Originally Posted by
Emtx
... Recently placed in Denmark I bought second hand Nishiki Racing Master with serial no.: WN 36096 R which is embossed on side of seat tube. Bike looked pretty ugly, but actual feel is nice and probably needs lot of care. (Paintwork is badly damaged on several places, but alas no crack or dent.) It has stickers on that is handcrafted Nishiki frame. I can not really figure out according to info age of frame, but I suppose it Nishiki frame for US market (bought in Denmark - EU?) from 96 and I do not know month...
Welcome to the forums. That's not a serial number but a Danish Vehicle Identification Number. It indicates the bicycle is from either 1978 or 1999 and was imported by Nordisk Cykelfabrik. The bicycle has such a mix of parts that it is hard to tell which, if any, are original. We should be able to easily distinguish a 1999 model form a 1978 by some pictures.
Few European market Nishiki turn upon the forum. The Racing Masters that I've seen have been 1980s mid-range models with Shimano 600 components and Tange
#2 tubuing. However, since yours would be either older or newer, I do not want to make assumptions. The best way to tell the level of frame is by the tubing. Is there a tubing decal, and if so, what does it say? If no tubing decal, what size seat post does it use?
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