Originally Posted by
livedarklions
I had a Magna about 25 years ago. Big, heavy, simple and reliable as I recall.
The problem with comparing low-end department store bikes from previous decades to today's is that they've tried to keep the prices about the same despite inflation, and they're adding features like suspension, thus something has to give.
I have a mid-80s Nishiki that I still ride, did several half centuries with it last summer. What you are saying is soo true, the Nishiki name was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods a number of years back. The new bikes look nice but are not in the same league as the Nishiki of the past. Not even close.