Hello stoneageyosh ,

Nishiki in 1972 was distributed by
West Coast Cycle Supply Company of Carson, California,
Louisville Cycle & Supply of Louisville, Kentucky,
Pettee Cycle Supply Co. of Englewood, Colorado,
and McRae & Connors of Spokane, Washington.

None of these companies are on the east coast.

Franklin Imports listed in the Consumer Guide was in New York. Franklin Imports may have been were the editors of The Consumer Guide received their information about Nishiki and any test bicycles.

West Coast Cycle Supply (WCCSC) distributed bicycles and components to many independent bicycle dealers (IBDs). WCCSC distributed several brand names of bicycles and created some of its own brand names including Azuki and Nishiki. It is unlikely that an IBD would have both Azuki and Nishiki brand bicycle. One IBD in an area would get the Nishiki brand and another IBD in the same area would get the Azuki brand.