Classic & Vintage - Miyata 310 - how much to offer?

I found an immaculate, original owner Miyata 310 from early 80's. It's Cro-moly 1024, Suntour Vx-s derailer and Dia-compe brakes. What would be a fair offer to make the owner? He's asking $250, which seems a bit steep. If anyone knows what this bike sold for back in 80s, that'd at least be a start.

My 1988 Miyata 215st touring bike cost me $300+ new. It isn't "immaculate", but very nearly so. I don't think I'd have a problem getting $200 for it, and were I to sell it I'd start it off at $300 to see if I got lucky. I have another "like new" 215st that I would not take less than $300 for.

But, I live in a hot bike market and tourng bikes command a premium. Still, I'll bet a 310 sold in the $300 range ( and I further bet T-Mar will know :) ), and if it is immaculate - as in like new - $250 might be a fair price. Especially if it fits you and rocks your world.

Offer $200 and see if he gets insulted.... :D

I would buy it, I love my Miyata.....

Vx derailleurs make it pre-1982. If the tubing is non-Miyata it's pre-1981. But I'm not aware of 310 prior to 1980. All the 310 that I've seen have had CrMo tubing, but 1024 is hi-tensile steel. Miyata did use 1024, butted, hi-tensile steel on the mid-range 1970s models. Something sounds funny. Doublecheck on the tubing and get the serial number.

The 1982 model 310 sold for $280 US. Assuming that this is a least a year or two older, the seller is probably asking original price.

The OP may have seen the 1024 label on the forks, and the CrMo label on the seat tube.

thanks bossman. T-mar did reply in next couple threads. You guys are so cool, I'm in awe. Between BF and Sheldon Brown, that's where I get my info. I think I just need to see the Miyata 310; I'll know more. BTW love your quote. I laughed pretty hard.

I have a 310 and you are correct, the frame is Chromemoly and the fork is high-tensile. I don't remember the exact number, but I paid over $300 in 1984. Mine has Shimano 105 (Golden Arrow) deraileurs and Shimano side-pull brakes. It sounds like yours is earlier, so the frame could be different materials, or he confused the two labels.

I have a 310, the frame is CroMo double-butted with MangaLight tubing in the fork. It also has the Shimano Golden Arrow component set (very lovely-looking etching). They're very nice bikes, but I think if it's 1024 (gaspipe), it might not be so nice. I have a 210 from the 70s that's made from 1024, and it's not nearly as classy, though the sky-blue paint is beatiful.

I saw someone selling a pristine-looking 310, mid-80s era for around three-hundred bucks a couple of weeks ago, and since it disappeared of CL, I'm going to assume that it sold for that much.