Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Miyata 1400 value?

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BKC
11-10-10, 11:04 PM
I'm thinking of buying this Miyata 1400. The asking price is $350. Appears to have been thoroughly ridden and decently maintained. Currently in good riding condition. The seat and pedals need to go!

Is $350 too steep?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_TyesuSxni50/TKQfknHCXEI/AAAAAAAAAE0/7VAshkgrPbU/s912/DSCN0767.JPG

canyoneagle
11-10-10, 11:15 PM
Nice bike. The saddle likely has one of the lycra covers that was popular in the 80's, and the saddle itself would probably be fine (looks like a turbo by the shape). Yeah, the pedals are crap.
The bike looks like it is in great shape, and IMO $350 is reasonable, but I think $275-300 would be fair.
looks to be a 1989?
T-Mar
11-11-10, 06:31 AM
+1. 1989 model. Great bicycle. Probably a fair price, unless you're located in a depressed market, and provided they didn't change anything else.

BKC
11-11-10, 10:17 AM
Thanks for the info. Price is down to $300. I guess a guy really can't go wrong for that kind of money unless it has major issues!

My apologies to the Moderators for posting in the wrong section. It's not like this is my first visit to a forum. I should know better!


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TyesuSxni50/TKQfk_xuT0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/zUtgcNHMvBk/s720/DSCN0765.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TyesuSxni50/TKQflPS1P1I/AAAAAAAAAE8/yItiEmvBTnQ/s720/DSCN0772.JPG
FrenchFit
11-11-10, 01:06 PM
Super. The miami vice decals come off pretty easily with a hairdryer. This would sell all day long here for $300, though some would be turned-off by the biopace crank,..
BKC
11-11-10, 02:09 PM
What's a biopace crank? I'm just a newbie when it comes to bicycles! :D
BKC
11-11-10, 02:12 PM
It even says, "Newbie" under my name!
miamijim
11-11-10, 02:22 PM
Do the top tube brake cable holes have gussetts/re-inforcements? If the anser is NO you need to thoroughly check the holes for cracks. Otherwise $300 is a fair price.
BKC
11-11-10, 04:59 PM
Was the bike designed with them? If so, how could they not be there?
wrk101
11-11-10, 05:37 PM
Was the bike designed with them? If so, how could they not be there?

Gussets were phased in to address frame cracking. So either your bike is before this fix was designed into the bike, or hopefully, after. Do a search, Jim has pics posted of a typical Miyata frame cracking. Cracks are noticable once you know where to look.

In a google search box, type in: miyata cracks site:bikeforums.net
FrenchFit
11-12-10, 04:23 PM
What's a biopace crank? I'm just a newbie when it comes to bicycles! :D

The bike was originally sold with biopace crank rings; if you notice the crank rings are oval, not round. Theory was, oval saved your knees and carried momentum/power threw the deadspot in the cycle. The idea got trashed because spinners thought it was counterproductive, but the crank wasn't made for racers. I like them, on the inner rings particularly, but they are dissed by the wouldbe racer crowd. Enjoy. :D
BKC
11-12-10, 04:48 PM
Whoa! Who knew there was such a thing as oval cogs?! Thanks for the info.
rekmeyata
11-14-10, 09:20 PM
I have a 88 Team Miyata with BioPace and I don't mind them at all. I can't figure out what all the negative publicity was about with these because they work just fine and I can spin comfortably between 80 to 90 just as I do with round rings. I also have a 87 Miyata 712 with the BioPace too. I got the 87 used, but had the 88 since new.