true, I have FAT reserves to fall back on, he reminds me of that WAY too often! :-) Gotta keep challenging him!

"I have FAT reserves to fall back on, "

Man! At 230#'s I have a tankfull of FAT reserves to draw from... :( LOL!

Nicely done! I think Nishiki made great bikes. Here is mine, it looks a lot like yours!:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/devinfan/IMG_0564.jpg

Beautiful Bike!! Are the Blue Lines a much better brake? Mine has the Cyclones on it. (I think.)

I was speaking of the derailleurs. They're on par with the Cyclones IMHO! Heck almost anything Suntour made shifts like a dream.,,,,BD

Mr Lassiter -
You scored a fine bike there. - Though I'm not familiar with the model, Nishiki's from this era are very very nice and
yours appears to be well along in the pecking order.
Here's my '83 - it's just like Bikedueds in "pearl beige".

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Nishiki%20International/NishikiInternational_1983_1.jpg

Nicely done! I think Nishiki made great bikes. Here is mine, it looks a lot like yours!:

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h415/devinfan/IMG_0564.jpg


Wow!! Black and Gold!! My next choice after the navy and silver! I am hoping the antique brown Brooks saddle and tape will give it an 'classic english sports car' look. You have a beautiful machine there!

I was speaking of the derailleurs. They're on par with the Cyclones IMHO! Heck almost anything Suntour made shifts like a dream.,,,,BD

Ah! These do shift well, when I actually shift outta granny, that is! The components are all in good shape, so I plan to just shine 'em up and go.

Mr Lassiter -
You scored a fine bike there. - Though I'm not familiar with the model, Nishiki's from this era are very very nice and
yours appears to be well along in the pecking order.
Here's my '83 - it's just like Bikedueds in "pearl beige".

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Nishiki%20International/NishikiInternational_1983_1.jpg

Nice Photo! And. again, beautiful color scheme/bike!

It just screams 'Ride ME!!'

I've already noticed how comfortable the ride is on it as well. It seems to gobble up the bumps and once my legs get in shape it'll gobble 'em up faster. Steel is nice!

Welcome back, Nishiki made some nice rides.

Welcome back, Nishiki made some nice rides.


Thanks! It's great to have a ride as nice as one of these old girls to welcome me back.

Our bikes are twins!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7817442990_1dbb4ea37d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/7817442990/)
1982 Nishiki Cresta

It's rare to see these Crestas in the Midnight Blue color. I think it may have been exclusive to 1982 but I'm not sure. I am the original owner of mine and have recently upgraded most of the components, as well as converting her to a 7 speed and 700c wheels. I can tell you exactly what the original components were. Re: the original saddle, it came stock with an Avocet Touring II model.

Here is a link to the thread I started on my bike if you're interested: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/840467-1982-Nishiki-Cresta?highlight=

Enjoy your bike. It's in great shape and you got a really good deal:thumb:

Our bikes are twins!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7817442990_1dbb4ea37d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/76883232@N02/7817442990/)
1982 Nishiki Cresta

It's rare to see these Crestas in the Midnight Blue color. I think it may have been exclusive to 1982 but I'm not sure. I am the original owner of mine and have recently upgraded most of the components, as well as converting her to a 7 speed and 700c wheels. I can tell you exactly what the original components were. Re: the original saddle, it came stock with an Avocet Touring II model.

Here is a link to the thread I started on my bike if you're interested: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/840467-1982-Nishiki-Cresta?highlight=

Enjoy your bike. It's in great shape and you got a really good deal:thumb:


I knew you'ld check in sooner or later! I have been admiring your bike for some time now! I read through your posts a few times. LOL! Beautiful bike, if I do say so myself! I am gonna leave the rear rack on, but am changing out the saddle, (yes an Avocet II, a little scuffed here and there and one small 'L' shaped puncture i it) for a Brooks B17 and matching bar tape in dark brown, other than that the only thing I am tempted to change is adding those awesome fenders! Do you have a line on those, or a comparable set? And if I leave the wheels (27") on would they still fit?

BTW, you've done an awesome job with the project! I LOVE this bike! Especially that painstaking fender fit! Excellent photos, too!!!


-mrlassiter

Nice bike! I've never found a Nishiki in my size, but my cycling buddy (who is a serious rando guy) has a Cresta he uses as his brevet bike. He's ridden 200, 300, 400, and 600Ks on it. Not that you need anyone's approval, but I've seen these Crestas in action, and they are solid, great-riding bikes with a lively feel and excellent geometry for distance riding. I hope you have many happy miles!

Mr. Lassiter, thank you for your kind words! I especially appreciate your mention of the photography, I've tried to present the bike in the best possible way.

Now, about your bike:
Saddle
+1 on the Brooks B17!! That will look great and be perfect for your bike. I would also consider the Honey color as the leather will darken with use to a real nice patina.

Handlebars
The foam on the handlebars is not original and should be replaced. Your plan to replace the foam with tape to match the Brooks saddle is solid. Consider Newbaums cotton bar tape in the Brown color and apply a coat or two of clear shellac to preserve it.
http://www.newbaums.com/p/cotton-bar-tape-details.html

And if you want to use twine to finish the bar tape, here is good tutorial: http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=13

Toe Clips and Straps?
I'm not sure if you plan to add toe clips and straps or not (I have MKS chrome steel ones with Zefal Christophe straps), but if you do, there are good options for leather toe straps that can match the saddle.

Lever Hoods
You might want to find replacement gum hoods for the brake levers while you're working on the handlebars. I got mine from Loose Screws but they are going out of business so they may not have what you need. If you have the original DiaCompe levers, there are replacements available out there.

Wheelset
If you go the 700c route, I don't think you will be disappointed. I have noticed a significant improvement in the ride quality of my bike since changing to the new wheels. The larger tire size helps also. I love the 32c Panaracer Pasela Tourguards with the Velocity Dyad rims. This is a wheelset designed for loaded touring and off pavement randonneuring and I have absolute confidence that they can handle just about anything I throw at them.

Be aware, if you change to 700c, you will also need to change the brakes to long reach brakes (this is how it starts, one thing leads to another :lol:)

Fenders
Adding fenders to my bike was one of the most challenging aspects of my project. That said, the fenders are the one thing most people notice about my bike. They are Honjo LePaon fenders and they are quite unique. I'm not aware of aluminum fenders in the 27" size so I can't help you there but that doesn't mean they don't exist. This may factor in to your wheel size decision if you really want to add metal fenders.

Finally...
As others have mentioned, a thorough bearing service is in order, but you already know that.

It looks like you have an original Zefal frame pump on your bike. That is great! I used to have one just like it.

Post your bike on T-Mars Nishiki Serial Number Database thread and include the serial number. I'm interested in what number frame you have.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/390318-Nishiki-Serial-Number-Database

The fact that you are getting out there and riding is awesome! I just started riding again last October and it's been a lot of fun. The miles get easier the more you ride so keep it up!

simmonsgc- Thanks for the wishes! This is the first REAL bike I've owned and I can tell it is from a different era, when quality still meant a lot! I may never get to that stage, but, I do have hopes to one day be able to do a century! Good to know the bike'll handle it even I may not! LOL

-mrlassiter

@Saguaro~

Thanks again for all the recommendations, I was cringing at the price of the Brooks matching leather tape. I may go with a cloth/shellac setup if it'll save me a bunch AND still look good enough as a match. The video was great! I haven't tried to tape yet, so it'll help alot!

I plan to leave the rest of the bike as is for the immediately forseeable future. But I am tossing the wheel change around, seriously... I want to have some higher pressure tires on it soon. I need all the help I can get to make it faster. Good to know they won't detract from the ride!

It has the original Diacompe brakes and handles on it, that are scuffed, so, if I find a replacement set cheap on Ebay or CL, I may go for it, but, obviously, not until I make a decision on the wheels change,(ditto the fenders) else, I will take them off and polish them on a bench grinder and wax/preserve them and throw some hoods on the handles.

Surpising to hear that is the origial pump that came with the bike, I am guessing there may be a way to rebuild it? I have used it to add some air to the rear, seems to work, but not that well.

I checked that thread out earlier (hence an '82) I'll post it over there, but if I recall the serial is KB102895(don't hold me to that, but it is close.)

Thanks again for all the information and the encouraging advice!! I'll, of course, post pics as I go.

Yup thats mine BG. Thats the before, here it is now
http://imageshack.us/a/img442/8852/dsc03505z.jpg

Yup thats mine BG. Thats the before, here it is now
http://imageshack.us/a/img442/8852/dsc03505z.jpg

Nice! I like the color! Was it brownish before and you repainted? Or was it just the photo being off a bit?
In either case, good job with it!

Nice! I like the color! Was it brownish before and you repainted? Or was it just the photo being off a bit?
In either case, good job with it!

Same color, but no flash/flash on camera

Same color, but no flash/flash on camera


Looks nicer with the flash. I see you also changed it back to DT shifters. I am apparently going to have to start taking my bike photos parked in at least a midrange gear, until I get out of granny, else I am going to reveal how out of shape I am...:rolleyes: I noticed every bike on here except mine is in midrange or higher gear... sigh... :) Would you call that 'Candy Apple Red'?

Hey Saguaro!

"Be aware, if you change to 700c, you will also need to change the brakes to long reach brakes (this is how it starts, one thing leads to another :lol:)"

I just found a set of DiaCompe long reach brake calipers on Ebay, but they look just like mine. They MAY be sized differently, but, even when examining mine, the pads are exactly in the middle of the adjustment slot. I zoomed in on yours and I see that on your front wheel you are almost bottomed out-call it at least 3/4 of the way to full extension- and your rear wheel appears to be bottomed out on the slot. I am thinking I may just take it to the local LBS and have them check fit on a set of 700c wheels. I may get lucky on that. Thoughts?

-mrlassiter

Hey Saguaro!

"Be aware, if you change to 700c, you will also need to change the brakes to long reach brakes (this is how it starts, one thing leads to another :lol:)"

I just found a set of DiaCompe long reach brake calipers on Ebay, but they look just like mine. They MAY be sized differently, but, even when examining mine, the pads are exactly in the middle of the adjustment slot. I zoomed in on yours and I see that on your front wheel you are almost bottomed out-call it at least 3/4 of the way to full extension- and your rear wheel appears to be bottomed out on the slot. I am thinking I may just take it to the local LBS and have them check fit on a set of 700c wheels. I may get lucky on that. Thoughts?

-mrlassiter

It looks like your bike has the original Dia Compe N-500 quick release brakes. According to Velobase, they have a 59mm reach. That's long reach. http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=d5953e65-f8ff-4550-a9fa-9192e4c5d98f

So you should be OK with the brakes you have and 700c wheels (I stand corrected!). Definitely take the bike in to your local shop and test fit some new wheels. :thumb:

I changed the brakes on my bike to Suntour Superbe 4700. http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?id=07247d39-2114-4055-9f25-8131c4e22bbe

They are listed as having a 57mm reach. And you are correct, my brakes are maxed out with the 700c wheels, but the brake shoes are right in the middle of the rim braking surface on the Velocity Dyad rims.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!

@Saguaro~

Surpising to hear that is the origial pump that came with the bike, I am guessing there may be a way to rebuild it? I have used it to add some air to the rear, seems to work, but not that well.



Just to clarify, the Zefal frame pump did not come with my bike, it was an accessory I added. But at the time, the Zefals were very common. You can buy a replacement here http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/pu2.htm if you can't get the old one to work properly.

Or consider the Topeak Road Master Blaster Frame Pump that I used. http://www.rei.com/product/686215/topeak-road-master-blaster-frame-fit-pump

I like this pump a lot and the Large size fits great on my 57cm CTC frame. No velcro strap required.

It looks like your bike has the original Dia Compe N-500 quick release brakes. According to Velobase, they have a 59mm reach. That's long reach. http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=d5953e65-f8ff-4550-a9fa-9192e4c5d98f

So you should be OK with the brakes you have and 700c wheels. Definitely take the bike in to your local shop and test fit some new wheels. :thumb:

I changed the brakes on my bike to Suntour Superbe 4700. http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?id=07247d39-2114-4055-9f25-8131c4e22bbe

They are listed as having a 57mm reach. And you are correct, my brakes are maxed out with the 700c wheels, but the brake shoes are right in the middle of the rim braking surface on the Velocity Dyad rims.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!


Awesommmme! Thanks! I can't find the model number on the calipers, on the backside, there is a 1282, and on the inside, the Japan and DiaCompe stamp, but can't read anything else without taking them off... Easiest just to test some wheels...
Next question, you stated that the larger tires make the ride more comfortable, by that I am guessing you have tires wider than 23c? Would 23c wheel/tire (narrower than the current 1 1/4") present brake closure/clamping force problems? Or were you referring to sidewall 'height'?

edit: I Checked out the Velobase link, they appear same as the first set on the left, with wheel guides and quick release... thanks!

Oh! Thanks again for the velobase link! Good info resources...

So, down the rabbit hole we go! If you are serious about converting to 700c rims, you also need to consider whether you want to stick with your existing freewheel. I can almost guarantee that your LBS does not have 700c rear wheels with threaded hubs for freewheels. It's virtually all cassettes today. If you decide to change to a cassette, I can't advise you since I dont have experience with them.

Here is my recommendation for a nice freewheel 700c wheelset that won't break the bank: http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=3343
These are sealed bearing hubs with Sun CR-18 rims, 700c. The Sun rims will look great on your bike with a nice vintage quality and they are fairly robust.

Regarding tire size, my tires are 700c x 32c. They measure about 31mm in width. Be aware tire sizes vary considerably by manufacturer so YMMV. Selecting tire size has more to do with the intended use of the bike more than anything else. And that leads me to the following comments about our 1982 Nishiki Crestas. These frames have a long wheelbase and relaxed geometry, well suited for touring and distance cycling (this confirms the previous comment by simmonsgc). The 1982 Crestas were unusual in that they came with caliper brakes even though they were marketed as touring bikes. Starting in 1983, the Crestas came with cantilever brakes which are more appropriate for touring bikes.

So the 1982 Crestas, I think, are best suited for distance riding like brevets and randonneuring, with minimal baggage, despite being marketed as touring bikes. That's one of the reasons I don't use a rear rack most of the time. I would think a 28c would be a good size for commuting and distance riding, but again I like the 32c size and I only weigh 155lbs. 23c tires are race tires IMHO.

So, down the rabbit hole we go! If you are serious about converting to 700c rims, you also need to consider whether you want to stick with your existing freewheel. I can almost guarantee that your LBS does not have 700c rear wheels with threaded hubs for freewheels. It's virtually all cassettes today. If you decide to change to a cassette, I can't advise you since I dont have experience with them.

Here is my recommendation for a nice freewheel 700c wheelset that won't break the bank: http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=3343
These are sealed bearing hubs with Sun CR-18 rims, 700c. The Sun rims will look great on your bike with a nice vintage quality and they are fairly robust.

Regarding tire size, my tires are 700c x 32c. They measure about 31mm in width. Be aware tire sizes vary considerably by manufacturer so YMMV. Selecting tire size has more to do with the intended use of the bike more than anything else. And that leads me to the following comments about our 1982 Nishiki Crestas. These frames have a long wheelbase and relaxed geometry, well suited for touring and distance cycling (this confirms the previous comment by simmonsgc). The 1982 Crestas were unusual in that they came with caliper brakes even though they were marketed as touring bikes. Starting in 1983, the Crestas came with cantilever brakes which are more appropriate for touring bikes.

So the 1982 Crestas, I think, are best suited for distance riding like brevets and randonneuring, with minimal baggage, despite being marketed as touring bikes. That's one of the reasons I don't use a rear rack most of the time. I would think a 28c would be a good size for commuting and distance riding, but again I like the 32c size and I only weigh 155lbs. 23c tires are race tires IMHO.


So much to learn (and spend :))... I think I'll wait and revisit this when I have to replace the tires or (more likely) break a spoke. I like the ride the way it is, would like to gain some efiiciency, but I am 230#'s and I plan to do longer rides without large loads (other than me, the rider, lol) I am going to take it to the LBS to have all the bearings cleaned/repacked, though, so I'll see if they have a freewheel hub setup on a 700c, on the off chance, that I can try out on it. If not, I'll read up on it some more...

The 27's are probably a bit stronger, and for you, IF they are in OK shape, should work fine....tires are not as available, but they are out there. Can just throw a pair of 700s on there (freewheel or not) to see if the brakes will reach. That is a bit of an expense to replace unless you can trade out with someone for long reach ones.

The 27's are probably a bit stronger, and for you, IF they are in OK shape, should work fine....tires are not as available, but they are out there. Can just throw a pair of 700s on there (freewheel or not) to see if the brakes will reach. That is a bit of an expense to replace unless you can trade out with someone for long reach ones.


Thanks RubberLegs! I am pretty sure my calipers will work with 700c's, not sure I want to go the expense of a new wheelset, new tires and tubes, etc all at once. I think when I have the first inevitable breakdown I'll have my mind made up as to what I am going to do.

To those of you that cautioned me about repacking and cleaning the hubs and BB, Thank you!!! (though I would have anyway...) I had the LBS do it, (no tools, etc..) and the report back was that the grease had pretty much turned to packed dust. They also replaced the bearings as moisture had found it's way in and they were beginning to rust. Trued the wheels and tensioned the front wheel, as best they could, spoke nipples are kinda worn down. Greased the headstock and all is well for the next thirty years!! Now I need to finish the cleaning and waxing and riding. I need to get the proper tools to begin attacking these things on my next C&V purchase as I don't thik this will be the last one. The overhaul cost me more than the bike, but I am soo glad I took it in and had them do it.
Sidenote: Her comments were that,"It was like opening a time capsule, like someone had bought it and rode it a few times and then put it away for thirty years. It had obviously been very well taken care of."

-now if it would only stop raining, I'ld go for a ride.

-mrlassiter