Vista was a brand for Columbia Bicycles of the U.S., one of the oldest bike manufacturers in the world. By the 1960's their bikes sold in department stores and were a step down from Schwinn. In the 1970's and 80's they had bikes built for them in Japan and these bikes are considerably nicer. I know one other bike afficianado who still rides his Silver Shadow. I would classify this as a Q bike; much nicer than its reputation.