Hi,
Thanks to T-Mar and others for contributing!
I just came into possession of a Nishiki from a friend's basement. I've noticed the photos here end up disappearing after a while, so I
uploaded photos of the bike to Flickr.
Serial number is CF 01309. Using the serial number decoder, I assume this bike was made for Canadian market ("C") in 1986 or 1976 ("F"). I note too that it has a "Shields" decal that relates to the duty evasion stuff.
What's missing is any indication of the type of metal the frame is made from. Does anyone know? I'd be nice if the answer were 4130! Also, what is that stem? 'WILL'?
Much of the following info is found in the descriptions of the photos but here's what I know:
It's an 'International." Derailleurs are Shimano 600. Brakes are centre-pull Diacomp. Crank is Tourney (double chain rings).
edit:
I've taken the bike apart and have found some more info (photos on Flickr updated too):
Rear derailleur is Shimano 600 with date code AF
Front derailleur is Shimano 60 with date code AE
Rims are stamped with "UKAI 27 x 1 1/4 w/o LA" (think 'LA' is a date code, not sure what w/o means)
Hubs are stamped 'Shimano' with date code AF
Rear wheel has five cogs
Cranks are Tourney (Shimano?) stamped with '165' (165mm) and 'Japan 76.6' (no idea what 76.6 means)
edit again!:
I looked up the Shimano date codes and AF and AE refer to 1976 ("A"), June ("F") and May ("E"). And the '76.6' on the cranks is also on the stem - I assume it means 1976, June which would go with the other date codes.
So, I'm now pretty convinced the bike is a 1976, not a 1986. Still have no idea what material the frame is made from...and still hoping it's 4130!