Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Miyata 1100a - $560 on CL. Go for it?

Hey everyone,

I'm absolutely new to Classic/Vintage bikes, but im looking for a 'true' road bike, after tiring of making my hybrid 'work' for me. I found this 'Miyata 1100a' on my local Craigslist, and was wondering if anyone could help me with a thumbs up, or down, or maybe even elaborate.

I live approximately an hour away from this bike, so I havn't been up to see/ride it yet; would it be worth doing so?

Thanks.

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/bik/1307839395.html

By the looks of it, that bike is in immaculate condition.

I can say nothing but praises about Miyata, as well. I've had three of them pass through my hands, and I've loved every single one of them.

A common reply you'll get here is that if it fits you, and you're willing to pay, then it's a good deal.

That seems like a ton of money for an aluminum bike with Suntour components (and GPX is nice, but Cyclone nice, not Superbe nice). I wouldn't pay much more than 250 for that...but then again, I like steel bikes. For that price it should have Dura Ace or Campy components, to my way of thinking.

Might be a little high, but if you ride it and fall in love, I don't see why that can't be a fair price.


More importantly, did anyone read that ad copy? It's like poetry.

At that price it better fit like a glove. You are really at a price point where you could get much better and more modern components. But hey, if you ride it and it is dreamy, what is a few bucks in the long run, seriously. Nice bike.

For someone without tools and mechanical know-how, a extra couple hundred bucks is worth it for a truly road ready ride. Also, the price is OBO. Break him down!

Seller is engaged in a bit of hyperbole about the original price, methinks. $2500? I guess I could be wrong.

$560 for an aluminum Miyata with DT shifters? No freakin' way.

It is well presented so he could probably break the $300 barrier with it.

He'll get the price or fairly close to it. Miyata has lots of fans, and I'm one of them. But, modern components - like STI 9/10 speeds, carbon forks - simply rock. Unless you have a specific reason for wanting a classic (though I'm not thinking a 1100a would qualify) you probably will have a good deal more fun per mile with something more modern. It's a cool bike, but not a particularly smart buy.

Thanks for the great replies, all.
It seems like theres a consensus that the asking price is a bit steep; and barring a significantly lower offer being accepted by the seller, I might be better off saving my money for something else.

FrenchFit, thanks for your reply. You've kind of hit on something I had in the back of my mind. Im not necessarily looking for a classic; and as-is, this may not be a smart buy, as you say. I think the DT shifters, in particular, might be a significant sacrifice as opposed to brifters.

This bike just looked so purdy, i had to ask. So, thanks for all of your informative responses, without any real knowledge base to work with, and a considerable naivete on my part, i actually thought the price might qualify this bike as a 'steal'. Guess not. :lol:

I'll let someone else buy it...

Thanks again.

Way over priced.

Maybe $300-325.

$2500 MSRP? No f'ckn way. Not even a grand.