Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

1986: Trek vs. Nishiki

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

1986: Trek vs. Nishiki

Old 05-03-15, 12:52 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
1986: Trek vs. Nishiki

Hi, everyone. Couldn't remember my old account so I made a new one.

I have a 1986 Trek 500 Tri Series frameset (if I can find the fork) as well as a Nishiki Prestige frameset of the same year. The Trek is Reynolds 531, and the Nishiki is Tange Infinity. Both are in need of new paint, and I'm looking to build one of them up with newer parts. I come from a racing background but enjoy riding these sweet steel bikes whenever I can. I plan on keeping both and building both back up eventually. I've been riding the Nishiki and really love it, but the Trek frameset seems lighter.

My question to you is: Which one is worth my primary focus for a rebuild?

Any advice or general knowledge is appreciated!
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-03-15, 01:10 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Chrome Molly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Forksbent, MN
Posts: 3,271

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 301 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 15 Posts
The one that fits you best and gives you a more satisfactory ride. A little weight in the frame can be offset in many ways and is probably only noticeable when you lift it.
Chrome Molly is offline  
Old 05-03-15, 01:37 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
bikemig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,505

Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones

Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5876 Post(s)
Liked 3,445 Times in 2,066 Posts
I agree with Chrome Molly. Assuming you like the way they ride the same, Reynolds 531 is a little nicer frame tubing than the Tange infinity and Trek is considered a better "brand" than Nishiki for what it's worth. Do the bikes need to be painted?
bikemig is offline  
Old 05-03-15, 03:14 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
They really do need to be repainted. There's just too many chips in the paint and there's some rust starting in some of those chips. I plan to have decals repro'd, too. My goal is just to have a solid, quick steel bike that looks awesome.
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-03-15, 05:35 PM
  #5  
Bike Junkie
 
roccobike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times in 27 Posts
The Trek is the better frame. However, your Prestige, if it's a 1986, is not Infinity, it's actually Tange 2 which is better than Infinity as it is a seamless tubing, Infinity has a seam. The 1986 Nishiki Prestige is a very nice rider and worth fixing up, but it's not Reynolds 531. How do I know so much about the 1986 Prestige?
I have one that's been upgraded to a brifter bike.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
roccobike is offline  
Old 05-03-15, 05:50 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
3speedslow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Jacksonville, NC
Posts: 9,337

Bikes: A few

Mentioned: 117 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1936 Post(s)
Liked 1,043 Times in 627 Posts
I vote Trek as well. There is just something about those frames that make them nice riders. Good on the lug looks dept too.

Enjoy which ever one you choose.
3speedslow is offline  
Old 05-04-15, 01:38 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Solid advice, guys. Thanks!

More questions: I've lost the downtube shifters. Does anyone besides Shimano still make nice ones? The Dura Ace shifters are a bit pricey for my budget this time around.

Also, if I can't find the original fork, where might I find a good replacement?
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-04-15, 01:46 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
SJX426's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,563

Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8

Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1598 Post(s)
Liked 2,181 Times in 1,086 Posts
I have a 84 760 -fork. Look up the spec for the fork on the 500 series. I think it may have an offset of 43 or so. If it does, Soma (Tange) and one or several others have forks you can purchase. they are typically 43 offess with the exception of track forks which can be anything but often 38.

Finding a fork is like finding a needle in a haystack. I found a fork for my 760 but it is bent. It may be more cost effective for me to by an aftermarket one. Some would say I am crazy but I am going to try to bend it back. I really want that unique crown. So the next step would be to try to find the right size fork legs for it.
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
SJX426 is offline  
Old 05-05-15, 08:41 AM
  #9  
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,150
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 422 Times in 282 Posts
Flip a coin. You mentioned a racing background so would imagine you're sensitive to how bikes ride and handle. Assuming both fit you well, how do they compare on the scale and is one known to be more whippy than the other?

Popular opinion is going with the Trek (isn't that tri- 500 essentially the same as Trek's road going 500 of that year?) but the Nishiki with Tange 2 might be a fun canvas to build on. Have fun!

New carbon forks from Nashbar are $90 or so.
crank_addict is offline  
Old 05-06-15, 09:35 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
True, and I love how they both ride. I think Trek might be slightly more snappy, so I've pretty much decided on that one for the build/rebuild.

I'd like to keep a steel fork on it, but the Soma stuff mentioned above, as well as stuff I've looked at from Surly, etc, is all 1 1/8" steerer. I can't find a decent fork that has a 1" threaded steerer! Any thoughts?

Also, still striking out on finding downtube shift levers. Dug through my parts box from when this bike was torn down, and I can only find one lever. Damn!
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-06-15, 09:47 AM
  #11  
buy my bikes
 
mrv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,799

Bikes: my very own customized GUNNAR CrossHairs

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 518 Post(s)
Liked 418 Times in 246 Posts
i vote TREK (or... support your decision. hopefully the interwebs affirmation helps...)

fork: Lugged Steel Bicycles, Wool Clothing, Canvas Bike Bags & Brooks Saddles & from Rivendell Bicycle Works - they have 1in forks, BUT they have canti-bosses on them. As you said, the road fork is 1 1/8 steerer. You could send them an email, maybe.

DT Shifters: eBay (unfortunately). I bought a set of 105 8-spd indexed last fall. Paid too much, but I was "heck" bent on a full 105 group for a bike project.

ALTHOUGH! I have 2 set of DT Shimano shifters, 6-spd index / friction. If you think one of those might work for you, I'll send photos. One is Dura Ace, the other Ultegra ( I think).
And I got some other old Shimano parts I'm thinking of selling, if your bike is bear... (bare).. naked.
mrv is offline  
Old 05-06-15, 10:52 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
MRV, I may be interested in some of that. Message me? I'm also in Michigan!
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-07-15, 02:59 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
@mrv, I tried to PM you but don't have enough posts yet on my account. Can you message me with your email, perhaps?
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-08-15, 05:27 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
The decision hath been made! I'm going with the Trek.

New question: Do I go with DT shifters or modern 11spd? I don't have the parts or resources for a true restoration, but still enjoy the DT shifters. I want to keep a classic look, so no carbon fork, deep wheels, etc.

Advise me!
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-09-15, 09:04 AM
  #15  
Banned.
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,297
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,407 Times in 908 Posts
DT 10-sp Dura Ace. Cheap. Easy.
Can use any 10-sp Shimano RD and cassette.
Scrounge, secure, mount, ride.

Not sure if SunRace is making 10-sp DT shifters.
The do make 9-sp DT shifters pretty cheap, if you have those parts.
That would be my plan B.
RobbieTunes is offline  
Old 05-09-15, 10:24 AM
  #16  
Señor Member
 
USAZorro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,929

Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs

Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1488 Post(s)
Liked 1,057 Times in 629 Posts
Everyone has their own P.O.V. I happened to come across a Trek like that once, and I just didn't care for how it rode. I would have passed on both, but then again, I'm not Mr. Leach. If you like how one fits and rides... go for it.

I was used to bar-cons and I still like them. For quite a while, I thought I'd never like brifters, but on a bike that I am going to be riding a lot, and that I'm not concerned with how original it appears at a glance, I have no qualms about using them. They are still rather more expensive than the alternatives though.
__________________
In search of what to search for.

Last edited by USAZorro; 05-09-15 at 10:29 AM.
USAZorro is offline  
Old 05-09-15, 10:32 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've been running a 10spd cassette with friction DT shifting on the Nishiki, and I dig it, so I think that's what I will do on the Trek. I've got plenty of modern wheels that will do the trick.

My hesitation with building with 11spd 105 STI shifters was that it would be harder to keep a clean, classic look.

I think I have a line on some Dura Ace DT shifters, but I'm still looking for a good lugged 700c fork...
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 09:31 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Took the plunge and went with brand new, Shimano 105 11spd. Added a Cinelli quill stem, Sakae alloy fork that I found for $25, some REALLY heavy Oval wheels (that I will replace eventually). Current saddle is only a placeholder. I've got a matching red/white Fizik Arione ready to slap on there. Trying to keep it classic and clean.

Too excited to ride it to wait/can't afford new paint right now, so I am going to finish the build and get out there and ride it!

Feel free to share your input!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
trekprog.jpg (104.9 KB, 52 views)
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 09:34 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 538

Bikes: 1984 Trek 770

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Liked 66 Times in 37 Posts
I like how the fork matches the group....
upthywazzoo is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 09:39 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by upthywazzoo
I like how the fork matches the group....
...Sarcasm? Did I unknowingly do something wrong??
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 09:41 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 538

Bikes: 1984 Trek 770

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Liked 66 Times in 37 Posts
Not at all! It's cool
upthywazzoo is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 09:56 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Yay! It's light and I'm stoked to see how it adds to the ride of the bike.
JWLeach is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 10:02 AM
  #23  
Señor Member
 
Wilfred Laurier's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,064
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 648 Post(s)
Liked 290 Times in 214 Posts
It is good you made a choice because you could spend your whole life wringing your hands, as both are excellent frames and worthy of being rebuilt and ridden.

I personally would have gone for the Nishiki, but I love love LOVE old Treks.
Wilfred Laurier is offline  
Old 05-12-15, 10:24 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Wilfred Laurier
It is good you made a choice because you could spend your whole life wringing your hands, as both are excellent frames and worthy of being rebuilt and ridden.

I personally would have gone for the Nishiki, but I love love LOVE old Treks.
I left the Nishiki stock but am running newer wheels with 10spd! Wanted to keep that as original as possible. It could be my "L'Eroica bike" or something.

It's being ridden as often as I can. I even take it for some of my lighter training rides.
JWLeach is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
roccobike
Classic & Vintage
58
02-02-24 12:54 PM
riflesone
Classic & Vintage
1
11-16-17 04:17 PM
Abacus
Classic & Vintage
5
04-19-14 08:18 PM
benttrike18
Classic & Vintage
4
02-15-11 07:09 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.