RacerX1

Ok so today I rescued a Nishiki International from the thrift store and just fell in love with it. But, the serial seems contrary to the information on the serial number data base where it says that serial numbers starting with an 'S' are used on frames prior to 1975. It appears to be a 1988 International but with some extra bits as you can see in the pictures. Is this some special edition racing bike used for an event of some sort? It's absolutely beautiful to me. An estimate of value would be great as well. I saw one comparable selling on ebay for like $700 but...you know how that goes. Check out the pictures and let me know thanks in advance!

oddjob2

Note the experience of the ebay seller ASKING $700, ZERO transaction feedback. Rather ironic he is driving a new Rogue. Also, it's an asking price, which means bupkis in valuing a bike.

Nishiki International Bike | eBay

no1mad 

And this is why the thread was moved to here in C & V Appraisals from Classic & Vintage.

RacerX1

Obviously, the ebay listing was bull****, thus, my posting here for real answers. You seem knowledgeable by your reply, so what do you say about the serial number anomaly and other things about the bike? Do you have an intelligent estimate of the bike? Or any other useful feedback?

Bianchigirll 

What did you pay for the bike? Would you have paid $10 more? $20? Whatever you paid is likely a decen price for an old neglected 10spd in your area. If your willing to invest a lot of time and some money into overhauling this (strip all the parts off clean the frame, regrease and reassemble the bearing assemblies, new tires, bar tape and maybe cables) you might get $150 for it where you live.

This doesn't look like any special bike from any 'event' a computer and aero bars were common accessories in the late '80s early '90s.

oddjob2

I haven't sold any Nishikis lately, other than some very pink mixtes, but I bought this super clean Tri-A Equipe last fall, with a spare set of pedals for $150. The pedals fetched $50. Component group is Shimano 600 and Sante, which IMHO, is far more desirable than Suntour GPX.

Your International as pictured, probably worth $75 +/- $20, as is. The tri aero bar might fetch $25

BTW, photos below are as purchased.






One day, When my apprenticeship is complete, I hope to be good as @wrk101 or @rjhammett in snagging deals.

rjhammett

The reason I have found some good deals on bikes is because the Twin Cities is a huge biking community and I spend way too much time on the hunt. Biking and bike repair is my therapy. It is totally unlike my day job.

oddjob2

ditto!

RacerX1

Thanks for the reply. Aside from the seat it's in excellent condition. I think someone maintained it up until fairly recently. What can you tell me about the serial number and it not running consistent with the information previously stated on the database here? Lastly, what caused you to say it was neglected? Everything seeems in good order for the age..I.e. no rust everything is greased proper.

Bianchigirll 

So you don't mind the 20 year old dry rotted tires? What's greased properly? The 20 year old grease in the hubs, HS and BB?

onespeedbiker

In regards to the serial number, I think you misread the database.

"Kawamura manufactured frames (1972–1987): These frames used a serial number XYZZZZZ format where:

• X is the market (C = Canada (pre-1985) K = USA (pre 1985) W = USA (1985–1987)).
• Y is the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year (A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975).
• ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, possibly representing a sequential frame manufacturing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames).

Example 1: KA24587 is the 24,587th frame produced in 1981 for the US marketExample 2: CG23117 is the 23,117th frame produced in 1977 for the Canadian marketExample 3: WE54612 is the 54,612th frame produced in 1985 for the US market"

The correct interpretation is the year code is the second letter, not the first. Regardless, bike may be newer than this database if a 1988; the first clue is your bikes serial number has 9 characters while the exemplars have 7. While I can't say for sure, it would appear the second and third characters are "88" which would match the date of manufacture you were told.

RacerX1

I took it to a local bike shop with obvious concerns and he thought I was crazy. Sure, he said, it hadn't been serviced he thought in a couple years but it had been well maintained for it's age. He said it wasn't dry rotted at all but there was a white concrete residue inside the tread. All in all he thought I had a great bike. I kind of get the impression you are hating on my bike here. It may not be something fabulous and sure you probably have something a lot better but still... Don't know where you shop to find bikes like this for $10 or $20 you should let us all know. Heck even Goodwill wants an arm and a leg for bikes now $40 on up to the sky is the limit. Maybe the 80s were the last time you did but maybe you should check one out in case someone else asks a question you feel compelled to reply to. I have a disability that actually prevents me from riding one so perhaps I have a bit of an infatuation with bikes. I just like them so when I see one that appeals to me I buy it to enjoy for awhile. I love the paint on this one.

This is a picture of dry rot so you know in the future:

This is my tire...not pristine granted but not dry rotted dear. I wiped it down so if there were any 'cracking' it would pop.

Thumpic

I don't think any ill will was intended. Very few members need lessons concerning spotting dry rotted tires. If those tires are original, they are unreliable and thats the point. Decent replacements are cheap. You don't want to find out that Bianchigirl (respected expert) is correct in her assessment by having a tire disintegrate at high speed.

You started a thread; expect input and be gracious in your responses.

You and I are lucky, I found my International (my wife's now) in the back of a stake bed truck headed to a crusher! It turned out great!!

zukahn1 

Looks to be one of the USA made Nishiki's from the late 80's early 90's while fairly nice bikes these have little to nothing in common with other Nishiki's and the serial numbers make no sense and many have more than one number. Typically these are worth a bit less than other Internationals. I would say a $100-125 in current condition and figure $75-100 to put it in nice riding shape. If your looking to sell loose the tri bar extensions and setup. Standard classic setup no tri stuff will sell better plus you can probably get $30 or so for the tri extras on ebay.

Skywheel

I have a centurion iron man expert with suntour gpx and I find it to be great stuff. Not as good or valuable as shimano 600 tri-color, but still solid. That paint looks beautiful. I think in a competitive market, like Portland OR (ie, on the high side) it could fetch $300 or more depending on how cherry you fix her up.

I'd buy that bike all day at $100.