Originally Posted by
RuttySnails
Hi,
Just recently acquired Nishiki from junk yard. Wheels gone, parts mostly rusted or seized. Have brought the frame back and will keep original paint but upgrade other parts to create single speed. Serial number is KS 169344 with CWW 'W' logo beneath. Cranks are Maxy with large chain ring pressed onto crank, cannot remove. Heart shaped stops for gear cable on down tube. Shimano centrepull brakes front and rear. Radonneur handlebars, damaged. No seat post so curious about size although bike store can supply. Will provide photo nearer completion.
RuttySnails
Welcome to the forums. Based on the serial number and Maxy crankset, that should be a circa 1972-1973 Nishiki International with a plain gauge CrMo frame, utilizing a 26.6-26.8mm post. However, given that you're in Australia about the only thing for sure is the era. Models and specs sometimes changed drastically, depending on the country.
When the large chainring is permanently attached to the crankarm it is called a swaged design. The chainring fits over a small flange on the crankarm, which is then peened over with a press to hold the chainring permanently in place. It is an economical manufcturing process and in the 1970s, brought cotterless cranksets into the entry level price range, though the drawback is that the entire assembly has to replaced when the teeth wear out or if the gearing is not suitable.