Jabronie

Hi everyone,

I'm a long time lurker and recently picked up a bike that I've totally fallen in love with. From the research I've done on these forums (and literally anywhere else the terms showed up), this is 1987 Nishiki Tri-A Equipe. It's got Tange 1 tubing and the original Shimano 600/Sante group with Araya Super Hard Anodized wheels laced to 600 hubs. I haven't actually weighed it but compared with my roommate's Bianchi that's half the age of this guy, I'm pretty satisfied. The shifting it super smooth and the ride is super quiet.

Aesthetically speaking, the bike is pretty beautiful. The paint job screams 80s and is still in pretty great condition. The lugwork is awesome and the geometry is very appealing (to me, at least).

Now, due to its apparent rarity, especially in this condition and because of its original components, I'm curious as to what it's worth. I imagine it's real value would only be realized by finding a buyer who's interested in collecting vintage bicycles.

Let me know what you guys think! I've included a copy of the original catalog page. I can also take more pictures if you guys wish.

P.S. I hope my post is in accordance with the forum rules, I did the best I could.

Thanks!

Miyata110

Screams 80's is right - look at that seat tube! Really nice bike, my guess is that it's worth more as a rider than what it would fetch monetarily. I would put it around $200 here in WNY, maybe more but Nishiki isn't considered one of the big boys (though I bet that bike probably rides just about as nice).

I have those shifters on one of my bikes - that Sante stuff is pretty popular but I'm not exactly sure why. Doesn't seem terribly special to me.

What's up with that chain under the seat?

brian3069

You're in one of the hottest markets in the country. Serviced and ready to ride, $300 to $350.

Jabronie

The chain is actually a ghetto/DIY saddle anti-theft device I'd previously seen on other bikes. The reason I happened upon this bike was because my old fixed gear was pillaged by some low-life at a local BART station (near Oakland ). They took the chainring (a cheapo Sugino ring, what the hell?), my nice leather double straps, and handlebars with stem. After that, I realized they will steal anything and everything of value that's not bolted down. Now I just gotta hope they don't walk around with chain breakers.

FastJake

Sweet bike. Around here, I would not let it go for less than $300. In your market, probably more.

Jabronie

Yeah it is odd. According to the catalog that was how the equipe was sold. I believe the non equipe Tri-A was simply Shimano 600 all the way around.

thinktubes 

Sell the turbo separately if you want to squeeze an extra $50-75 out of it.

jar351

Here's relevant data point: I sold a Tri-A Equipe of the same year in very similar condition with some non-original parts and a completely pedestrian wheelset for $375. This was also in Berkeley and two years ago. As someone who regularly deals on the same local craigslist I can almost guarantee that you could get $400+ for your bike and with good marketing I wouldn't be surprised if you got $450.

Jabronie

Yeah I had a feeling about marketing going a long way on craigslist, I'd be sure to do it up.

Man, I'm not sure how I feel about you posting now. I love my bike but I'll be tempted to sell it before leaving the market later this year.

Miyata110

You'll regret it...

likebike23

$300 in my area is about right. If you really like the bike as much as it seems, keep it. It's not that easy to find vintage upper level bikes in great shape where I am. When they do pop up, they get snagged quick.