Landau Tri-A
Nishiki Landau with Wobler tublar rims.
Brakes, shifters, hubs, levers, derailleurs are all 600EX. Never even looked at the stem or seat post. Seat is a Vetta.
Serial number on the bottom bracket is CF 02147 which should indicate it was the 2,147th frame built for the Canadian market in 1986 but I thought that the CF markings were pre-1986??

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e55cf2fb47.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0e0c59022e.jpg

The frame appears very similar to the entry level Century and Sebring models of the same era. These were typically manufactured by Giant, so I was expecting a Giant date code on the rear dropout. Thxs for the model name and submission. :thumb:

The serial number information has dynamic component to it. It based on the evidence that has been submitted. Sometimes we're able to determine a cut-off date but often it's open ended. In the case of the "pre-1986" statement, that was simply the highest Canadian market serial number seen from Kawamura at the time. There's a asterisk behind the date to indicate that the period may extend beyond the stated date.

Another Olmo Cervino
 

I have a Cervino, sn 60 9844. I bought it off eBay frame and fork only, can't find too much on it. I think its an early 82. I love the bike and have it built with a mix of Campy and Sun Tour parts.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...18c7bfc1e.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3343b7fa94.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4cb8bb6c9.jpeg

Sorry for the bad photos...

Stunning machine!!!!!!!!!!

Found another set of numbers on the Nishiki Pacific 5 when I removed the rear wheel G0685 to go along with the numbers I posted. Attn: T-Mar ;-)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...533118c47d.jpg

Yes, your Colorado is from 1988. I have a twin to your bike - in the same teal color. I have two 1988 Colorados - One bought new, and the second off of CL a couple of months ago. From the photos, everything on your bike looks original except for the tires. That is amazing. I have no idea of the value, but I don't imagine much. Maybe another member has insight on the value. Good find!

Just picked up a 60cm Nishiki Cervino that [MENTION=383399]MauriceMoss[/MENTION] helped identify. No decals remain. Its serial number is 9835. Pretty close in manufacture to [MENTION=403996]Jmpierce[/MENTION], down to the color. Condition on the other hand leaves a little to the imagination.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b8625474ee.jpg

Nice
 

Same size same color. I am really happy with mine, hope you enjoy yours. Mine came as frame and fork only I had to guess what was on it but in the end it got built with a mix of Italian and Japanese parts. Sorta like its heritage.

Thanks [MENTION=403996]Jmpierce[/MENTION], I love the frame and its certainly an interesting backstory. The rub is that its way to big for me so I'll pass it on to someone who can restore and ride it. Would absolutely love to keep it but it would just be more wall decoration.

Just joined the forum for this specific thread. There's a red Nishiki frame sitting at my local bike shop, early style headtube badge, looks maybe early 70s. Here's what's got me confused, the frame has no serial number, just an M stamped in the bottom bracket. The bb shell is in original paint and hasn't been ground down. Headtube badge appears original with the correct rivets and matching patina marks on the frame. Anyone have any idea what I'm looking at?

Hi T-Mar,

My first post. First thank you for the information you posted on page 65 of the thread. It helped me identify the year of a Nihiki Altron I bought off Yahoo Auction. It is quite different to the images from the earlier 80s Altron 7000 and USA 1994 catelogue.

Sorry can't post images yet.

The Sigma Design seems to be a Japanese Domestic model. The coding from the post on page 65 on this thread : C10 XXXX and the tange fork stamping (you suggested) 93M correspond to my frame.

The coding on my Altron D10 2XXX and the forks are stamped 94MA. The frame and fork I bought were unused and unassembled with only a seat post clamp (no headset or bb). I have since assembled the bike with 1055 and 1056 Shimano components and Sakae stem, bar and seatpost.

I have seem 4 or 5 more Sigma Design models on Japanese webites and blogs. Some of those sights suggest these Nishiki models are of Kawamura origins. My understanding is the Kawamura company continued bicycle production up until the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake stopped production in Kobe.

Here's a link to your photo album, though the pictures are quite small. https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/15902490

Yes, it sounds like you have a 1995 model manufactured in October 1994. It's possible that Kawamura changed it's format in the 1990s, but unfortunately I can't corroborate that. I'm used to Kawamura product having either the head badge with their tri-colour emblem or a Kawamura decal. I briefly owned a 1991 NFS Altron but there were no Kawamura decals. I'm assuming yours lack Kawamura decals too.

Nishiki's presence in the USA marketplace slowly eroded in the early 1990s. I haven't seen a USA market road bicycle later than 1994, while 1995 is latest I've seen for ATBs and hybrids. Based on the photos, it sounds like Sigma Design may have been the Asian market equivalent to the NFS (Need For Speed) series in the USA.

I've haven't seen the 1994 USA catalogue. Is it available online? If so I'd appreciate a link. Thxs for posting. Enjoy your new acquisition.

Another altron pic fwiw.. my freebie frame find.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5369cde645.jpg

Based on the 1986 serial number and the purple paint, I'm assuming this is a 1987 Altron 7000 with the purple faded to white paint? I always found it interesting that the USA market models manufactured by Kawamura had their serial number format changed to a W-prefix starting in 1985 (model year), but only for the steel frames. The aluminum frames retained the old K-prefix.

I don't have a link to the catelogue - but i have the pictures saved for most if not all pages. Would it be okay to post them?

I will post a photo of the serial number as soon as i can.

EDIT: My Altron frame has similar stickers and features to the Nishiki MR MTB which is how I had guessed it was a 1993-4 before confirming the fork code. Does anyone know where the MRs were made?

Safari Front bag
 

Replaced some of the old leather....

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6a937b862e.jpg
Nearly 50 year old leather and the new....
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f353895469.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86dce325f5.jpg

Nishiki Linear 1986/1987
 

This bike's serial number is WF 10685; located on underside of the BB shell. Shimano 105 cranks date KI September '86. I was told it was an '86 when I purchased it. Bike matches '87 catalogue except some changed components.

Edit note: per the serial date code is a 1986 model ; I have yet to see an '86 catalogue to verify, the '87 looks identical.

Hi.

Does the serial number I1COD349 fit into the Nishiki number range from 90-91? I'm trying to work who built my bike, a 700c, 23" Hi-Ten with brazed on lugs. I know who sold it (brand), but, I'd really like to know who built it.
From what I've been told I1 = 1991 (bike was in the 91-92 catalogue) COD = 3,154 (the frame) and 349 is the Julian date (December 15th). I know that Nishiki badged bikes were sold by the company that retailed mine and that at least one of the top bikes not labeled Nishiki were sold by them but how far down the line did the Nishiki builds go? Looking at Nishiki bikes on this forum I see that a lot of the parts (mid range) on those bikes are on mine.

Thanks.

It's a 1987 model manufactured in late 1986, as the 1986 models didn't have the Nishiki logo with the overlapping bar containing the series designation.

Welcome to the forums. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with that serial number format. While it could be reverse engineered to 1991, that may or may not be the case. I'd need to see pictures, to see if it matches 1991 Nishiki product. I'm also not sure from your post if the bicycle is actually branded as Nishiki.

Thanks for the comments T-Mar,

Still, I might need some clarification of what you wrote. Are you referring to the down tube "NISHIKI" decal with the small inset ("overlapping bar")? I still haven't seen a confirmed '86 model per a catalogue. All examples I've see as referred to by their current owners as " '86 models" are identical to my frame (paint and decals), and also the '87 catalogue example. I only thought my frame might be an '87 due to the later '86 component date, and with the comparison to the known '87 example.

Just a note: this frame rides great once you're used to the feel of the steering. Unfortunately, at my age with my injuries it goes out for less than 20 miles a ride (fast!); I did a 30 mile ride last week on it and my back knew it!

Thanks again! Always appreciate your knowledge regarding these older frames. I have a Nishiki touring frame donated to me recently so I will post that for your serial number database also; believe it's '80/'81 Gran Tour 15; workmanship appears to be of decent quality, with original paint (dark green) in good condition.

Yes, I was referring to the down tube logo with the small insert, where it overlaps both the 'K' & 'I', This style of logo was only employed for the 1987 model year. A similar style logo was used later but in that case the insert only overlapped the 'I'. A 1987 model is corroborated by the presence of the 2nd generation, Shimano New 105 components, which were introduced for the 1987 model year. Those other owners are dating their bicycles strictly by the serial number, which is calendar year based, and do not appreciate that bicycle manufacturers, like automobile manufacturers, start building and introducing the new models well in advance of year end. Consequently, you often find 1987 model year bicycles that were manufactured in 1986.

Thanks for the welcome, I'm working on my post count, then I'll post or PM some images.

Nishiki colorado parts bike
 

Found this machine on the local craigslist...Some parts will be used to get two other bikes roadworthy and then donated to the local homeless shelter. Another serial number for T-Mar;-)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5db625da1e.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1d5c18d3a5.jpg
Good condition for its age...
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...31a865e2db.jpg
Looks like 6120174 G0486 / For T-MAR
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5c5d7c35d3.jpg
Sansin hubs with QR front
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...07329a21e8.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...361efa6b5e.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e518ab13f3.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f252d8c997.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...036e3fff75.jpg