Classic & Vintage - Miyata 721a - more info requested!

Hello, this is my first post.

I have recently been given a Miyata 721a. It is in mint condition and looks very impressive, however I cannot find any information on the internet about the bike. Can anyone tell me about anything about it?

When I work out how to attach pics, I will post a few.

Cheers from Down Under (Australia),

Kristian

The 721 was an early 1990s model, but the only year where my literature references the A suffix is for 1990. The 1990 model 721A was a mid-range road/sport model costing $525 US (sorry no Austrtalian prices).

The frame is a bonded aluminum main triangle paired with CrMo stays and forks. Miyata did not spec the weight, but the comparable 718A from 1989 weighed 21.5 lbs, so yours should be close to that. The geometry is between competition and grand touring, but more towards the former. The group should be Shimano 500LX/EX with a triple crankset that makes it suitable for hilly terrain.

Despite the triple chainrings and rear rack mountings, it is not a grand touring model, as many people think. I've always considered this an excellent model for fast, hilly centuries or day rides. It's light, fast, quite reponsive and has the capability of carrying some rain gear, tools and a meal or two. It would also make a nice, fast, responsive commuter.

Thanks for the info T-Mar. Here are a couple of small pics.

I also have an 198? Centurian Team Pursuit, with Tange 2 double butted tubes, Suntour alpha 5000 derailleurs, Araya 700c wheels, Dia-compe alpha 5000 brakes.

Cheers,

Here are a couple more pics of the Centurion.

I've never heard of A Centurion team Pursuit before. It must be unique to your area of the world. If you want to submit the serial number, I can probably date it.

The serial number on the Centurian Team Pursuit is M7D00370.
It has the following:
Brakes - Dia-Compe Alpha 5000
Brake levers - Dia-compe
Shifters - Suntour
Derailleurs - Suntour Aplha 5000
Seat post - SR Laprade
Seat - Vella

The Miyata 721A serial number is SK54271.
It has the follwoing components:
Derailleurs - Shimano Exage 500ex (with on OE date code)
Brakes - Exage 500ex (also with OE code)
Shifters - Shimano Light Action (SLA500)
Rear hub - Sealed mech. EXAGE FH-HG50
Front hub - HB-RM50 (with NJ date code)
Seat - Turbo
Seat post - Sakae CR
Chainring - Biopace (not triple!)
Crank - Shimano FC-A500 (with OB date code)
7 speed Cassette.

Cheers,

The Miyata 721A serial number is SK54271.
It has the follwoing components:
Derailleurs - Shimano Exage 500ex (with on OE date code)
Brakes - Exage 500ex (also with OE code)
Shifters - Shimano Light Action (SLA500)
Rear hub - Sealed mech. EXAGE FH-HG50
Front hub - HB-RM50 (with NJ date code)
Seat - Turbo
Seat post - Sakae CR
Chainring - Biopace (this bike is similar to the 718 in that it doesn't have a triple chainring!)
Crank - Shimano FC-A500 (with OB date code)
7 speed Cassette.

Cheers,

FWIW, I love the Exage 500 LX/EX/CX group. I've 'updated' my Miyata 512 with everything but the levers (the Exage Sport levers have a quick release and the 500EX don't). That wheelset in nice as well, and the HG-50 hub will take both Uniglide and Hyperglide cassettes.
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Very sorry to bring up an old thread, but does anyone have any information on a Centurion Team Pursuit? I have one as a family heirloom, that I want to restore, though it's my first road bike and not sure where to start.