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Nishiki "Richard Cunningham Design" Ariel Bicycle - $200 (Raleigh)
bicycle type:
mountain
frame size:
17.5"
wheel size:
26 in
bicycle frame material:
composite
suspension:
none (rigid)
brake type:
cantilever
electric assist:
none
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Nishiki
model name / number:
Ariel
serial number:
0000
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Key Characteristics:
Design: The defining feature is the elevated chainstay design, which reduces chain slap and was a hallmark of designer Richard Cunningham.
Frame Material: Typically made from Tange Chromoly steel, offering a compliant and comfortable ride.
Components: Often equipped with full Shimano Deore or Deore DX groupsets, including thumb shifters, giving them great performance.
Era: Most iconic models are from the late 80s to early 90s, with the 1990-1991 models being particularly celebrated.
Collectibility: These are considered desirable vintage bikes, often compared to the similar (but aluminum) Nishiki Alien, appreciated for their unique aesthetic and ride feel.
What to look for (if buying/selling):
"Cunningham Design" on the downtube.
Elevated chainstays.
Shimano Deore/DX components.
Colorways: Original teal/magenta splatter or white/red schemes are popular.
In essence, the "Signature Edition" isn't a specific model trim but rather a nod to the Ariel's defining design elements from the Cunningham era.
The 1990–1991 Nishiki Ariel is a vintage mountain bike, renowned for its unique, elevated chainstay (E-stay) frame design, which was designed by Richard Cunningham of Mantis. While often associated with Nishiki's earlier "Alien" model, the Ariel was a similar, distinct, and often steel-framed, offering high-performance, nimble handling.
Key Details About the Nishiki Ariel and Its Design:
Designer: Richard Cunningham, known for his radical and innovative mountain bike designs, designed the elevated chainstay structure.
Frame Design: The bike features a distinctive elevated chainstay design, which was a popular, albeit temporary, trend in early 90s mountain biking, designed to eliminate chain slap and mud buildup.
Material: The 1990 model generally used a Tange 4130 chromoly steel tubeset.
Components: Many 1990 Ariels were equipped with Shimano Deore DX components.
Manufacturing: While designed by Cunningham, the frames were mass-produced in Taiwan.
Legacy: The Ariel is often considered a "sister" bike or direct successor to the earlier, more famous Nishiki Alien.
Contextual Links:
Kawamura: Historically, Nishiki bikes were manufactured by Kawamura Cycle Co. in Japan, although by the time of the late 80s/early 90s Ariel/Alien, manufacturing had largely shifted to Giant in Taiwan.
Richard Cunningham: A famous mountain bike frame builder who designed these, along with the Mantis brand, which was known for its innovative, "radical" geometry.
The Ariel is frequently cited in vintage mountain bike groups for its unique design and comfortable ride.