RJMurphy

My friend brought his bike over for me to tune up for booze for the upcoming spring. He rolls in this Nishiki Prestige. One look and I know it's better built than my non-model Bianchi & '71 Bridgestone. Frame mounted derailleur hanger, nice welds, Sugino cranks, Dia Compe side pull brakes. Uptube shifters that are missing. Araya wheels. Suzue hubs. Not an RB-1, but a well built bike. "Hand made by Kawamura." Start looking it up. It's a nice frame. But jesus, what has this man done to this thing! It's now a "single speed," rotting cables, chopped bars, brakes broken...either way the brakes are busted & rims may need replacing. Mrew. So, he bought it for $100. Is this worth making him a trade for a fully functioning bike that needs no work, but is less well built?? Cash wise, how much would you pay knowing you would need to put a bit into it?? Looks like 126mm rear spacing. Pictures attached...

Narhay

Get some bar wrap for the handlebars and a new saddle...tires look ok but new ones make a big difference. Reroute those brake levers to the end of the handlebars.

Are you considering taking it from him? It is ok but it is a single speed...I would prefer a fully functioning geared bike myself.

mikemowbz

If he's got the Suntour Cyclone Mk II derailleurs that used to be on there, it'd be fine deal.

Great riding frame. I have an identical frame (though bigger), built up with a bit of the old Suntour and a bit of modern 105, and it's a great bike.

DiegoFrogs

It's a good frame. Flip the QR skewers. Put a good set of handlebars on it (my personal preference). Replace the brake cables and housings, then, if they really need it.

In what way are the brakes broken?

wearyourtruth

i don't understand exactly what you are asking? as said above, how are the brakes broken? at least from the pictures you provided they seem to be intact. does he WANT a geared bike? if someone asked me to "fix this up" for them, i would swap the bullhorns out for some proper drops, move the levers to the correct spot and throw some bar tape on there. maybe swap out that awful chain. is the rear wheel spaced correctly?

JohnDThompson 

At least it hasn't been "drewed." Help him fix it up and let him enjoy riding it.

Vintage_Nick

It's worth restoring.... I've gone from this



to this



Its almost finished and I've scoured around the shed for parts and eBay for second hand bits. New tyres only came today.

RJMurphy

The flip switch that allows you to unclench to take the tires off are bent out and worp to a point to where they don't function safely. If you tighten it down, then hit a even decent braking speed, the metal bends and the brakes go loose.

RJMurphy

I'm asking if you all think I should try to haggle it from him and restore to geared awesomeness and keep, or just "fix it up for him." I would of course offer cash,or get another "fixie fitted" bike, bring it up to speed and deliver to him.

shadoman

+1
Tell him not to sell it to anyone else when he's ready for a new bike.

wearyourtruth

aaaaaaah, now i see your dilemma. hmmm... tough call

Bruce Enns

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that caliper release in the "open" position (your photo #6)? It needs to pivot down to close the caliper......... but it would appear (can't see the other side of the wheel) that "someone" has tried to adjust the brake with the release open (see proper position in photo above). A good cleaning/lubrication with new cables of the proper length would go a long way in making the brakes function.

mattk42

In my opinion, that bike should get its gears back.