Hello all,

As far as I'm aware I'm a youngin', I rarely see people my age at the beach riding. I'm 19 years old, have been riding for about 6 months on a Nishiki Custom Sport from the 70's that was my dad's. Finally decided to give in and buy a new bike. A trek 2.3. I absolutely love it. Took it out on it's maiden voyage today from Torrance Beach to Malibu, about 60 miles, and it road like a dream. My only complaint is the saddle, my bum is still hurting! The 30 year old seat on the nishiki is more comfortable than this one. I'm also planning to register for the LA bike tour. Anyways just came here to learn a bit more about cycling and events/groups in my area. Anyone else in this area?

Hello wcoastbikr, loads of folks in your spot on the earth, just take a look at the SoCal regional forum. Do you have photos of the Nishiki?

I'm a lover of vintage steel and a collector of Nishikis as well.


Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

I'll try to get them up this weekend, I don't have much time to take it down and take pics of it.

It's from the 70's, it's got a pearly white/beige finish with brown accents (saddle, cables, decals. tape used to be brown cloth before I replaced it with black). It has shimano 600 derailleurs and hubs, nishiki crank, not sure what cassette, alloy wheels, dia compe levers and calipers, uhm...and I think that's it. Tires and tubes I replaced with some bontrager sport gumwalls.

The wheels need to be replaced, they've got way too many miles on them and aren't true anymore. The rear derailleur is a bit noisy, the front is fine, the chain needs to be replaced. Other than that, everything is in good shape. But right now I'm broke from buying the new bike. I'm trying to convince my dad to fix it up and come out riding with me.

Alright I got pictures:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...48#post7083648

Whoa, you have Shimano 600 Arabesque on the Nishiki. Very, very nice! If you give us the serial number, we can tell you the year.

East Hill

The bike is hanging in the garage, and I'm a bit lazy right now, but I'll try and get it tomorrow. Like I said the rear derailleur is a bit noisy, I'm thinking about getting the two gears(is that what they are called?) replaced with newer ones. They're a bit worn as you can tell.

Still trying to convince my dad to fix it up and come out riding with me. At the very least it NEEDS new wheels.

List of things to replace:
1. Wheels
2. Chain
3. Cassette (few broken teeth)
4. Brake pads
5. Cables
7. Derailleur gears
8. More comfortable saddle for the old man

Just need to convince him. I love the bike though, for such an old and heavier bike it's pretty quick, and VERY stiff. Compared to the 2.3, you feel every little bump.

You're not alone... I just turned 20 two days ago! Good luck with the parental unit! I try to ride with my dad almost every weekend. Gotta take advantage of age while you can!

Whenever you have the time, WCB. It's a very nice bike, and the Arabesque components are a nice plus.

East Hill