I answered a craigslist ad this morning for a Nishiki Professional. Never having seen one, I was expecting a bike similar to the bikes recently discussed and pictured on the list. It has long pointed lugs, poorly finished with no windows. The seat stays are full wrap-around. It has a Nishiki metal head badge and an American Eagle sticker at the bottom of the down tube. Sugino crankset with crown. Black ano Gran Compe side pulls with black drilled levers. Suntour barcons. It has a later Suntour drive...someone has replaced some of the components. The bottom bracket shell isn't vented. The top tube decal says simply 'Pro', but I have a sense that the part that would have said 'semi' was removed.
I have lusted after a Professional, but this bike just doesn't do it for me. I recently purchased a Centurion Semi-Pro, and it is so much more bike than the Nishiki. What's missing here?
Pat Moffat
Tempe Arizona USA Flummoxed, disappointed