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06-27-06, 06:37 PM
I've gotten both of my vintage bikes in riding shape, and have done enough to make some comments.
Both of these are of the same approximate vintage, the Miyata (by component numbers) is an '81, while the Cilo dates to about 82 or 83.
The Cilo:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d806b3127cce8a2815112b8a00000016108AcNGzhu3bNn
Was obviously meant as a medium-priced commuter or somesuch, rather than a sports roadster. It has a nice Columbus frame, and some nice Shimano 600 bits, but also some cheap components like the steel welded-rings crank and the rather poor Wienemann brakes. I don't care much for the Maillard hubs and wheels either, but they were common in Europe.
I recently upgraded the rear with a seven-speed freehub wheel from an old cruiser bike. No more bent axles...
This bike rides very comfortably. The compliant frame and cushy 28mm tires soak up the bumps, and the steering geometry is rather "slack", and as a result you get a cushy, relaxed ride. I tossed the steel crank and installed a more contemporary 52/39, which along with the lower gears in back (the original 6-speed freewheel was only a 12/26) let me spin up the hills on my usual route. The only complaint is the brakes. I can get a set of the long-reach jobs from Nashbar for only 30 bucks, but I may try installing some Cool Stop pads to see if that works better.
A very nice ride from a medium-grade bike.
The Miyata:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d806b3127cce8a28151eaab500000016108AcNGzhu3bNn
Is a much nicer bike. Second-from-the-top-of-the-line, apparently, it has the lugged, (with "crown" cutouts on the lugs) double-butted frame, and Suntour Superbe component group. Nice polished Araya rims, aero levers, etc. I have no idea what these sold for back in 81. The detailing is remarkable. Washers are polished stainless steel, for instance. All the exposed cables are coated with what appears to be Teflon. The Suntour components cleaned up nicely and are very attractive. They work smoothly and positively as well. The only thing I replaced was the Dia-comp levers, as the hoods were shot. Rather than find NOS hoods, one of my LBS had a nice set of Shimano aero levers that looked nicer than the originals. I re-wrapped the bars, replaced the rear tire, and cleaned and lubed.
The ride is very nice. Nearly as compliant as the Cilo, the steering is just a tad quicker. Still very stable. The brakes on this one are great, smooth and powerful. Gear shifting is not quite as smooth as typical Shimano, but very positive. Changes have a very noticeable "clunk" as they go in. Even the well-worn original saddle is not too bad.
The only downside is the gearing. Were riders of 30 years ago more manly men, or just smaller? Hehe- I'm 200 pounds, and the 12/22 freewheel and 52/42 crank make for a tough slog up the hills on my round-the-park course. I have one long hill, and it's first gear and nothing approaching a "spin".
If I decide to keep this one, I'll have to do something about this. Bigger freewheel, different crank, can't decide.
Definitely a class bike.]
Both of these are of the same approximate vintage, the Miyata (by component numbers) is an '81, while the Cilo dates to about 82 or 83.
The Cilo:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d806b3127cce8a2815112b8a00000016108AcNGzhu3bNn
Was obviously meant as a medium-priced commuter or somesuch, rather than a sports roadster. It has a nice Columbus frame, and some nice Shimano 600 bits, but also some cheap components like the steel welded-rings crank and the rather poor Wienemann brakes. I don't care much for the Maillard hubs and wheels either, but they were common in Europe.
I recently upgraded the rear with a seven-speed freehub wheel from an old cruiser bike. No more bent axles...
This bike rides very comfortably. The compliant frame and cushy 28mm tires soak up the bumps, and the steering geometry is rather "slack", and as a result you get a cushy, relaxed ride. I tossed the steel crank and installed a more contemporary 52/39, which along with the lower gears in back (the original 6-speed freewheel was only a 12/26) let me spin up the hills on my usual route. The only complaint is the brakes. I can get a set of the long-reach jobs from Nashbar for only 30 bucks, but I may try installing some Cool Stop pads to see if that works better.
A very nice ride from a medium-grade bike.
The Miyata:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d806b3127cce8a28151eaab500000016108AcNGzhu3bNn
Is a much nicer bike. Second-from-the-top-of-the-line, apparently, it has the lugged, (with "crown" cutouts on the lugs) double-butted frame, and Suntour Superbe component group. Nice polished Araya rims, aero levers, etc. I have no idea what these sold for back in 81. The detailing is remarkable. Washers are polished stainless steel, for instance. All the exposed cables are coated with what appears to be Teflon. The Suntour components cleaned up nicely and are very attractive. They work smoothly and positively as well. The only thing I replaced was the Dia-comp levers, as the hoods were shot. Rather than find NOS hoods, one of my LBS had a nice set of Shimano aero levers that looked nicer than the originals. I re-wrapped the bars, replaced the rear tire, and cleaned and lubed.
The ride is very nice. Nearly as compliant as the Cilo, the steering is just a tad quicker. Still very stable. The brakes on this one are great, smooth and powerful. Gear shifting is not quite as smooth as typical Shimano, but very positive. Changes have a very noticeable "clunk" as they go in. Even the well-worn original saddle is not too bad.
The only downside is the gearing. Were riders of 30 years ago more manly men, or just smaller? Hehe- I'm 200 pounds, and the 12/22 freewheel and 52/42 crank make for a tough slog up the hills on my round-the-park course. I have one long hill, and it's first gear and nothing approaching a "spin".
If I decide to keep this one, I'll have to do something about this. Bigger freewheel, different crank, can't decide.
Definitely a class bike.]