Mr. Toodles

I'm having a hell of a time finding information on this Nishiki. I can't find any that have bar end shifters, let alone dura-ace parts, OEM. I really like the color (if you can call it that), and I could swap out some parts as I have been developing a decent parts bin, maybe even put some brifters on it.

Obviously, the date is a little bit of a concern, but its not the best presented ad, and I have a hard time believing that its a 58.

Any info to help date and price this would be a help. Thanks

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/4233731735.html

Germany_chris

It's old and cross it's had parts replaced i.e. the cranks don't look the same generation as the rear derailleur not to mention they're triple. It's not a 58 either it looks more 54/55. It's not worth more than $150 to me but I don't live in Co, don't like Nishikis, and don't like hogepodge Shimano builds. It looks in nice shape and very ride able though.

oddjob2

Model is Katmandu, probably a 1992. Frame looks much smaller than 58cm, looking at steering tube. If the CL seller is 5'11", on a 58cm frame, his seat post wouldn't need 8" exposed.

zukahn1 

I would agree the sizing the seller is giving is wrong. As for price it is too high I wouldn't consider going over $175 considering the mix of Shimano components most of which aren'r Dura Ace and poor bar setup. This bike just will not move at that price in Denver at this time of year so you can wait tell the seller comes down on price or pass on this one.

bent-not-broken

Isn't this a cross/hybryd converted to drops, not a 'true' cyclocross? I would guess it is heavy. Agree it's worth half the asking at most.

zukahn1 

+1 a would agree this bike does appear to be a lower end hybrid that has been converted to drops and not a true cyclcross. Basically everything the seller says about the bike is wrong or missleading.

gomango

I'd buy this for $175 right now.

TT looks like a 56 or so.

New tires, saddle, bar tape and I would have a great "loaner" bike for gravel jaunts.

To be honest, I have been watching CL for something like this Nishiki.

Could be a blast.

bikemig 

I'm pretty sure that this was designed to be a drop bar bike and not a hybrid. It's been a long time since I've seen one but I do remember when they came out and I know it was considered a desirable bike. Not worth $350 and it's not a 58 cm. A lot depends on the parts mix and how good a shape the bike is in but I'd put the value around $200. I don't know which parts are dura ace (perhaps just the bar end shifters) but that's a good quality forged Shimano triple and nice quality derailleurs. Like I said, I don't remember a lot about this bike but I think it was a higher end Nishiki that came with a nice parts mix.

FastJake

Clearly not a 58cm. I don't see a single Dura Ace part, but the parts look ok. Screams hybrid turned drop bar bike, which is not a bad thing, but you need to measure the TT and ST to get a good idea of the fit. Often these hybrids came with short STs and long TTs.

I could probably pay as much as $200 if it fit me. This is a frankenbike but a useful one, and the selection for this type of bike is very small on craigslist.

Sizzle-Chest

I like it, especially the colors and straight blade fork. But I have to agree that it's smaller than a 58 and it's a bit pricey, though I think 250-300 is reasonable if you're buying it to ride and not flip. Hard to tell but looks like Deore DX derailleurs and crankset which are pretty cool. The bend in the bars looks like they might be ritchey, another good thing. Also might have some nice levers and brakes but that's impossible to tell. I think the wheelset is going to be the key. Something nice, like Dura Ace hubs / Mavic rims will make it a worthwhile purchase.

Mr. Toodles

Thanks for the responses. I ride a 56, so the size works more in my favor, but if I check it out I will definitely bring the measuring tape. Price seemed high, I was thinking 200 max.

Oddjob, with the name I was able find a really old craigslist ad that was much more descriptive. It has Tange MTB 4130 CrMo with a Richard Cunningham design (whatever that means). Here is the link: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/B...s/topics/20547

The sizing is really funky. As described in the ad: Measures 56cm c-c seat tube; with the sloping top tube it's about a 58-1/2" virtual seat tube. Standover is 32-1/2" (with 700x38 tires). Top tube measures 59-1/2cm (approx. 61cm virtual tt)

If I ride a standard 56cm road bike, am I going to be super stretched out on this thing?

Thanks again for all the replies.

oddjob2

If it is a 58.5" virtual seat tube, Shaq isn't tall enough. Try it, see if you like it.

Sizzle-Chest

Again, hard to tell but I bet that bike is in the 55-56cm range, and the bars don't have that much reach so I doubt you will feel stretched out. Offer whatever you want but I would feel perfectly comfortable spending 250-300 on that bike. Consider the following:

A new steel cross frame/fork alone would cost at least that much for lowest end.
A used frame/fork like that would go for about 100-150 on ebay.
The bar end shifters (likely Dura-Ace) would go for about 50.
The derailleurs for another 50.
The wheelset another 50.
Crankset perhaps 30.
Tires maybe 20.

Small bits, whatever because you've already made up the $300. And considering you're wanting to ride the bike rather than flip it, it makes even better sense, but that's just my opinion.

FastJake

This is exactly what I was talking about, and absolutely confirms this was a flat bar hybrid originally (again, not necessarily a bad thing.)

I ride a 55-56cm road bike, and last winter I built up a Schwinn Crosscut with drop bars for my winter commuter. It had a 57cm top tube and a 52cm seat tube. Due to the combination of excessive saddle-to-bar drop, as well as the longer top tube, I could never get comfortable on it. But I was always super aero

If the top tube is really 59.5cm I would probably pass on it. I've owned a lot of bikes over the years that didn't quite fit and they all end up sold sooner or later. However, sizing is one of those arts that takes a long time to dial in perfectly. So the more bikes you have the more knowledge you have on how they fit you.

bikemig 

The dimensions on the bike may be funky (and this assumes that the measurements are right) but I'm fairly certain this was sold as a drop bar bike when it came out. I worked in a shop that sold Nishikis and I remember this bike as it was distinctive. The owner of the shop actually bought one. My memory could be wrong as this was more than a few years ago but I'm almost positive it was sold as a drop bar do it all bike.

Mr. Toodles

Thanks. I might see if it is still available, to try. It does sound like it will be a bit long, but like you say, getting sizing down is important long term.

Mr. Toodles

The pictures I have seen online (all two of them) have drop bars. I can't find original specs though. I will post here when if I find out.