swm

I'm trying to rebuild a Nishiki International from the mid 70s (s/n KS324163) and am using parts as I can find them. This is my first attempt to build something from the frame up. I'm not trying to restore it, just to get it rolling again. I'm stuck on a couple of things. First, the wheels I picked up for it (700c Ukai) are a bit too small and have a 6 speed cassette. This is a problem for the brakes (they won't reach the rim) and for the fit of the wheel in the frame. I can mount it in the frame, but it seems off center as if it's too far to the non-drive side of the frame. Can I make these wheels work with the brakes I have and do I need to change the cassette?

Second, this bike apparently originally came with a derailleur hanger but I bought it without. What's the best way to replace it--e.g., can a new modern one do or do I need to find one off a similar bike?

Thanks, Scot

kpug505

Derailleur:
I assume your dropout looks like this?


If so.......You need a derailleur with a "claw" (or removable derailleur hanger) like this:


There is a hanger on eBay:

https://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Derailleur-H...2em118Q2el1247

I've never bought the hanger and tried to mount the derailleur to one. I usually find the derailleurs used with the hanger attached. Got a co-op around? Or I could send you a Suntour derailleur for shipping....

Brakes:
You bike likely came with 27" rims which are taller. You'll need longer reach brakes for them to contact the rims. There are plenty of options there. Old centerpulls and modern dual pivot designs are everywhere.

Wheels:
Sounds like the rear needs to be re-dished. I've never done it myself so I'll not comment on it.

Charles Wahl

On the dish: a wheel correctly made for 126 mm dropout should be able to fit into a 120 mm dropout rear end without any adjustment: the rear stays should just deflect 3 mm on each side. If this doesn't happen, then either the wheel is incorrectly dished, the frame is misaligned, or both (unlikely 3rd cause: one side of your rear triangle is stiffer than the other). You can check the dish easily enough on a bare frame: mount the wheel right ways and wrong ways (drive side of the hub on the left). If the rim is centered between the locknuts on the axle, then it will be in the same relationship to the frame either way you install it; if not, then it's off. If the relationship of correctly dished wheel and frame is off, then the frame needs to be aligned.

swm

Thanks for the offer. I'll send a private message.

I'll look into longer reach brakes. Funny, the front brake seems to work having adjusted the pads. Sheldon Brown suggested a drop bolt, but Harris Cycles doesn't seem to carry them anymore.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/home-drop.html

I do have a local bike co-op, and redishing is the advice one of the co-op staffers gave me. I'm adding some pictures of what I mean. The real wheel seems too far left of center. If it's a redish that's needed, then I'll learn how to do it. One other picture of it's current status.

Thanks, Scot