purplekumquat

Hi everyone,

I am a bit stuck trying to decide if I should go for a ~1973 Nishiki Competition or a 1988 Nishiki Sport that are about the same price. They both seem to be in good condition on Craigslist. I know that the Competition was second from the top in 1973 but it is about 28lbs while the Sport is lower in the line in 1988 but weighs less at 25lbs. Does anyone know if an older higher end bike is better than a more modern, lower end bike? In other words, do you think technology over the years resulted in a better bike at a lower tier?

Below are the links:

~1973 Competition: Nishiki Competition 10 speed
1988 Nishiki Sport: Clean Tuned Cute 47cm 1988 Nishiki Step-Thru Road/City Bike--5'0"-5'4"

Thanks for any input!!

DiegoFrogs

Wow, that's a really interesting comparison.

I'm a bit biased because I like classic looking frames from the '60s and '70s, and the typical Suntour combination of equipment works nice. I like barcon shifters, too. But the frame details and tubing on the '80s stepthrough, along with indexed (albeit stem-mounted) shifting could be a nice benefit. I think I have a problem with a late '80s bike having turkey wing non-aero levers and stem shifters, though.

Yeah, I think I'm about 60/40 in favor of the '70s bike.

non-fixie 

Both are very nice. No wrong decisions possible here, I think. I'd probably get both if I could.

CliffordK

Interesting comparison.

Are you a smaller woman? The Nishiki Competition is a very small bike, while the other one is a women's bike with a fairly short seat tube.

Where did you get the 28 pound / 25 pound weight ratings?

Both of the bikes have forged dropouts with integral derailleur hangers which put them a step above many of the import bikes of that era.

However, I'm not seeing anything that suggests anything other than straight tubing. So that would put them below the average Reynolds, Columbus, or Vitus tubing bikes of the era. So, being second to the top among Nishiki bikes doesn't put them near the top among all bikes.

As DiegoFrogs mentioend, the upper brake levers were generally only used on "low-end" bikes of the era, but everything else seems to suggest at least moderate quality of the bikes.

Both bikes appear to be in reasonably good condition, but I do think they're a little overpriced for what they are. $200 to $250?

What is your ultimate goal? Why are you choosing a vintage Nishiki? Commuter? Road riding? Vintage Show?

Of the two, I'd lean towards the newer woman's bike, assuming you are a woman. The sidepull brakes are probably slightly better than the centerpull brakes, indexed shifting would be nice, even if it is on the stem. One more cog on the rear. Brake hoods.

DiegoFrogs

Actually, the earlier Competition has a "claw" mounted derailleur, but chromed rear stays. I suspect the Japanese importers were still trying to figure out what features to include at a given price point.

CliffordK

You're right. It blended in, and I missed it. And, it may be pressed steel

Perhaps not the worst feature in the world. However, it would lead me to favor the later (women's) bike a little bit more.

daf1009

As several have stated, you probably cannot go wrong...they are quite a bit different...which leads me to one of my mantras..

If you can go see both, do so...and RIDE them...if you can. This is the true test...being able to take it out and ride for just a few minutes will tell you all that you need to know. Both look like they are about the same size...so, if one fits, the other probably will...but...I have had bikes with almost exactly the same geometry...and they give me a different feel...so...if you want this as a rider...and I suspect you do...then...ride them both...then decide.

That will also let you see, with your own eyes, if there is anything that needs done with either bike.

Finally...I do think that, in the Atlanta market (where I am), these are bit overpriced. But, for the San Fran market, the pricing may be ok.

wrk101

The Competition is a far better bike. Price is on the crazy side, but that is San Fran for you (and the price on the Sport is even crazier in my opinion). I have two 1973 Nishiki Competitions right now.

Fit is everything.

I'd like to see that Sport on a good scale, hard time believing the weight above.

Competition was one model from the very top of the Nishiki line in 1973, Sport is basically bottom of the line. Step through with stem shifters? $100 bike around here, of course you have to add a SF premium. Last Nishiki Sport step through I had sold for $75.

Marketing on that Sport makes a great example of how to present a bike at its very best.

You are right, in the 15 years, all bike models improved significantly. But a step through with stem shifters and turkey levers doesn't benefit from much of that improvement. More improvements were seen if you moved up the product. I have no doubt that the #2 bike in Nishiki's product line in 1988 would have been head and shoulders better than the 1973 model.

One thing really NICE about the 1973 is the tasteful use of chrome, particularly the chrome stays. I love chrome, and by 1988, chrome was much rarer. So the higher end older models tended to have a classic look to them aesthetically.

Extremely small pic on the Sport. Rehabber did a wonderful job overall, but should have used red brake cable housings to match his red shifter housings and also should have used red bar tape. Really cheesy that he wants $60 more with the saddle in the picture.

bikemig 

+ 1 as to which bike to buy (the older one is a better bike) and SF prices.

The one thing that newer bike has going for it is the very clever pic the seller took of the overhaul of the bottom bracket (who the heck actually wears white gloves when overhauling bikes)? The seller is very knowledgeable and tells you exactly what has been changed. That bike looks ready to ride and may, depending on how tall the OP is, be a better fit.

Matariki

I think those are latex or vinyl gloves. I usually wear nitrile, which are blue,green, or purple.

I, too, think the Competition is a better bike. I commuted on a Competition frame for a year or so and found it to be stiff and stable. Offer the seller $200.

CliffordK

Yes... it shows that he actually opened up the bottom bracket. Presumably he did the same work on the hubs. So... "fully tuned up" means more than just washing the bike.

I would have prefered seeing the BB spindle without globs of grease on it though.

purplekumquat

Wow, thanks for all the great feedback!!

I am 5'2 so I am a bit on the shorter side. I plan on using this bike for commuting and leisurely riding around on the weekends.

Regarding the weight, the 28 lbs for the Competition is from the Nishiki brochure and the seller for the Sport helped me weigh the bike and said it was 25 lbs. I live in a very hilly part of town so the extra three pounds might make a big difference to me.

It seems the general feeling is that the Competition is still better despite being older but I can't really go wrong with either and I should really try to see both for fit. Is that right?

Thanks again!!

non-fixie 

From a collector's / bike nerd's point of view the Competition is the more interesting bike. The one I would buy for myself. For mrs non-fixie, I'd choose the Sport. The difference in geometry makes it the more comfortable bike of the two. Less saddle-to-bar drop.

non-fixie 

O, and if you're really purple the blue of the Competition is out of the question of course.

CliffordK

I don't see a $100 difference between those and something like this Schwinn.
Women's step thru road bike..new tires..tuned..5'2 - 5'6

If you want the full "road bike" experience, then I'd try something more on the lines of these Treks or Giant (why do they call small bikes GIANTS?) Or Soma for modern steel?
Trek WSD 1.2
Women's XS Giant Avail 2
2001 Trek 5200 50cm
Soma

This Cannondale would also be sweet... but in a bit different class. Also the two Giant CF bikes.
Cannondale Supersix EVO Women's Hi-Mod Carbon Bike Size 44cm
Giant TCR Composite 2 (2012 Model)
Giant Avail ADV Carbon Road Bike - Ultegra - Small

If you are talking about hills, many women are also happy with "road triple" gearing. Both of the bikes you found had doubles. It depends on your strength. At least the Trek has a triple, but they tend to be common in many Women's specific bikes.

dweenk

I would choose the Competition. I had a 1973 Nishiki Competition that served me well for many years. The frame is made from double-butted chrome-moly tubing, and the drop-outs are forged (but no integral derailleur hanger). It has randoneur bars, which I like. I doubt that a small frame Competition weighs 28 lb.

crank_addict

Totally different animals. The 73 / 74 Comp for collectability and for max value, everything has to be OEM. Interesting as its a bike with storyline (KB - West Coast Cycles Imports and first year / origin Japanese name just for US branding).

The '88 Sport as the utility rider. For the mixte, agree on changing the mis-matched cables, replace the saddle and maybe make it a flat bar, swap stem, etc.. No real answer on whats preferable, but you'd have to ride them both and see what feels best. I know how the 74 rides and my guess it will feel sluggish compared to that 1988 Sport.

edit: found this biz card rather neat KB Bicycles / AMERICAN EAGLE- just prior to the new brand name Nishiki

delcrossv

Can't speak to the Sport, buy my kid was unbeatable on his Competition at citizen's races at our local track- against well heeled kids on uber light carbon tri bikes.

I agree, try them of you can, but the Competition is a great bike.

purplekumquat

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your help and research for me! I wound up getting the 1988 Nishiki Sport. I saw both and the Competition standover height was almost two inches too tall for me. The Sport was also actually lighter than the Competition and I was able to knock off $40 so I went with it! I've been loving it so far for the commute!

Thanks again!

non-fixie 

Thanks for the feedback, @purplekumquat! Glad you're happy with your choice. It's always nice to know how things work out. Enjoy the bike!