The Nishikis of today are just a brand; the company that owned the name (Raleigh) retired it around 2001. The stuff carrying the Nishiki name today may be made by Raleigh or maybe Raleigh sold the name off. Perhaps Dick's themselves bought the name to use as their house brand; they don't seem to be sold by any other retailer in the U.S. currently. The bike has entry level Shimano Tourney components. You get what you pay for, and for a beginner not wanting to spend too much, it might not be a bad first bike.