Preparations

Here begins a blog to document the journey Valley and I will take from Glasgow, Scotland to Switzerland Via The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.

We are riding out Nishiki International Touring bicycles from the mid to late 1980s over a two month period. I would like to document some of the technical aspects behind the bicycles. Both bicycles feature double butted chromoly main frames with hi-tensile steel stays. The forks are chromoly as well.

The Nishiki International in the late 1980s was an entry level off the shelf touring bike with all the braze-ons necessary to mount fenders and racks although Valley's '89 only barely accommodated a 32mm tire with fenders.

Both bikes are equipped with 700c wheels and cantilever brakes for excellent stopping power.

Note that to bolts fastening the racks are mounted in reverse so they can easily be removed if they snap off.



Other extras include home made leather mudflaps treated with neatsfoot oil to protect our feet and the rider in the rear.



Both bikes are equipped with Brooks B17 saddles and we are carrying ardvark waterproof saddle covers to protect them from the elements.

We are also using steel water bottle cages like these Delta Inox cages, which hold Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel water bottles



The handlebars have been raised above saddle height for comfort after long hours in the saddle. We are still utilizing drop bars as they offer the greatest variety of hand positions.

I will be riding clipless mountain bike pedals from the 1990s while Valley has chosen to stick with clips and straps. I am running Continental contact tires which are near impossible to locate in North America while Valley is running Schwalbe Marathons in the new tread pattern. It will be interesting to compare tire performance.

Individual bike Specs:

Anthony's ~1984 Nishiki International




Frame: DB chromoly main and fork, hi-ten stays, powder coated green
Post: 26.6mm Sugino SP-H
Bottom Bracket: 122.5mm syncros titanium
Cranks: 175mm specialized (sugino?) 48/38/24
Saddle: Brooks B17 Special honey
Pedals: Onza
Headset: Shimano 600 arabesque
Shifters: Shimano 8S SIS/friction
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore DX
Wheels: Shimano junk on mavic T224 (cross fingers)
Cassette: Shimano 8 speed custom with 30T big ring
Chain: Sram PC-68
Tires: 700x32c Continental Contact
Handlebars: Ritchey Pro 44cm
Stem: Cheep Adapter w/ Axiom chromoly 130mm
Brakes: Dia-compe royal gran compe 982 w/ koolstop pads and tektro R200 levers
Tape: Cinelli Cork w/ cloth
Rear Rack: Radical Explorack
Front Rack: Blackburn
Rear Panniers: Pre-2000 Ortlieb backpacker classic
Front Panniers: Pre-1997 Ortlieb Front roller classic
Bar Bag: Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus

Modifications:
1. Threaded rear brake cable housing stop with barrel adjuster


2. Added plastic cable guide under BB shell for front shifter routing only


Valley's 1989 Nishiki International (found stock)



Frame: DB chromoly main and fork, hi-ten stays
Post: 26.6mm Kalloy
Bottom Bracket: 122.5mm cheepo
Cranks: 165mm Sugino AT 48/38/24
Saddle: Brooks B17 Standard Black
Pedals: Koyokuto Pro Vic II w/clips and straps
Headset: hatta
Shifters: Suntour power barcons, ratcheting
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur: Shimano Mountain LX
Wheels: Suzue sealed on araya 700c 40H rear 36H front
Freewheel: Suntour winner 6 speed
Chain: DID
Tires: 700x32c Schwalbe Marathon
Handlebars: Ritchey Comp 40cm
Stem: Cheep alloy riser
Brakes: Dia-compe 962 w/ koolstop pads and tektro R100 levers
Tape: Grey Synthetic
Rear Rack: Blackburn
Front Rack: Nagaoka
Rear Panniers: 2007 Ortlieb backroller classic
Front Panniers: old seratus waterproof