Originally Posted by
Prowler
First of all: High compliments to T-Mar and the other Nishiki Gurus on this thread. I've learned a lot about my bike. I've recently bought a 1980 International (KJ serial number) which looks just like the other 1980 examples on this thread. When I purchased this bike I knew nothing about Nishiki: I was really there to buy the Raleigh Professional but this and a Vista Duchess were a package deal. Three vintage bikes stuffed in the car along with the Trek ZX7000 I was riding that day. I've done a frame up on the International and I'm very impressed. As it's winter here I've only taken one 30 mile ride so far but I really like it. Thanks for all the Nishiki info. I'll post other info when I have time.
Yes, there's some good folks here, with keen eyes. If you wrap your bar tape in the wrong direction, they'll spot it in an instant. They'll take note if your Shimano derailleur should really be a Simplex for that particular model. And, they'll steer you in the right direction, like today, one responder gave me a heads-up about my rims being steel instead of alloy, and I realized I had put the higher-end alloy wheels on a bike I was ready to Craigslist-out, which had been original to the bike I'd taken them off of. Saved me from making a major mistake. I've got a '86 Nishiki Rally, lower-end, but I like it well. Good luck with your builds. Post pics when you're done.