Thanks T-Mar times are always changing. You go to big rides and see rows of carbon bikes some approaching and topping $10,000.00, but the nice thing about the Japanese bikes is the quality of the craftsmanship, even on just the production bikes, and how good their components SunTour, Grand Compe, SunShine, etc, and these KKT pedals were compared to the Campagnolo standard, and in several cases they equaled or exceeded that standard. But then there's the debate that never ends.

For me it's been a revelation what can be found in the Japanese bikes and how a really fine collection can be created for less than a single modern production bike (yikes $1,200 at REI for a comparable modern welded up bike frame with those big hurking welds!!!). My early 80s Nishiki Cresta to me is as good as any current touring bike now that I've fitted 700c rims with the modern wide soft side wall tires now available.

I miss the gear choices of the modern 10 speed for the sake of my knees, but other than that these vintage Japanese bikes/frames are a fun hobby that doesn't break the bank, what's not to like?