I finally found a mid 80's tourer! I've been checking craigslist daily (or multiple times daily!) for months now trying to find one in my size. I got into commuting on my 1985 Trek 600, but I soon realized that it was too small--seatpost at max extension. It was fine for my 4 mile commute, but anything longer than that and my neck started to bother me due to the handlebars being so low. Anyways, commuting for 4 months on my Trek showed me what it lacked as a commuter and what I wanted in my next bike: a frame/brake setup that could take wide tires with lots of room for fenders. The Trek has side-pull calipers and was a tight fit for fenders.

Early this week I noticed a Nishiki Cresta on craiglist and it appeared to be my size. The cantilevers and low-rider mount on the fork caught my eye. I contacted the guy, arranged a time to have a look at it. When I looked at, I was even more excited, it has mounts for 3 water bottle cages and two eyelets on each dropout--a dedicated tourer--perfect! It's in pretty good shape (I think, at least) for how old it is. There is a bit of rust on the dropouts, which I will clean when I get a chance. It's mostly original, as far as I can tell, I know the LePree rear derailleur was stock in 1985 models, not sure about the front which is a Shimano Deore. Tange 2 seamless double butted tubing. Suntour downtube shifters, not sure of the model, and a Sugino GP triple crank with Sugino Cycloid chainwheels. Araya 27" alloy wheels and dia-compe cantilevers.

I put my brooks saddle, crank-bros pedals, rack and my road fenders on it (only 25mm wide, will get wider ones later, couldn't resist riding it today!). For me, this is the ultimate commuting machine that only cost $160 + the parts I scrounged from my other bike, which I think is pretty cheap since it seems like most vintage touring-specific models command a premium ($250+) and are super hard to find. =)

Obligatory Pic:

nice,I rode a cresta gt for awhile.nice bikes.

Outstanding find -- great patience.

Is this a Shields or Norco Nishiki?

Either way, very nice bike!

Forgive my ignorance, but which ones were the "made by kawamura".

I have a tange infinity frame lying around with this sticker on the chainstay. It's Canadian, so I would assume Norco?

I know this is an old thread, but it's mine so I figure I can dig it up
I'm not sure if it's a Shields or Norco, but it does say Handmade by Kawamura on the chainstay.

I've been riding it for a year and now and I still really like the bike. It works great for what I use it for, with few issues. The only thing that really bothers me is the kool stop pads I put on it howl/squeal quite loudly if I apply moderate braking force. I'm not sure why this is--I've just lived with it. I've scrubbed the rims with scotch brite pads and rinsed them very thoroughly. The brakes are adjusted properly with the leading edge being slightly toed-in. Maybe different rims will fix it? They're old Araya rims, probably the original wheels.

After seeing other Cresta threads on the forums, it has gotten me thinking about upgrading, especially my wheelset. Before I start throwing money at my bike, I'm curious how people would think my bike compares to a new touring-type bike, like a Surly LHT. I've read some comments people have made about how many mid to high-end steel lugged bikes from the mid-80's are hard to beat, even with a modern frame. How does Tange 2 hold up for a loaded tourer? If I cold set the frame to 135 mm and build up some wheels with mountain hubs and a good touring rim, will my Cresta do everything that a new Surly LHT would, or am I being silly?

Attached is the obligatory pic of my trusty steed parked at work.

I love my '83 Cresta as well. I think the '83 through '85 models are the same (other than the color). I have been very pleased with the adjustable squeal free brake pads from Velo Orange. They work very well with my Dia-Compe canti's on my eighties Mavic / Dura Ace 700C wheelset. I have no desire to change this up for anything newer.

My Nishiki Cresta GT is 'Made by Kawamara'

First of all, its your thread, bring it up if you feel like it

Now about your bike, you have IMHO a top notch touring rig that can stand up to any modern bike out there. Your bike has the right geometry, the Tange 2 tubing is appropriate for heavy loads, its got all the right braze-ons, and, its lugged! It also sounds like it is the right size for you which is very important. I don't have a Surly LHT so I can't comment one way or the other on them other than I hear they are great bikes.

I would not hesitate to invest in new components on this frameset. Cold set the frame to allow for at least a 130mm spacing. 135mm will allow you to use most MTB hubs and cassettes. Get yourself some hand built wheels, maybe Shimano 105 hubs with Velocity Dyad rims and ride the heck out of it!

I have a 1980s cresta by kawamura. its in near mint cond with the saddle bags and everything is original to the bike does anyone know what its possible worth is?