"Vintage" Nishiki
 

Trying to get some info on this bike and value. Thinking about restoring it or maybe making it a single speed. All I know is it's a nishiki and the first two letters of the serial number is NS. Looks to maybe be an 70s model? Thanks.

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psoicq20zt.jpg

[URLhttp://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psgknxpnps.jpg http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps7myzrggx.jpg[/URL]

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psaavhwwbr.jpg


http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psoonycrb1.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psvp5bq7sk.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psxhyzozp7.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psdh7xvfm7.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...psmjxy1fam.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...pspt7oqw0a.jpg

An NS-code is atypical based on the Nishiki serial numbers that I've seen and I've seen my fair share. I'd expect a KS prefix. The Shimano 500 rear derailleur places it no older than 1975, provided it is OEM. The steel cottered crankset and brake safety levers are indicative of a entry level model, while the fork ends indicate upper entry level. It would appear to be an Olympic, circa 1975.

Edit: I don't recognize the shift levers but they look more Shimano than SunTour and the front derailleur looks like it could be a Shimano 50 ( please verify),so I'm assuming the rear derailleur is OEM, pending further information.

That is all the information I got on it. I dont own it, the asking price is $35 and I was considering purchasing it for a project.

EDIT: More pics added. I decided to purchase it for $35. Looks like I got a project. I'm thinking a single speed utilizing some of the factory parts.

So I guess my question what do you think its worth and what should my cap be for restoration?

These are worth about $150-200 in very nice fully serviced ready to ride condition. This would make a very nice single speed project if you stay under $200 or so you should be fine as a keeper, I wouldn't rebuild this one for a flip.

Thanks, I'm not planning on flipping it. I wan't a single speed bike with drops and that is older. Just wan'ted to make sure it wasn't a total piece of crap. I like single speed bikes. I have a single speed bike now with pursuit bull horns. I'm actually thinking a single speed with a coaster brake for this Nishiki.

With that small frame I hope you're about 5'5" tall.

It's a 21". I have short legs so it will work fine for me.

buy it and enter the Clunker contest <$100 challenge.

Optical illusion or bent fork?

While the camera focal distance can sometimes play tricks, the front wheel does appear closer to the down tube than normal for an Olympic of this era.