'71 Nishiki Semi-Pro for Fixed Gear?
 

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting here on the Bike Forums, and I am brand new to the fixed gear world. I've just been given a '71 Nishiki Semi-Pro in awesome condition by my dad who had bought it new and hasn't ridden in in probably 20-30 years. I'm looking to convert it to fixed gear, and was wondering (and hoping) it would be a good candidate. I have read a lot of articles online as of late to try to wrap my head around exactly what I need for this particular bike, and have a pretty good idea, but would like a little more explanation of maybe what a parts list should look like and what manufacturers to look at for hubs, wheels, etc. would be for good quality on a fairly tight budget.
I'm also trying to figure out what sort of gear ratio would be good in a place like seattle where there are lots of hills, but also some flat areas.
Anyway, any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Yeah, it will work.

I ride a 44:17 in Seattle. Some of those older Nishikis have an odd steerer tube diameter though. If you ever want to swap stems it's something to consider.

So is the odd sized steering tube diameter something that needs to be modified to fit a different stem, or is it just hard to find a stem that fits?
Thanks for the help!

I'm not quite sure what a "Semi-Pro" is. I have a 1973 Nishiki Pro and it has been an excellent conversion.
I have a Cinelli 1-R stem and Type 64 bars in a 42 width so I never had a problem with stems.
I too ride a 44X17 for this part of MD which has rolling short and sometime steep hills.
I just used my inner chainring and old wheels. Bought a 17T rear cog and secured it with a bb lockring and red loctite.
Since I run BOTH brakes and never back pedal there is no problems with a suicide hub.
I used washers and longer chainring bolts to get the chain line right.
Total cost of parts was well under $50 since I already had the bike.
Good luck!
Gerry

Its a great old Japanese frame and will make a great conversion

I had a 1970s Nishiki with a .833 steerer tube. Might not be an issue with your's. Have fun!

Nishiki - semi-pro
 

I have a 1971 Nishiki semi-pro - original owner with all original parts/seat etc. in good condition. I'm not sure what to do with the bike - has not been ridden in 10 years. Is it worth repairing or converting to a single speed - not even sure if I would enjoy riding a single speed? What is the point or pleasure in the conversion? Thanks for any advise - Mike

Nishiki's make kick-ass fixers! Mine's a mid-80's Nishiki Medalist ... :D
http://www.hunt101.com/img/457742.JPG
42/15 gearing gets me away from lights quickly and let's me spin up to 30mph.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/4...526fbb921f.jpg
here is mine and I love it

what frame is that? ive recently fallen in love with the nishiki olympic frames.

international it is tangy 3.3 tubes with suntour drop outs and nishiki lugs