9 Pictures:
Nakamura - Album on Imgur

In parts of Europe people generally don't value bikes much and MTBs get the least love out of any type of bike. 4 weeks ago, right across from my house in East Berlin, i saw this Chromo Nakamura in a bike rack. It had a small bit of rust, was missing a shifter pod and the back tire had a big gash. Otherwise though, it was in excellent and barely used condition. No lock at all! I waited 2 weeks. Put on a note with my nr. and mail saying to contact me if this was the bike of the reader, waited two more weeks. Heard nothing. Took the bike.

Since i am a pro bike mechanic and also a total bargain hound, i managed to source a used friction Shimano thumbshifter for $1.95, bought a stainless steel inner cable, replaced the back tube and tire with used ones i had lying around and added new el cheapo break blocks on the front and filed down the back ones to be flat and grippy. My total cost for the bike $.5.23 and about 3 hours of maintenance. I pretty much maintained everything on it, most of it was not even necessary but once i start i tend to check, clean, maintain and grease the whole bike. It rides fast, shifts crisp and i can easily lock up the wheels, tons of break power.

The whole bike is lower? mid level. Alivo parts, Chromo frame, ringed double wall rimms but cheaper spokes. Quite some steel parts like the handlebars, stem and seatpost. I might have some in Alu lying around and replace in order to bring weight down a little.

Pretty sure i am going to remove that weird sprung seatpost, i take it is a POS? Seems stuck anyhow. If i find some cheap slicks, will mount those.

When i say like new, i mean that the paint is really quite good and the rimms were very straight and clean and the drivetrain had almost no wear on it! Very weird, like someone bought it 25+ years ago. Barely used it. Used it decades later, had blowout and shifter was gone anyway so just ditched it! So much the better for me! Makes an amazing 2nd bike, beater, loaner etc. I do think i will spray paint it. I would be unfortunate if the formerly completely disinterested owner suddenly says he wants it back now that is in awesome condition...

Any thoughts? You guys think it was morally questionable to take it? Anybody have info about or experience with Nakamuras? I only found this info: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/i...8034754AAv9vVz

Cheers