Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Miyata 512 - help!
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cat_1_11
03-26-09, 05:17 PM
I have a Miyata 512 that I have not used in many years. I need to find out what year it is and what the value is. It was a gift to me in probably 1993 or so. It still looks great, but I'm sure after years (probably about 6) of not being used, it will need a lot of "tuning up". No rust or damage anywhere that I can see. It has Shimano "biopace" gears and Shimano light action brakes (if that is useful). Anyone who can help? As you can tell, I'm a Miyata idiot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I added a couple of pix.
Thanks!
Cat
99001
99002
99003
1. You can find the age of the bike by looking up a few of the component codes, go to vintage Trek site for details.
As is, maybe $125, depending where you live. Fully refurbished and spotlessly clean: cables, bearings, tires, and tubes, $175 to $200. This assumes well marketed, great pics and description of components. Someone has Miyata catalogs posted on line, so you can look those up for all the other details.
Bike from the pictures looks close to ready to ride: new derailleur cables (cheap DIY job). So I would put a little time into it and get more on the sale.
Most buyers want to buy something ready to ride, no work required. Buyers that are attracted to projects (like myself) are looking for hefty discount.
Looks like a nice one!
I have a 712 myself, along with a couple of dozen other bikes...
RobbieTunes
03-26-09, 06:03 PM
+1 on one the eastern side of NC, too. Same issues, same pricing.
Selling point: small size for women buyers.
miamijim
03-26-09, 07:26 PM
I fondly remember those from back in the day!! Very nice entry to mid level sport bikes that we sold alot of because they had paint schemes that mimicked the top of the line Team. I remember telling our sales rep that if Miyata made a bike that looked like their stunning Team we'd sell (and Miyata) alot of them. The following year rolled around and what did we get? Team look-a-likes!!!
$225 all day long on the Tampa CL.
As wrk and Robbie mentioned value is very dependant on your local market.
miamijim
03-26-09, 07:29 PM
Bike from the pictures looks close to ready to ride: new derailleur cables (cheap DIY job). So I would put a little time into it and get more on the sale.
Most buyers want to buy something ready to ride, no work required. Buyers that are attracted to projects (like myself) are looking for hefty discount.
Looks like a nice one!
The overall presentation is OK. I'd level out the seat and center it on the rails. Place a straight edge across the top of it and make it parralell to the top tube.
The sten height is out of proportion but I'm not sure if you should mess with it. A high stem like that will place the rider in nice comfortable position which can help the comfort factor on a test ride.
cat_1_11
03-28-09, 08:09 AM
Thanks for your responses. I found them very helpful. You are all very knowledgable. Could anyone tell me where I could find the year of my bicyce based on the serial number? I've done a lot of searching to no avail.
Cat