Classic & Vintage - Miyata 1400

Hi, I know this is been done to death but does anyone have info on a Miyata 1400? I paid $44 for a frame just wondering if it's the same or better than quality than my Miyata 512 which I love. It has triple butted splined on it and the frame is blue in color. Thanks.

it sucks.
send it to me for proper disposal :D

Your 1400 sounds like the 1989 model. It was 5th from the top of the line (2nd, if you eliminate the models with carbon fibre frames). A 512 for the same year is further 5 models down the line-up.

The 1400 should have a more race oriented geometry with a steeper seat tube, shorter chainstays and less fork rake. The 512 should have the same main tubes, though the forks and stays may be of lesser quality. There may also be some minor differences in the fittings. For instance, the 1400 should have a single threaded boss under the down tube, while the 512 probably does not. However, to provide a truly accurate answer, I would need to know the year of 512.

Where would I locate the year? What would the threaded boss be for? Photo was from seller.

Yes, definitely the 1989 model 1400. The boss under the down tube is for mounting compressed air cartridges. Many cyclists, particularly IronMan distance triathletes, use these instead of carrying a pump. BTW, if you are planning to build it to original spec, the correct group is Shimano 600 Ultegra, 7 speed.

If you can supply a pic of the 512, I should be able to identify the year.

That's good news. I have a complete Shimano 600 group that I've been collecting for about a year now. I'm always amazed at how the 600 stuff sells for cheap but the quality is outstanding. To me, it's just as well built than some stuff of today. The only thing I would try and change is that I have a 600 hub with the threaded hub. The Uniglide cassettes are not easy to come by. I have one but the gearing is not low enough for me. I'll try and post a pic of the 512 soon. It's just like the 512 in the Miyata thread you identified after my post except it has a yellow fade to gray paint. It says 512 competition and it has tri-athelte logo on the chain stay. I have to say it's probably the best riding bike I own.

OK, the 512 certainly sounds like the 1987 model. The fade paint was incorporated part way through the year. All my previous comments on the geometry apply. The 512 will also have a slightly shorter top tube and slacker head angle. This is assuming that they are the same size of frame. Overall, the 1400 should have slightly quicker steering and slightly stiffer feel, which should result in better climbing and acceleration. But you may find it transfers more road shock and is more fatiguing on longer rides.

Both frames have CrMo triple butted main tubes, but the 1400 has splines in them. This stiffens up the frame a bit, without adding additional weight. Once you get the 1400 built up, it should be 1-2 lb lighter than the 512.

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