Hi William,
I don't know much about Nishiki models from that far back, but "kokusai" in Japanese means "international," so it's probably not too far a stretch to think that this was an early International. I'm sure somebody on the list either rode 'em, wrenched 'em or lusted after 'em in the '70s.
Cheers,
Paul Brodek Hillsdale, NJ
On Wed, 2 Jul 2003 09:01:56 -0700 , "Karstens, William"
<wkarstens@noris.psasd.navy.mil> wrote:
>I had intended on getting an old frame for the purpose of converting it to a
>fixed gear bike. However, I stumbled across something that may have
>initiated me into a new hobby.
>
>I've purchased a 197(4 or 5) Nishiki road bike that bears the name
>"Kokusia". It's a nice 70's gold color, with nice lugs, and it appears to
>be completely original.
>
>It has a interesting mix of components on it, and a very beautiful crank,
>and chain ring. The stickers indicate it was sold in Beverly Hills, CA, and
>was sold around 1974/75, the basis is the City of Los Angeles Bike License
>that it holds on that expires in December 1976. The frame is labeled Chome
>moly bendum (spelling is incorrect due to the fact I can't remember
>exactly).
>
>I inflated the tires with my CO2 bottle and road it, it road nicely, and
>shifted well and sold. The rims are in need of help, and the brake pads
>have of course rotted to in operability.
>
>I'm some what hesitant to hack it into a fixed gear bike, due to the beauty
>of it.
>
>Thank you for any help any one may provide.
>
>
>
>
>
>Very respectfully,
>PN1 Karstens
>SEP/REEN LPO
>PSD North Island, World's Finest PSD.
>"Honor, Courage, and Commitment; not just posters on the wall."
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
Paul C. Brodek
Hillsdale, N.J. U.S.A.
E-mail: pcb@skyweb.net