kentileguy

I have an opportunity to purchase a NIB 1981ish Nishiki International for $400. Didn't get a chance to look at it too closely, but what I did see is:
Tange lugged frame-bronze color with outlined lugs
Suntour blueline front & rear der
Sugino Super Maxy crankset
Dia Compe G brakes
27" wheels
I'm not real familiar with Nishikis and there isn't much info on the net about early 80's Internationals. Anybody out there have one? How do they ride? There is a possibility I can get more than 1, anyone interested? Perhaps I can work out a quantity deal with the seller. I believe they are all 23" frames. I'm intrigued by the idea of riding a brand new 30 year old bike, just not sure if its worth it for $400 dollars. Like most of you I've picked up similar bikes for far less, but I've never taken 1 out of the original packaging, put it together and ridden it. My last new bike was a 1975 Schwinn Varsity - got it for my 9th bday

cudak888 

Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope. Not worth it.

-Kurt

bigbossman 

I have a Nishiki International that is near-new in condition. You'd have to give me $350 to get it out of my posession. That doesn't mean it's "worth" that, but it does mean that it is worth that to me.

Chris Pringle

Nishikis are great bikes. I don't think I've ever seen a bad review for one here on C&V. I own a Century mixte (more toward the bottom of the Nishiki hierarchy) and it's still a great and smooth ride. The International, on the other hand, is one of the top Nishiki models with nice components and tange frame. A used one in good shape normally goes for $250-$300 on craig's list. So, to pay an additional $100 for a NOS International doesn't seem to me out of range. Should you decide to go for it, I don't think you'll regret.

roccobike

The International ranges from gas pipe Hi-Ten to Tange 1, double butted chromoly steel. I don't know about 1981, but in 1983, the International had Tange 2, double butted chromoly steel. If it's your size, and if you are a Nishiki fanatic like I am, and if it has at least Tange 2 steel, and you're willing to pay probably more than it's worth, then go ahead.
As much of a Nishiki nut as I am, if I had that bike in front of me, I'd have to think really hard about it. No, on second thought, the 27" wheels would be enough to turn me off. I think I'd pass. You can get some REALLY nice bikes for $400.
EDIT: The 1981 would not have better tubing than the 83, but could have a lower quality Tange.

nlerner

Here's a very clean Nishiki Int'l on Boston's CL for $130, which is quite good for this market, particularly with first gen. Cyclone mechs. I don't think I'd pay much more than that for one that was NOS.

Neal

khatfull

Of course not, it's not a Schwinn or Raleigh.

cudak888 

You'll get the same response from me if it's an NOS Raleigh Grand Prix or an NOS Schwinn World Sport for $400. Nope, nope, nope, nope, not worth it.

-Kurt

kentileguy

Kind of what I was thinking. I recently paid less than half that for a Trek 910 with Columbus tubing. It was a mess when I got it,but it cleaned up real nice. No matter how much I clean that old Trek, the scratches and scrapes from 30 years of use are still there. When I'm looking at it in the garage those defects bug the heck out of me, but when I'm on the road they disappear. What remains is a super smooth responsive ride. The same holds true for all my vintage rides-I have several Treks, an 84 Schwinn Voyageur and just picked up an 84 Specialized Expedition. None of them are perfect and I think thats why the Nishiki appealed to me. Thanks for the voice of reason

auchencrow

Hi Kentileguy -
I have to agree with most here that it's overpriced but the Later Nishiki Internationals are really very nice - NOT a low-middle entry bike at all. I have a Trek 614 in Reynolds and a Nishiki International, and IMO they are about on a par for ride quality - though not even close on price.
- If NIB is truly significant for you (vs the run of the mill "excellent" condition) go for it - otherwise not.

cudak888 

There's another thing - just how well have they fared in the box? NIB doesn't exclude it from being fished out of the Pacific after falling off a container ship either

-Kurt

roccobike

You know, of course, that's a 1983 International. Spot on dup of the pic in the catalog including the original saddle and bar tape. Very nice.

CPFITNESS

My thinking is how much are you going to pay for a 2010 brand new bike? A lot more than 400 bucks. If your buying it to actually ride it, go for it. If your buying it as an investment, maybe not. Here's an idea, if you can get more than one, do it. Ride one and keep one in the box.

Rip Van Winkle

We have an International from '83 or '84, and it still looks and rides great. It's just a great all around road bike that can be used for touring, club rides, centuries, etc. If it's NIB, it might be worth it.

KDNYC

The best answer is always "What is it worth to YOU?" If it fits you well, and you really want it, and you can afford it--then yes. At least try to negotiate if you can, and accept that you will likely never be able to resell it for anywhere near what you paid for it. Make sure you know its condition fully.

Have I regretted purchases? Yes, and I've learned that there are always other opportunities if one is willing to be patient.

Earlier this year, I bought a barely ridden 49cm '97 Lemond Zurich for $525 shipped, and only because I was too cheap to bid on a Buenos Aires that went for $380 a few months before and lost out. Because I wanted a '90s Lemond, I decided that if another opportunity for a pristine one my size in came up I'd budget a bit more. Love the bike. It's my only geared bike at present. I'm happy!

albanian

How is it not worth $400? Can you buy anything else that is as good for the same price?
I have a 1983 International that I restored. I probably have $300-350 in it and it is not perfect. It has a few small scratches and some rust on the bolts etc. It rides like a dream and is nicer than any $400 bike you will see in a shop.

I got mine for $50 on CL but I spared no expense in fixing it up. I also put a lot of time and effort into it. I repacked all the bearings and cleaned, adjusted, replaced and tuned almost every part. I now have a great classic steel ride that is really nice. It is very light as well. One of the lightest Steel bikes I have ever owned.

rothenfield1

Bare in mind(or should that be bear) that some of the comments on these appraisals threads are provided by professional flippers with very tight wallets. Some of these folks wouldn't pay $50 for a bike if in their minds it was 'really' worth $45 no matter what. It not even a matter of wholesale price versus retail. It's more a matter of looking at a bike as a potential sale versus looking at it to own and ride. I don't see any reason this bike wouldn't sell for $400 in like-new condition to the right person. As you say, a piece of crap new bike will cost you more then that these days.

Kobe 

Vintage thread? Kentileguy has not posted since September, I wonder if he bought it and is out riding.

albanian

I was laid off for almost a year and I was a "professional" bike flipper to pay bills during that time. I flipped about 200 bikes in the past couple years and none of them rode better than the Nishiki International.

This model is worth a lot more than your average 1980s steel frame because it rides so nice. It may only be worth $50 to a bike flipper but I am the guy that would pay top dollar for a nice one. A new one in box is super rare and I would pay $400 no problem.
The New Specialized Allez steel frame is $610 and besides the frame, it is junk. I would pay more for a new Nishiki than the new Allez simply because the Nishiki is a much better bike. Also, it sold for about $350 back in the 1980s so considering inflation, you would be getting a deal for sure.

auchencrow

This is a very true statement regarding these Nishiki Internationals:
Most people think of them as just another UJB, but I think that makes them way undervalued on today's market, at least when you compare them to the vintage bikes that actually do command the $400 price tags.

Duane Behrens

I know this thread is very, very old now.

But I just found - and purchased- an '80s, 58cm Nishiki International in apparently-good shape for $140. I'll look at it and pick it up tomorrow. I'll sleep fitfully tonight.

Have already restored an '80 Nishiki Sport. Loved its stretched out frame, Suntour derailleurs and Cadillac ride. Ended up giving it to an employee, but I loved that bike. Can't wait to get to work on this one.

Kactus

Here is the '81 Nishiki catalog.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesb...924840/detail/

According to the catalog the frame is Tange double butted tubing but it doesn't say which one.

(Just realized this is a zombie thread... how appropriate given the date)

Dave Mayer

Here is what you can get in a new bike for $400.

Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes - Windsor Wellington 3.0 Web Sale Prices

This bike is superior in every respect to the Nishiki: weight, strength, corrosion resistance, braking, shifting, gear selection, resale value.

The Nishiki is the standard-issue vintage beater bike in my 'hood. You don't need to ride more than a mile on a Saturday morning to find one at a yard sale. There must be tens of thousands of them barely used hung up in garages within a 5 mile radius of my house.

BTW: the 27" wheels were obsolete 30 years ago. The Dia-Compe brakes are hopeless for actual braking.

If you want a bike for riding, then go BikesDirect. If you want a decent vintage bike, save up for a Pinarello.

Duane Behrens

Thank you. I can't imagine the thought processes of anyone claiming that a new $400 bike from Walmart is superior to a 30 year old Nishiki. I purchased and restored a Nishiki Sport about a year ago. It was at the lower end of the Nishiki line when new. Easy to work on, lovely to look at (when finished), and an absolute joy to ride.

tmh657

Really? The Windsor may be fine for a rider new to cycling who can't wade through the offerings on CL to find something decent. It still needs some assembly. I consider the BD Windsor 1 notch above a Walmart bike though. In 2 years it will be worth 50% or less than new. In 10 years it will be bug meal. Just my opinion.