I have a buddy that is offering me a Nishiki Altron 7000 for $250. This is the whole package, not just the frame. Granted I don't know about the components, but I would figure they were stock. I have a mountain bike, but I want to get into some triathlons, and want a starter road bike without spending a butt load of cash. I goggled this, but found very limited information. Is anyone familiar with this bike, and is this a good deal?

The first thing I thought of was that is a old bike. Found this at Road bike review.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=59717

I would think it could be a really nice classic ride, or a hunk of trouble.

Got any pics of it?

bikepedia.com doesnt have any nishiki's listed post 1999 which leads me to believe it is 10+ years old.. it only goes back to 1993 and there were no "altron" listed at all. unless its got ridiculous components, or has been upgraded with some fancy stuff, i'd look elsewhere.

i would pass on it. it's most likely a more than a few years old and the cost of upgrading would outweigh the initial purchase.

What size bike are you looking for? I have a 54cm Trek 5200 USPS I'd sell for $500. I bought the frame brand new on eBay for $500 for a friend of mine who put a carbon fork on it, plus some old Shimano 600 components and some old Profile Aero bars. This frame has maybe 100 miles on it. The components are old, but he was never a serious cyclist, so I'm thinking they may have 1000 miles on them. I really need to get my $500 out of it, but I'd listen to any offers.

No, I don't have any photos right now, but I can get some. I am worried about the age of the bike, but I don't know how old it is. But, it does look older.

jejdag, thanks for the offer. I am in the process of buying and selling a house, so I will have to pass for right now. That seems to be a good offer, and I wish I could pursue it. My buddy was going to let me ride now, pay later kind of deal, and that is why I was interested.

A bike potentially that old should not cost $250 unless it's in great condition, ie. low to no rust spots.

Pics would help out a lot though.