I have a question. In particular I am looking for leads on Nishikis but would like to generate general discussion on this question:

Did Bike manufactuers (possibly due to new management/owners) downgrade bicycle frame quality into the late 80s?

As an example of what I am talking about I have read comments on the forum several times about certain Motobecane models having lower end Vitus tubing on newer models (like those in the 80s as compared to 70s).

I recently have seen a few scans from a 1989 Nishiki catalogue which I would like to be able to post but I only know how to attach photos and they are small and you wouldn't be able to read them. But! On all steel framed bikes in 1989 they used hi-tensile stays! and most had hi-tensile forks! There was a post some time ago with the 1983 nishiki catalogue (here:http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...t=1983+nishiki) but there was no specifications chart... the bikes seemed light, too light to have hi-tensile stays and forks. I would really like to know what the material is in my Nishiki International which is about 84/85... I weighed it at over 29lbs with alloy tubular rack and plastic fenders, granted the 28c Schwalbe marathons are heavy tires but the '83 catalogue shows the international to weigh more like 25lbs and i have modern to semi-modern components that should weight in at or near the same....

In addition I am assuming the late 70s/early 80s comps and superbes etc.. were full cro-mo bikes as they were quite nice race worthy machines.

Any discussion on the phenomenon of downgrading is encourages with particular interest to any information about the direction of nishiki through the 80s.

thanks,
Anthony