apastrak

Hi everyone! I'm new to BikeForums (as a poster). But I really really enjoy it (as a reader).

My question: I bought a bike with falsely advertised components (confidently advertised to have full vintage Shimano 600), without verifying them. I've already forgiven myself for being a noob, and have decided to move on.

It's a Nakamura Performance triple-butted 4130 Chromoly frame, fitted with Shimano 600 brake levers, Shimano SIS M531 Rear Derailler, Shimano FD2204 front derailler, Shimano A350 Indexed shifters, biopace crankset, Shimano 600 toe clip pedals, cheap CSTAR brakes. It came with quick release Rigida aluminum wheels. The paint on the frame is in really terrible shape. Very little actual rust, but lots and lots of scrapes that have been blackened by what I suppose is some sort of rust converter.

Tracking down the seller is out of the question, as a) this is clearly my fault, and b) I have misplaced his number, so I'm wondering how to remedy the situation.

1) Is triple butted 4130 a good enough frame to keep, have sandblasted and powdercoated (a local guy will do this for $120), then upgrade with used, better quality components (someone is willing to sell me Shimano 105 levers, brakes, front and rear derailler and shifters for $150).

2) Sell the whole thing right away and forget about it. It cost me $170. I bet I won't be able to sell it for more than $100 in its current state - probably less.

What do you think?

bargainguy

Welcome aboard! Try riding the Nak and see how it feels. If you like it, keep & upgrade. If not, sell and start over. Plenty of bikes out there.

FastJake

+1

I would not bother powder coating it unless the paint is in truly horrible shape AND you love the frame and want to keep it for yourself. Unless both of those are true, you'll be better off financially to take a small loss on this bike and spend the money on the one you want. Spending another $300 on this bike to paint it and put 105 on it doesn't make sense.

BruceHankins

It sounds like you have a decent frame so if you intend to ride it for years to come, I wouldn't say it's a bad investment. I ride a EX Triple Butted chromo frame that's pretty high end (for the brand) but has entry level componentry. Still love it.

Phil_gretz

Does it fit you?

The frame color is white, so touch up with model paint or nail polish. Wax the frame. Done.

Clean the chain and derailleurs. Lubricate the component pivot points and chain.

How is the braking? Maybe new pads?

Ride it for 1000 miles. Then sell it for what you paid next Spring.

You did fine.

T-Mar

Nakamura is the house brand for the Sports Experts and Sportschek chain stores in Canada. Most are entry level, though a few venture into midrange. Quite a frankenbike, but most likely the crankest and shifters are OEM, so it's probably a late 1980s, upper entry level model. The frame is a rebranded, seamed tubeset, roughly equivalent ot Ishiwata EXO or Tange Infinity. Most likely the stays and forks are hi-tensile steel.
Personally, I wouldn't sink the money into a repaint. I'd clean it up, ride it for a while and then make a decison to sell or keep.

apastrak

Based on the sound advice you've all given, which I'm grateful for, I've decided to skip the powdercoating and the upgrades, and ride the bike as is for now (after cleaning it up).

My thanks also for clearing up the frame quality, as I couldn't find anything out about it online.

I'm wondering what you all think of buying the Shimano 105 BR-1055
early 90s parts (rear derailler, brakes, levers, shifters) for $150 for a future build on a better frame (I can get the crankset for an extra $50).

oldskoolwrench

Although it's a hoot to actually see a production bike with my last name on it, I would caution not to buy components for a new build until you actually have the frame in hand that you want to build up.

For example, the 105 short arm calipers might not fit on that older frame, based on the existing components. Those C-Star brakes are on there for a reason, especially if they have long arms and long slots for the brake shoes.

Clean it up, and ride the wheels off it... then make the upgrade.

apastrak

Sound advice, again. Thanks.