Originally Posted by
Graboid1
I am new to Bike Forums and am curious about my vintage Nishiki Colorado - I welcome your input and suggestions for more information. The serial number on the bottom of my bike is: GR868851.
Do you know of any sources for ads or catalogs for Nishikis from this period?
Also, I saw a Diamondback catalog dated 1988, and the Apex looks nearly identical.
Did Giant make Diamondbacks? Thanks much.
Welcome to the forums. Your frame was manufactured by Giant around late August 1988. This is a gray area where it could be either a 1988 or 1989 model. However, the presence of a U-brake indicates the 1988 version.
Most Diamond Back models from the late 1980s tend to originate from Fairly or CBC. Off hand, I can't recall seeing one sourced from Giant. Most designers tend to copy what sells, so there's often a lot of resemblance between brands.
The 1988 Colorado was heavily promoted with double page advertisements in cycling magazines. Unfortunately, my scanner is currently down. The frame and fork was an unspecified CrMo, so presumably it was plain gauge. The component group was Shimano Exage Mountain. Claimed weight was 28 lbs and MSRP was $390 US.