My Fiances New Bike...
 

A Nishiki Century, from what I can tell it was manufactured in 1984.

It seems the PO bought it, rode it maybe 20 feet, the stuck it in the garage. I pulled apart the headset, and the bearing races look brand spanking new, I then realized I am the first one to take the wheels off, based on the lack of gouges in the paint from the wheel nuts. There aren't even scratches in the braking surface on the wheels! It's got some scratches in the paint, looks like it spent most of it's life in the garage.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...X/_5076263.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...X/_5076264.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...X/_5076265.jpg

The only thing that is not original as far as I can tell is the seat, it's actually a childs seat, though I have a period correct Cinelli Volare SLX that I think will look nice.

From what I understand, the Century was Nishikis low end model, and this frame was actually manufactured by Giant, it is not ChroMo.

This is my Fiances first bike in many many years, can't wait to go riding with her when I am finished fixing it up (which basically means new grease).

Most nishiki's are Kawamura products. Maybe in later years production (at least some) shifted to taiwan, T-mar would know for sure... but my bet is on Kawamura, not Giant.

Personally, I'd only _lend_ one of my vintage bikes until I got the signature on the marriage certificate. But that's just me.

Ah, thanks for the info on the build, I am hoping to find as much out about this bike as possible.

It's amazing, every single bearing race lacks any wear whatsoever. This bike is basically NOS, with exception of the paint, but that tells me it banged around in a garage for the last 24 years (if it is indeed a 1984 model).

Rebuilding it has been a lot of fun, I had a Nishiki in high school I had found in the bushes (painted extremely poorly with latex house paint... So I'm pretty sure it was stolen), unfortunately due to family issues and being sent to a boarding school in California I never finished it.

A question...

Where is the best place to locate a Sugino crank arm cap (the ones that cover the spindle), as I am missing the non-drive side cap.

Try loosescrews.com

Ah yes, forgot about that site. Thank you!

cyclotoine: FYI I found from T-Mars Nishiki thread that the frame is manufactured by Giant.