Stem size in a Nishiki Riviera mixte?

[sarahspins]

Just because I'm a slow learner, do I understand that the VO bars WILL fit in that stem, but just didn't fit in your frame? (Sorry, I am a bit slow...) If they do, that may be my best combo for this Nishiki.

Yep, that's exactly it.. my steer tube is just too small.

[LeicaLad]

Thanks. I believe I have my solution.

This is such a great forum. (insert genuflection here!)

Owen

[Tuckervill]

Also, you don't have to lose that foam padding. Soap it up really good with soapy water and it should twist right off. Not that you want to keep it??

Karen

[LeicaLad]

Thanks. Perhaps an idea.

My thinking is that if I can convince my wife to ride more (or increase her enjoyment of riding), she might later (be willing to) graduate to a better bike.

At that time, I'd re-install these original bars to sell it. It seems that people really want to buy their vintage bikes as close to original as possible (or as naked frames). This is a 1984, too.

Still, I didn't know about the trick to get that padding off. That raises other prospects.

But, I like that stem noted above. Still trying to sort out brake levers and whether I should switch to an easier shifter setup.

I'm still learning...

Thank you all for the ideas!

Owen

[sarahspins]

Still trying to sort out brake levers and whether I should switch to an easier shifter setup.

There isn't much easier than stem shifters when you're talking friction shifting. I suppose you could try some cheap thumbies and see if she likes that better with whatever bar setup you end up with, since anything else would start to involve changing out components and get somewhat costly

[Tuckervill]

If it has been in the weather at all, the foam padding might not have its original integrity and might fall apart. That's why you have to loosen it up pretty good before you start to slide it off. BUT, you can buy replacements online. 1984 wasn't so long ago.

Karen

[LeicaLad]

...not so long ago.

Well, that one made me smile!

This bike arrived as a bit of a mystery. Even tho' I know it was a shop model and never ridden, I simply do not understand how it can be in such absolute new condition after so many years. The only concession to time I have found is some sun fading to one side of the saddle. The rubber hoods are fine. From what I can tell, the bearings were even re-packed before they put it up for sale.

I'm actually on a road (car) trip with my family out to middle USA, so the bike is not with me. I'm doing all the research now, so that I can have the parts waiting to put on as soon as we return. (I have a project bike for me that will also be ready for completion.)

Given that the very nice looking stem noted above is just $18, it seems worth it to keep this original bar and stem as is. Plus, that stem gives a nice rise. If the VO bars are chosen, it appears that added lift will be appreciated. My wife doesn't like the forward position at all, it seems. What she really would prefer would be the ancient Raleigh 3-speed of yore, as more befitting of her sense of self.

I'm doing my best to please her and, hopefully, happily surprise her, too.