jonny7

The bike caught my attention because it looks in great condition and has a full Shimano 600 groupset. The owner says he bought it with no identification on the frame, so it could be repainted.

The geometry seems a bit unusal also (no?). The fork has a pretty agressive angle. The groupset would indicate a 87-88 bike. Anybody able to guess what kind it is? And would you be comfortable paying 200-300 for it?

Bianchigirll 

Welcome to the “it looks nice but I have no idea” club.

plonz 

Looks like a respray and going to be tough to identify. If you can get a serial number and better pics of details like fork crown, tube junction under the saddle and BB shell, someone here will probably ID it.

Or just buy it and sort it out later. Good equipment and details. Probably a safe buy at $200, not as much at $300.

T-Mar

THe SIS version of Shimano New 600EX was introduced for the 1986 model year and replaced by 600 Ultegra for the 1988 model year. So, if the components are OEM, it would be 19860-1987, as opposed to 1987-1988. New 600EX was typically spec'd on mid-range models with and by this era most of the bigger brand names were employing logo embossing at this level. It doesn't employ the New 600EX headset or hubs, indcating cost concessions typically seen on less brands. Be aware that pedals appear to be New 600EX which require dedicated toe clips. Tubing at this level would typically be a butted CrMo (or MnMo) but it could be downgraded on some of the lesser brands. The serial number may provide a clue to the manufacturer and exact date, which may allow us to determine possible brands.

Edit:I notice the OP is in Canada. So, is that price $CDN or has it been converted to $US? $200 CDN would be a very good and $300 CDN would still be fair, if he could verify a butted CrMo frameset.

jonny7

Thanks T-Mar for the heads up, I was hoping you'd reply! The price is indeed in CDN. 300 is what is asked, 200 is my target. I'll try to go see it in person for some more detail! Cheers

zukahn1 

I would agree mid level circa 1986 based on the lack of details embosing on the framset likely a private label import bike made by one of the major Japanese makers under contract. These type bikes were often made with no distinctive detailing so the maker could sell basically the same bike with spece'd compnent's and different decals paint to meet price points to several importers so ID of the actuall brand will be tough. yet as siad if you get the serial number someone here can likely ID the maker and date of maufacture. If everything is good except for the not so great repaint the price is reasonable CAD in a major market at this time of year.

jonny7

So the owner says he found the following numbers under the BB : 231549. No alpha character apparently

plonz 

I was just staring to think it might be a mid-to-late 80s Schwinn Super Sport but I don't think it uses this^ serial number sequence.

zukahn1 

Based on the really high numbers it's a likely a later Kawamura build

jonny7

A Nishiki would make sense. Thanks!

T-Mar

I don't think this is a Nishiki. I don't recognize the S/N format. Also, by this time the mid-range Nishiki models typically had embossing somewhere on the frame and that included the Canadian models offered through Norco.

undrgroundpilot

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nice bike