Do higher end Nishiki's ride as nice as my lower end one
09-19-09, 04:31 PM
#1
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Do higher end Nishiki's ride as nice as my lower end one
I had finished my Nishiki Marina 12 to ride for the winter on the trainer and periodically with the kids and then decided it might be nice to set it up for the times I have meetings in town. So, on went a rear rack (a little heavier one) and some panniers. Yesterday I loaded up with a change of clothes and shoes. I rode a circuitous 19 mile route to get into town.
I have to say I was very surprised with the comfort of the ride, even with the added weight, and how quick the bike felt. I finished the ride in an hour and decided that bike is going to hit the road more often after a newer, narrower chain goes on.
I have to say I was very surprised with the comfort of the ride, even with the added weight, and how quick the bike felt. I finished the ride in an hour and decided that bike is going to hit the road more often after a newer, narrower chain goes on.
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1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
Last edited by scozim; 09-19-09 at 05:41 PM.
09-19-09, 05:12 PM
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Smart set-up. I can tell this is a well-loved bike. I have one Nishiki myself but the Marina 12 is unknown to me.
09-19-09, 05:18 PM
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Dang! That can't be the same bike...Nice!
09-20-09, 08:08 AM
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The Marina 12 wa an early 1980s, upper, entry level model. This one has been heavily upgraded. The entry level frame is readily apparent via the brazed-on cable stops under the top tube and the down tube shifter postition, indicating they have been moved from the stem. While adding some weight, the entry level frame would give a more stable and comfortable ride due to slightly relaxed angles and a longer wheelbase.
09-20-09, 08:33 AM
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Ellensburg, WA
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The Marina 12 wa an early 1980s, upper, entry level model. This one has been heavily upgraded. The entry level frame is readily apparent via the brazed-on cable stops under the top tube and the down tube shifter postition, indicating they have been moved from the stem. While adding some weight, the entry level frame would give a more stable and comfortable ride due to slightly relaxed angles and a longer wheelbase.
And, yes, it's been put together with a large mix of parts.
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1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1968 Peugeot PL8; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, mid-80's Bianchi Veloce, 1984 or 85 Vitus 979
09-20-09, 08:46 AM
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First, your Marina is in excellent condition with some nice upgrades. I especially like the addition of aero levers because they look good and add a distinct measure of safety with superior braking compared to the original levers.
I have several Nishiki road bikes including a 81 Marina and a 86 Prestige (Tange 2 frame). I just completed a 50 mile ride on the Prestige and I use it on my Thursday night club rides. It compares favorably to my 06 Giant OCR-C full carbon ride. I'm not fond of my Marina and probably won't keep it. I've had three early 80s Nishiki Hi-ten framed bikes and find the Nishiki Chromoly bikes I have, ride distinctly better. BUT, as T-Mar pointed out, each rider has their own objectives and different riding positions. The Marina may fit your riding style just fine. Either way, if you're happy with it, that's great, but if a nicer model comes along, give it a try.
I have several Nishiki road bikes including a 81 Marina and a 86 Prestige (Tange 2 frame). I just completed a 50 mile ride on the Prestige and I use it on my Thursday night club rides. It compares favorably to my 06 Giant OCR-C full carbon ride. I'm not fond of my Marina and probably won't keep it. I've had three early 80s Nishiki Hi-ten framed bikes and find the Nishiki Chromoly bikes I have, ride distinctly better. BUT, as T-Mar pointed out, each rider has their own objectives and different riding positions. The Marina may fit your riding style just fine. Either way, if you're happy with it, that's great, but if a nicer model comes along, give it a try.
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09-20-09, 11:19 AM
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Given the OP's apparent preferences, the more upscale models he might prefer would likely be grand touring models, such as Cresta or Seral
09-20-09, 02:48 PM
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All I know about Nishiki is that my 1971 Semi-Pro/Competition did not have the low weight and responsive ride quality one would normally expect from a double butted CrMo frame, and that Japanese bikes improved markedly through the 1970s. I'll be your Marina is a great ride.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
