Nishiki Continental restoration
 

After my oldest son decided to start touring, I then decided to keep my old Continental and give it a complete restoration over the winter.
I bought this bike new in 84' or 85' and for the next 4 or 5 years it was my touring mount. Then, as new bikes came along it was stripped and fitted with Shimano 600, and I used it as a commuter. Most of the original parts were sold or used on other projects.
In 1994 it was sent to the dungeon (basement), where it would spend the next 12 years lashed to a stationary trainer.
Last year it looked like this after it came outside for the first time in over a decade.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC01655.jpg

And now it appears much like it did in 84'. Parts include NOS brake levers, RD, Suntour 7-speed ultra freewheel, the original Dia-Compe-always-difficult-to-adjust brakes, Suntour Barcons, Avocet Touring I seat, original Laprade seatpost, Blackburn front and rear racks, original Sugino crankset, original SR SP pedals and Christophe Special toe clips.
The rims are NOS Mavic T221 with NOS Shimano 105 hubs. I laced these wheels myself. The tires are 700Cx28. I picked this relatively narrow tire as I believe the bike had 28's when new. If anyone knows different please let me know.
I had long worn out the middle chain ring so I needed a replacement. I made a trip to the shop I bought the bike new and one fellow took me down to the basement. I was then allowed to scrounge through an old pile of chain rings and viola! A brand new replacement for $5!
Bonus points for whoever picks out the Sekine part on this Nishiki.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02388.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02393.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02394.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02396.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02398.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02399.jpg

And with 1984 Cannondale panniers and bar bag.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02401.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02405.jpg

beautiful!

Especially with the vintage bags!

Nice. I guess you aren't selling it to Cyclotoine or myself. Am I wrong in thinking that it is too big for you?

It is a bit big for me. I only have an inch of stand over clearance and I like a bit more than that.
The seat is actually a bit low for me as my boy wanted it set there until he got used to it. And since he is already taller than me the bike should fit him fine.
I settled on a short stem that has at least 4 more inches of rise as I couldn't find a dirt drop style stem I liked. The older I get the higher I like the bars on touring bikes. And the boy says he finds it very comfortable.

Great bike. I love those old Nishikis. Is your Continental one of the kawamura frames? Lp

Nice work, I know all about those old dia-compes... They don't have the greatest braking power either. When I first came across them I thought they were aesthetically pleasing and wanted to put them on my international, I never got around to it and I was lucky enough to score a set of NGC 982s that some moron kid took off a beautiful allegro touring bike which he turned into a fixed gear, to make matters worse it was a 52cm bike and he was about 6 feet tall...:roflmao:

Anyway, I am soon replacing the set on my girlfriend's international with old Deore Cantis because her braking power could use a boost and when you are descending with 50lbs of gear... Not to mention better brakes mean less effort and your hands don't get sore from breaking if you're on the bike all day... okay back on track....

What's the sekine part? the pedals? What are your touring plans this summer? Mine are modest... Maybe go up the east side of vancouver island and some small bike camping trips (one day to camp site type dealies)

To be fair, the Sekine part wasn't to visable in the overall picture, so here it is. And you are so right about the Dia Compe brakes. I may end up replacing them with a set of early Shimano.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b4...0/DSC02408.jpg

My touring plans begin with my son and I on a 5 day tour of the Qu'Appelle Valley and campgrounds to the east. About 300-500 km round trip depending on which way we go.
If that trip goes well we will ride to Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba. But the boy is only 15 so I am not going to push him.
I am just happy he wants to go bike touring with the old man.

Nice job, especially with the vintage panniers and bag. I'm jealous, I hope you know that :D !

East Hill

That's a really clean bike. The work you put into it is readily apparent. :beer: