Classic & Vintage - Please help me decide on my first Road bike: Miyata Nine 16 V. Bianchi Nuovo Racing

I've loved cycling since I was a wee tot, but never really gained too much interest in road biking. This past year my mountain bike was stolen (I live in LA), and I've decided to replace it with a road bike. I'd be using it for a mix of exercise and pleasure rides. I live near the San Gabriel mountains, so I'll be doing quite a bit of climbing.

I've found two bikes in my price range (sub $500) that have piqued my interest.

One is a Bianchi Nuovo Racing in Celeste. parts set is somewhat mixed: Campagnolo Nuovo Record Gearing and levers - Modolo America Braking - TTT Bars and Stem - Campy Headset - Mavic Mod M 700s - TTT Leather saddle.

priced at $380, but I would need some lever hoods, a re wrap and probably want a new saddle. I also don't know how much life the tires have left in them.

The other bike is a Miyata Nine 16, which has shimano 600 parts group, fairly new Gatorskin Tires, an almost brand new selle italia saddle. I think most of the other parts are original, but I'm not sure

Priced at $450, but I think I could get them down to ~$400.

I know that Miyata made their own tubing in house, and that the bianchi's rear triangle is a weak point, but what are your opinions on the two?

I feel like the bianchi is winning me over to some extent, simply because it is beautiful and italian.

Please Halp!

I sure wouldn't mind seeing mugshots of the two suspects....

http://images.craigslist.org/3n93kb3m95P65R05S0a6hb9bbcb7fb43b165c.jpg the miyata photo is pretty low res, however I'm probably going to take a look at it tomorrow.

the bianchi: http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii159/mcnhbc/57%20cm%20to%2060%20cms%20-%20Over%20250/ddd.jpg

I'd vote for the Bianchi. One of my favorite bikes ever was my Nuovo Touring (same frame geometry and tubing as the NR, but with more clearance for bigger tires and fenders). Absolutely loved the way it rode and handled (and I'm picky about such things). But the frame did break on me - the downtube hadn't been brazed properly, and there was a large gap at the downtube/headtube junction, which was supported only by the mild steel lug. Keep in mind that this was after probably 5 years of high mileage commuting and training with a 6'3", 175lb rider. If the one you're looking at is still in one piece, it was most likely built right and should give you lots of happy miles.

One possible disadvantage to the Bianchi is the Campy derailleurs. They're beautifully made and will probably outlast you, but wide-range they are not. A 26 tooth cog is about all they can handle in back. But that's enough for many folks. In any case, I'd say the Bianchi is worth buying and upgrading things here and there as needed.

SP
Bend, OR

+1 on the Bianchi

Bianchi. Nothing against the Miyata, but if you later decided to upgrade, it would be easier to find a buyer for a celeste Bianchi. If you are considering the Miyata solely on the fact that it might be ready to ride, offer him what you would offer for the Bianchi, but explain why the low-ball. The worst he can do is say "No."

Well, I guess I am the first vote for the Miyata. Assuming both bikes fit, I would buy whichever one was in the best condition.

Those prices are really high for around here, but you are in the LA market, so maybe that's the market.

I've got a Nuovo Racing in my "to be rebuilt" queue right now. Maybe I need to move it ahead of some of the other bikes!

Mine needs a "little" TLC and a donor bike... At least I have the crankset, bottom bracket and stuck seat post out.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4273067758_a75ef4fc96_o.jpg

well I have to vote for the Bianchi. not that I have anything against the Myata. are they both the same size? which one fits you?

while the parts on the Bianchi may seem an odd mix it was rather common then to mix parts like that. you get quality Campi deraileurs and then use the various Modolo, Universal, Ofmega etc parts to make you price points.

well I have to vote for the Bianchi.
The biggest surprise vote, right here.... let me tell you! ;)

I'll always covet Celeste Bianchi but I flipped a pristine nine16 that was way too big for me and I thought it was a spectacular bike with all cyclone. I'd be tempted to go that way. Both are quality bikes so pick your favourite.

One vote for the miyata

two votes miyata. the miyata likely has brifters since it is a 916 (i know by 1993 they had them), though i cannot really tell from the pictures.

Well, I guess I am the first vote for the Miyata. Assuming both bikes fit, I would buy whichever one was in the best condition.

Those prices are really high for around here, but you are in the LA market, so maybe that's the market.

I've got a Nuovo Racing in my "to be rebuilt" queue right now. Maybe I need to move it ahead of some of the other bikes!

Mine needs a "little" TLC and a donor bike... At least I have the crankset, bottom bracket and stuck seat post out.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4273067758_a75ef4fc96_o.jpg

You got this in Atlanta? I feel like I saw this photo before..
By the way, one vote for the Bianchi...

You got this in Atlanta? I feel like I saw this photo before..
By the way, one vote for the Bianchi...

Yes, I believe I bought it from you. Seat post was really badly stuck, and drive side crank refused to come off. I had to pull the bottom bracket FIRST (try removing a fixed cup with the drive crank still mounted, that was interesting), then put the assembly into my bench vise to get a better grip on the crank. First time I had to do that! Bike is way back in the queue with about a half dozene other tougher projects, as I finish up the easier bikes. Fork has gotten the oxalic treatment, but the main frame has not yet.

Miyata.

There isnt a single part on the Bianchi thats better than its counterpart on the Miyata and the Miyata is probably 10 years newer with a far superior drivetrain. The paint scheme on that particular 916 is spectacular.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_whtVpXkKwlQ/R2CnzTQprvI/AAAAAAAAAnc/3CBst28ECSE/s1600-h/img307.jpg

Another vote for the Miyata Nine 16, it's a great bike. I built up mine from a bare frame, thus the non original parts. More images here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/teesquare/sets/72157623756450021/).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4430320913_4075c793d3_b.jpg

The biggest surprise vote, right here.... let me tell you! ;)


two votes miyata. the miyata likely has brifters since it is a 916 (i know by 1993 they had them), though i cannot really tell from the pictures.

darling you need to go to CVS and get some stronger readers. this myata clearly, even in this CL pic, has DT shifters. if it came with brifters they were harvested!


http://go.bikeforums.net/?id=42X129555&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.craigslist.org%2F3n93kb3m95P65R05S0a6hb9bbcb7fb43b165c.jpg&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikeforums.net%2Fshowthread.php%3F655627-Please-help-me-decide-on-my-first-Road-bike-Miyata-Nine-16-V.-Bianchi-Nuovo-Racing


I do agree the 9-16 is a nice looking bike, but what why is the model wearing a celeste jersey?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_whtVpXkKwlQ/R2CnzTQprvI/AAAAAAAAAnc/3CBst28ECSE/s1600/img307.jpg

Go with the BIANCHI, it's Italian with Campy. Miyata will decrease in value, the Bianchi with Campy will increase in value. The ride quality with Italian road bikes is the best!

Miyata has the better component set. Not sure that it has the better frame of the two, though... I'd say ride them both and see which feels the best for you.

OK, I'll settle this once and for all.

Get both. :D

The Miyata is a really nice bike; I own a Miyata (not that one...), and that particular one is really cool.

But you have to ask yourself, do you think you'll ever regret NOT getting the Bianchi? Classic Italian steel frame with classic Italian components?

OK, I'll settle this once and for all.

Get both. :D

The Miyata is a really nice bike; I own a Miyata (not that one...), and that particular one is really cool.

But you have to ask yourself, do you think you'll ever regret NOT getting the Bianchi? Classic Italian steel frame with classic Italian components?


This forum is putting me on a scary path down the dark road of addiction! But in all seriousness, thank you all for the insightful responses.

I'm gonna test ride the Miyata today, and see how the fit is. Though they are both the same size, I've been told that the Bianchi has a slightly longer top tube, which could be problematic (I have long legs and a short torso)

The man selling the bianchi appears to be flipping a fair amount of classic ~80's road bikes, and has some univegas and Centurions. Any thoughts? I know they don't have the reputation of Bianchi or Miyata, but they are running about a hundred dollars less. Also I'm trying to ID the drivetrain on this univega (http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii159/mcnhbc/53%20cm%20to%2056%20cm%20-%20Over%20250/z.jpg)... I know it's shimano, but can't tell if it is 105.

I know $100 isn't a lot of cash, but both fortunately and unfortunately I'm still in the broke college kid stage of my life, so wages are low. I'm certainly open to investing in a bike, or getting a second, but at this point options are limited.

@wrk101: I think the cost of gas, combined with the novelty of "going green" to some people has caused a surge in the "vintage" bike market with LA hipsters. Fortunately I'm not putting up this much cash for the same thing: http://cgi.ebay.com/58cm-1982-BIANCHI-Nuovo-Racing-Celeste-Road-Bike-/110546812642?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item19bd1a7ee2

@MiamiJim: Thanks for your take on it. The one qualm I had with the Miyata was the paint, but that aspect of personal preferance is far from significant...

@Teetime: Yes, I took a look at your build thread, and I must say I was impressed. Very clean setup.

Uh, Bianchi? I can't imagine it'd take much thought to come up with that choice. Of course I personally love Bianchis, and any classic Campy equipped Italian bike.

if you are a woman, choose the bianchi ;) otherwise...

the Bianchi on ebay looks bigger than the other two. also while it appears to be a nice bike it is a bit overpriiced at $600+

Yes, I believe I bought it from you. Seat post was really badly stuck, and drive side crank refused to come off. I had to pull the bottom bracket FIRST (try removing a fixed cup with the drive crank still mounted, that was interesting), then put the assembly into my bench vise to get a better grip on the crank. First time I had to do that! Bike is way back in the queue with about a half dozene other tougher projects, as I finish up the easier bikes. Fork has gotten the oxalic treatment, but the main frame has not yet.

No it wasn't me. I was contacting the seller, but I wasn't sure of whether I could deal with that. Obviously by that time I wasn't aware of oxalic acid treatment. I think it was a couple of months ago right? Looking forward to seeing your before and after shots soon ;)

I'd go with the Miyata based on superior component performance, but for $200-$300, depending on the condition. Has the seller overhauled it recently or kept up with maintenance? I know it's LA, but $450? Please.



Also I'm trying to ID the drivetrain on this univega (http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii159/mcnhbc/53%20cm%20to%2056%20cm%20-%20Over%20250/z.jpg)... I know it's shimano, but can't tell if it is 105.

Possibly Shimano Z series "Light Action" group. The frame is aluminum bonded. Three main tubes are aluminum and the rest is steel.

Buying based on emotion is bad, very bad. Its Italian with Italian components and its a Bianchi and its celeste.......are not 4 valid reasons for buying a bike....unless your buying based on emotion.

While the Miyata is more expensive replacement parts are considerably less expensive than those on the Bianchi.

The Univega in question has Shimano Exage series components. Money in the bank says its shifts much, much better than the Bianchi....but, both brake cables are too short.

So I've been incommunicado for a bit; I learned an important lesson about postdating checks that put a bike out of my reach for a little bit (Landlord cashed 3 months rent checks at once... hello overdraft fees).

I looked at the Bianchi, which turned out to be a bit of a mess. The frame was a bit rusty, as was the drivetrain, so I passed on that. But it was good for finding what sizing works for me.

Does anyone know anything about the nishiki triathlon series? I found a frame that I might want to build up: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/1808039854.html

Performance bikes has schwinn fastbacks on sale for 700 (with $140 gift card), which is tempting, but I feel like a chinese made schwinn is a little soulless, and pushes my price range... But I am starting to consider looking for something less classic and vintage (they seem to carry a high price in my area).

I know this may not be your area of expertise, but any advice about the bike described below?

I found a carbon framed specialized locally, which I'm going to take a look at tomorrow. An Epic Comp that appears to be from the late 90s/ early 2000s, listed at $285. Diore rear DR and105 crankset, some look pedals. It seems to be a bit of a hodgepodge of parts, but is this a good deal?

157318

Well looked into the specialized a bit, and it looks like the frame isn't great, so I think I'll probably steer clear.

I would patiently build up a solid bike fund first. In the meantime, I would hit garage sales and thrift stores to try to find something really cheap.

With cash in hand, you can sometimes scoop up some really good deals, even on C/L if you are fast. And if you have family or friends in another area that has more realistic prices, I would have them look as well.

I've loved cycling since I was a wee tot, but never really gained too much interest in road biking. This past year my mountain bike was stolen (I live in LA), and I've decided to replace it with a road bike. I'd be using it for a mix of exercise and pleasure rides. I live near the San Gabriel mountains, so I'll be doing quite a bit of climbing.

I've found two bikes in my price range (sub $500) that have piqued my interest.

One is a Bianchi Nuovo Racing in Celeste. parts set is somewhat mixed: Campagnolo Nuovo Record Gearing and levers - Modolo America Braking - TTT Bars and Stem - Campy Headset - Mavic Mod M 700s - TTT Leather saddle.

priced at $380, but I would need some lever hoods, a re wrap and probably want a new saddle. I also don't know how much life the tires have left in them.

The other bike is a Miyata Nine 16, which has shimano 600 parts group, fairly new Gatorskin Tires, an almost brand new selle italia saddle. I think most of the other parts are original, but I'm not sure

Priced at $450, but I think I could get them down to ~$400.

I know that Miyata made their own tubing in house, and that the bianchi's rear triangle is a weak point, but what are your opinions on the two?

I feel like the bianchi is winning me over to some extent, simply because it is beautiful and italian.

Please Halp!

My Miyata 916 was one of the nicest bikes I've ever had the pleasure of riding. It was a little on the heavy side, but it had an amazingly sweet ride. I ended up selling it for $425, but it had new tires, new cassette, new chain, new bar wrap. I think $400 is a touch high, but it isn't crazy (and I think the market is generally dropping right now).

To me...I'd take the Miyata with no question, especially as a rider, and here's why:

1. Better functioning components
2. more easily attainable and less expensive parts if something brakes.
3. rear spacing is 130mm...it can be modernized without cold setting should you chose to.

Other advantages...I think the Miyata 916 was a truly unique paint job...I don't think the rather boring Bianchi Celeste compares (sorry BG). I've never seen an Italian with the paint quality of a Miyata.

BY the way...I don't think an American produced 916 ever had STI. Mine was a 92 and had 8 spd indexed DT shifting.

This forum is putting me on a scary path down the dark road of addiction! But in all seriousness, thank you all for the insightful responses.

I'm gonna test ride the Miyata today, and see how the fit is. Though they are both the same size, I've been told that the Bianchi has a slightly longer top tube, which could be problematic (I have long legs and a short torso)

The man selling the bianchi appears to be flipping a fair amount of classic ~80's road bikes, and has some univegas and Centurions. Any thoughts? I know they don't have the reputation of Bianchi or Miyata, but they are running about a hundred dollars less. Also I'm trying to ID the drivetrain on this univega (http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii159/mcnhbc/53%20cm%20to%2056%20cm%20-%20Over%20250/z.jpg)... I know it's shimano, but can't tell if it is 105.

I know $100 isn't a lot of cash, but both fortunately and unfortunately I'm still in the broke college kid stage of my life, so wages are low. I'm certainly open to investing in a bike, or getting a second, but at this point options are limited.

@wrk101: I think the cost of gas, combined with the novelty of "going green" to some people has caused a surge in the "vintage" bike market with LA hipsters. Fortunately I'm not putting up this much cash for the same thing: http://cgi.ebay.com/58cm-1982-BIANCHI-Nuovo-Racing-Celeste-Road-Bike-/110546812642?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item19bd1a7ee2

@MiamiJim: Thanks for your take on it. The one qualm I had with the Miyata was the paint, but that aspect of personal preferance is far from significant...

@Teetime: Yes, I took a look at your build thread, and I must say I was impressed. Very clean setup.


Personally, I'd go for the Miyata, especially if it fits you better. Despite what others have said, it will NOT decrease in value. It may not appreciate as fast as the Bianch, but it will.

Also, regarding the Univegas you say the seller has: Univega frames were (mostly) made by Miyata. I remember doing a double-take in a thrift store once because I saw a bike that was exactly the same as mine (even down to the seat post and components) but instead of "Univega" it said "Miyata". It was also marked at 12x the price I paid for my Univega.

Well, I couldn't wait any longer, I bought a bike today.

It's a Nishiki custom sport, with 600 front and rear der. in pretty nice shape. The wheels aren't great, and not even QR, but when I have more cash I can get a new wheelset and work from there.

It's not the most beautiful specimen, but it was only $110. Not the deal of the century, but not too bad either

I bought it from a really nice guy, who was cleaning out his bike filled garage. He threw in some dia comp brakes, which I'll probably replace the top pulls with, and he also tossed in a nice sette saddle.

Pics will be posted after I get off of work.

Well, I couldn't wait any longer, I bought a bike today.

It's a Nishiki custom sport, with 600 front and rear der. in pretty nice shape. The wheels aren't great, and not even QR, but when I have more cash I can get a new wheelset and work from there.

It's not the most beautiful specimen, but it was only $110. Not the deal of the century, but not too bad either

I bought it from a really nice guy, who was cleaning out his bike filled garage. He threw in some dia comp brakes, which I'll probably replace the top pulls with, and he also tossed in a nice sette saddle.

Pics will be posted after I get off of work.

What are the centerpull brakes already installed on the bike? You might not want to replace 'em with the Diacompe sidepulls.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot: Nice bike! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. :)

I attached some photos below.

It seems the dia comps aren't going to work... the bolts don't clear through the fork. So I'll need to get the front brake sorted. I hate dealing with center pulls; no matter what I do, I can't get the hook that pulls (sorry I don't know the tech term) to grab the cable. Every time I tighten in, after lightly pulling the brake, it slips. Any tips on that? Picture of break is the last attached.

I just noticed another issue.. the cassette wobbles about a millimeter or two when I spin it backwards. Not sure if the hub is done or if the cassette is just bent.

Also, never really seen shifters like the ones on this bike, the mounting position is a bit irregular.

157403157404157405157406157407157408

great classic looking bike! what are the shifters? are the brakes the new ones?

The cable on the "hook" is on the wrong side. See the notch in the middle of the hook? it is for the cable. Try that configuration.
157461

Wobble on the freewheel is normal. I sometimes think that it may actually help in shifting!

I'll give that a shot, and I think I might try throwing a slightly bigger washer on there too.

Any words on the brakes? they seem like they are pretty well put together, but I know very little about center pulls.

edit: washer did it, now I need to find a spoke wrench and tighten up/ true the wheels.

Think the chain might be stretched too, but I have yet to measure it... It slips a little.

great classic looking bike! what are the shifters? are the brakes the new ones?

They say 'finger tip' on them, and the brakes are the ones which came mounted.

The nine 16 is a great racing bike. Not that many around compared to Bianchi's. One of my all time favorite models and a great bike for sure.

If the bike is in great shape - components, paint, and decals - I would pic it over a Bianchi anyday...and I love Bianchi's!

Bianchi girl...in answer to your question - It looks like the rider jumped ship from the Bianchi team to Team Miyata to me! And he is riding fast to get away!!!!

Oh...one more thing: Teesquare is a show off!! (he knows I lust after his bike :)

Bianchi girl...in answer to your question - It looks like the rider jumped ship from the Bianchi team to Team Miyata to me! And he is riding fast to get away!!!!

Nishiki, actually. :p

Well, the Miyata has been relisted on CL for $285, so it looks like they really want to get rid of it. I'm hearing so many good things about the bike...

I may try to scoop it up if I can get them down to 225-250, then I'll pick which bike works better for me and sell the other.

Chain is way too long. Sheldon Brown site has some good information on chain length.

Well, I went and did it.

I bought the Miyata, justifying it as a birthday present to myself.

The paint is pretty nice overall, though there are some chips in the decals. Wheels are in nice shape.

Drivetrain has some light corrosion, but nothing major, and it still shifts beautifully.

Picked it up for $250
159488 159491 159492
picked up a little stowaway too:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs023.ash2/34524_1348526033184_1232310248_30951459_6746860_n.jpg