chiyama

I found a seemingly good condition Nishiki Cresta about 2 hours away from me. It's a 48cm, which I believe will fit me quite well. I'm only 5'5" with a 29" inseam.

The seller is asking for $220 which I think it fair. What do you think?

Check out the pictures below:

T-Mar

This Cresta is circa 1983 and is intended for light touring. The use of side-pull brakes prevents it from being classified as a true grand touring model. The frame is Tange #2 double butted CrMo main tubes with hi-tensile stays and forks, so the fork is a downgrade over the Univega being considered. It lacks the Univega's brazed-on boss for the shift levers but does have dedicated rack eyelets and a 2nd set of bottle bosses (under the down tube). The Cyclone M-II derailleurs are a definite upgrade over the Univega's BL derailleurs. The Sugino GT crankset could also be considered a upgrade over Univega's Sakae CX, but only if you need the wider gears. The others components appear equivalent.

The Nishiki does appear to be in slightly better condition but it is also $100 more expensive. IMO,the Univaga is the better value, assuming comparable mechanical condition. However, the big factor is the difference in size. While the Univega is small, the Nishiki appears to be 2-3 cm smaller and the prime consideration should be which bicycle is the better fit.

chiyama

Hi T-Mar, thanks again for all the information. Is there much of a difference between the brazed-on shifters vs the clamp style on the Cresta? I'm never used the clamp style before. I'd love to have a bike with the third ring on the front to join a couple friends on some short tours in California. I've also been toying with the idea of converting the wheels to 650b. In that case, I'd be getting new wheels/tires, cassette, and long reach brakes. With that in mind, does that change your opinion at all?

I'll mainly be using it to get around town, pick up groceries, and things like that. All I'm really looking for is a bike that fits with eyelets for racks. Seems like the bikes are pretty equivalent to you? Spending $100 more to get a bike in better condition and possibly higher quality isn't an issue for me.

ramzilla

OMG !!!!!!! That's the tiniest little frame I think I've ever seen!!!! The top tube and down tube are connected to the same lug. Amazing. At $220 it's a little rich for my taste. But, if it fits you then maybe that's a reasonable price. I would love to get my hands on that little frame and put some upright handlebars on it & turn it into a city cruiser grocery getter bike. My 5' tall 90 year old grandma could ride that frame. Awesome. Be good. Have fun.

chiyama

I've been measuring and I'm beginning to think the bike will be too small for me. It's about a two hour drive away from me so I'm not sure if I'll go check it out.

mrv 

a true double diamond frame.... as opposed to the typical triangle / quadrilateral frames the rest of us C&Vrs ride......

wrk101

Get your sizing right first, then shop. Also, are you using "bicycle inseam"? Likely 18 inch frame.

samkl 

chiyama

T-Mar, you were right. It's a 1983. Serial number: KC 10686. I picked up the bike and it's been great. A little smaller than my dad's 52cm 1991 Bianchi Virata, but this bike feels more comfortable to me. The seller happened to be coming into town from two hours out and brought the bike with him so I picked it up. If I decide later on it's too small, I can sell it for more than what I bought it for here in Santa Barbara. Working on converting it to a 650b wheelset with a 8 speed cassette soon.