Need info on this nishiki
 

Hello. I bought this bike on ebay and i just want to know more info on it. It was originally red/burgundy. I decided to repaint it black. Not the best pics.. but here they are. Serial number 9218c55. The bike is pretty heavy.
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9...0012jr4.th.jpg http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/629/p1010016lj8.th.jpg http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/1...0017bh6.th.jpg http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3...0015fg4.th.jpg http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/7...0014ge5.th.jpg http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7...0013to8.th.jpg

What model designation was on it before you painted it? The stem shifters, cranks and brake levers tell me it's an entry level bike. You can take some weight off of that bike by changing out those cottered cranks for alloy, cotterless cranks. Sheldon Browns website would be a big help if you decide to make that change.

The only pic I have before i repainted it. http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?i...1010052sh9.jpg

I've never seen that serial number format or logo style. Where did the bicycle come from? If that a decal that was on the headtube?

It's definitely entry level. That front crank appears to be a Shimano Front Freewheel System. If so, there's a lot of weight to be saved by replacing it with a cotterless crankset and a standard freewheel on the back hub. However, the FFS is kind of neat. The rear cogs do not freewheel under normal chain tension, but the crankset does. Consequently, as long as the bicycle is moving, the chain is being driven. This allows you to shift while coasting.

Um, I know that I bought it from someone in the US, but maybe on the eastern side. That emblem thing(can come off, but i super glued it back to the foam that was on it) came on the headtube when i received. I'm not looking to change parts, because it would cost too much for me: bottom bracket, crankset, etc. Atfirst, I was thinking of reselling this, but im not sure anymore. I kinda like having a road and a fixed gear bike.

With that cottered crank, I didn't think it was the Shimano Front Freewheel system. But T-Mar is right (as usual). I pulled out an old pic of a Rampar with FF, it's looks identical to the Nishiki crank.
BTW, those signature brakes are way cool. Worth the price of the bike, if not more.