Just inherited this 1972 Nishiki Pro - it's nearly in showroom condition! All original, including the chain which has never been separated. I just need to get some new tubes/tires before putting the wheels back on. It also came with the original sew-up wheel set, but for now I'm just going to use the after-market clinchers.
Awesome NT! Looks good. Good call on going with clinchers too, tubulars absolutely make no sense for everyday riding. In fact, if you aren't racing, why use tubulars? Anyways here are a couple pics of my bikes. The yellow Makino road bike was stolen from me not too long ago.
NT: that looks sooooooooo nice. NOS find, or something from long ago that you/someone had been storing away? Mike: that Makino reminds me of... We built this last summer - it's all for show, though. IRO Phoenix frame we just shot w/some custom multicolored pearl & clear coat over the black powdercoat finish. I love how it came out - looks and feels a million times nicer/smoother/better than my previous bike, but I guess that's what happens when you don't buy cheap shit.
My dad just takes really good care of his stuff! Though it's probably been 15+ years since he's ridden it, so it's just been sitting in his garage(s). He even kept the original saddle even though he replaced it with a more comfortable one...I'll probably go original. I'll post some better photos whenever I get around to getting new tires. I gotta figure out if I just want to go classic with all black tires, or get some blue/black or yellow/black dual compound tires. That's a real nice pearl finish!
Cool. Definitely look into getting some Panaracer Pasela tires. The skinwall ones would look great on your bike and they are a great deal. I've used them on one of my bikes for a while and have had no complaints.
absolutely beautiful, Paul!!!! i love it. I would be more than happy to have that to look at every day!
Finally got around to putting new tubes in and took this for a short spin yesterday. Unfortunately I think it's too small for me. I anticipated it not being tall enough, but figured I'd get a longer seat post and raise the bars a little bit. But the height actually isn't too bad - it's the length of the top tube. My chest is above the head tube with my head leaning out over the front wheel! It feels pretty weird. But I'm wondering if the geometry is just "different' and not "bad". Any experts care to weigh-in on the fit? I've got another bike that fits me better - much longer top tube, and a little taller frame. But it's not nearly as pretty. I'm not quite sure what to do with this blue beauty - part of me feels like I should sell it since my other bike is more practical, but the other part of me would feel bad about selling such a beautiful bike that was handed down to me. But is it really worth keeping just to have it hanging in my garage?
I really want this bike. I never wanted a bike so bad in my life. Unfortunately, was only sold in Europe. The ones they sell in the U.S. look pretty corny and getting them repainted is too risky. If anyone has one that's in really great shape and can help out, let me know. Cannondale Hooligan 2 (3spd IGH)
There's one, or at least one that's similar, on ebay. What's different between the US and Euro versions? I notice that the one you posted has a standard fork and the one on ebay has a single-sided fork...but I think that's probably a difference in model years.
other than the corny graphics and lefty fork, nothing has really changed. but for the money, I can't have that colorway. I've seen it in person and it's fugly. the bike shop did some great work as far as re-painting goes, but they said that Cannondale stuff can be tricky to repaint and the frame could warp in the process. And I think the fork has been modified actually. they have a lefty fork for the 3spd, but for the 8spd, they have a fatty rigid--but it looks a lot more beefy than the original releases--which plays against the size of the wheels (but is probably a lot better for it). The Hooligan 8 is more affordable but it has a derailleur and I really would prefer an IGH for such a small wheel-size--for more clearance between the chain and road(and its elements). If the Hooligan 8 could have the IGH as an option, I would've probably bought it already. I waited until 2011 to see if Cannondale would maybe have something that looks a little better...a little closer to the originals, but they're still pushing these models. I really dig the first two they pumped out in Europe. The 3spd doesn't stand out much aside from the wheels and stuff. I don't want to stand out more than I would anyway since I'd have to zip through some tough areas from time to time--and I'm a guy who doesn't like too much razzle and dazzle for something I'm going to ride everyday. I know the bike will turn heads, but I don't want it to be on account of its butt colorway. they've got one for sale on Ebay.UK right now, but it won't ship to this side. and it's like 1200 bucks without shipping. youch.
You could always buy the Hooligan 8 and have a new rear wheel built with a Shimano Nexus/Alfine 8 hub - that'd take care of the derailleur! I've actually been thinking of building a custom commuter with the Alfine hub and a Gates belt drive. I've been obsessed with belt drives lately. I just don't know if I can justify the cost of the class plus all the components - but it'd be fun. It's a two week course, 8 hour days, where you build yourself a custom-fitted frame from scratch. I'm trying to sell myself on the idea of it being an extravagant combined birthday/x-mas present.
This may be a stupid question, but if I were to switch out the derailleur mechanisms for an IGH set-up, would I have to replace the crankset too?
awesome--thanks for that. OK--at least my options are open. I might just settle with the fugly 8 spd. once i can switch out the gear set-up, get some big apple tires, I'm sure I'll like it a lot more.
You aren't kidding, that bright green w/pattern is pretty damn ugly. So is the single-sided fork - but I'm also somebody who doesn't enjoy single swing-arms on bikes/motorcycles. A compact bike with tiny wheels/tires is pretty much the last thing I needed to see while stuck feeling "I want to ride, but it's too hot." I'm just not a fan of sweat-soaked clothes, and they're pretty much inevitable here if you're gonna do something active outside I'm also super talented at dehydrating myself with outdoor activities in the Texas Summer x_x
see what I mean? those colorways are wak as hell! oh well. the white & black is do-able. you're in TX...oh damn. my brother is out there sweating balls. we're in the 90's in VA, but it's that sticky heat. just had a storm come through and seal the deal. It's like breathing cake--as one friend of mine put it.
I recommend one that's about $30 - I think that's about the price point where they stop being crap? Beyond that, I got nothing.
Don't bother with a hand-pump. Perhaps skimming this and choosing a selection based on your budget & number of / quality of reviews would be best. General rule of thumb is less plastic & more metal = much better. Steer clear of brands that are carried at Walmart & general stores (Schwinn, Mongoose, etc), and NT's "$30 & up" rule is a good one too.
I've always had the best luck with red metal pumps with a fabric covered cord, probably from 20 years ago. They dont make em like they used to! Here's my ride. Fly "Pantera 3" frame, Oddysey dirt fork with Shadow hubs laced to Sun "rhyno lite" 36 hole rims. Gearing is 24-9 with Profile spanish BB 3pc. cranks and all other parts are Animal.
