Brad’s Nishiki FFS

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Today’s OTS is also an SFFS. Brad’s Nishiki sports the infamous Shimano Front Freewheel System. Here it is on page 35 of the 1982 Shimano Catalogue from trusty Sheldon Brown. We do have had one other FFS bike in the Gallery, Jack’s Schwinn Suburban FFS.

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In 1982 Shimano introduced there “FFS” of Front Freewheel System. This Nishiki 10 speed was equipped with the “System”. From the Shimano Catalogue, “Shimano FFS moves the freewheel mechanism up to the chainwheel mechanism-where you pedal. This allows the chain to revolve even when your feet stop pedaling…The FFS is a new standard of 10 speed gear shifting performance.

How does it work you ask? Well as the catalogue said, the chainrings are on a freewheel and the rear cogs are fixed (without the freewheel system you’d have a 5 speed fixie). You really don’t notice it when you ride except you can shift while your coasting if you wish. It’s kinda a solution looking for a problem. The weight is around 37lbs, it has Suntour shifters, Shimano hubs/cogs/derailleurs and an Izumi chain. The bike is actually quit comfortable to ride but I wouldn’t recommend climbing any hills with it.

Thanks Brad

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  • http://TreoBenny.com Treo

    Hello! Thanks for putting this site together. My soon-to-be Father in law gave me this same (color, not exactly sure about year) Nishiki Rally just last night. He’s put in the work to get it in good condition and I even rode it the short trip from my apartment to the train station, this morning. I like its stature at 27″, and absolutely LOVE the color. I’m a novice rider, but I’m excited to be riding an OTC. 🙂