Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Miyata Steel Road Bike

Hello all, I'm new to the forum. I've been trying to find a reasonable steel frame road bike for getting around town. I'd like something pleasant to ride, but that isn't especially valuable. I haven't seen much in my area, but I found this Miyata, asking price $500 (which seems a little steep to me). Can anyone tell me a bit more about it, what it might be worth?

http://cache1.willhaben.apa.net/mmo/2/272/340/32_-1173494143.jpg
http://cache1.willhaben.apa.net/mmo/2/272/340/32_-1263670649.jpg
http://cache1.willhaben.apa.net/mmo/2/272/340/32_-1628050780.jpg

The only information provided by the seller is:
Frame 60cm
28inch wheels
Shimano shifters and brakes
Sakae handlebars
Saddle NOT original

Any help would be appreciated!

Very few Miyatas are worth $500. This is not one of them. Around here, that bike might bring $175

1024 fork tubing = bottom end. Without more details, I would put this bike a half step to one step above entry level.

Miyatas catalogs are on line.

I don't remember ever seeing those decals in a catalog before.

There is a model number on that top tube, and a frame material sticker on that seat tube.

I wouldn't be so quick to pass off a hi-tensile fork, as even the 912 had one in the early 1980s.

Either way, $500 is still out of the ballpark.

Decals are different than what I am used to seeing on Miyatas. "Custom" crankset tends to be on mid grade or lower bikes. The high end bikes tended to have better cranks.

I agree that it doesn't appear to be a high-end or even a mid-level bike. But don't discount the rideability, if that is what you want it for.

I agree with Bill's assessment on the price. I'd say $150 to $175.00 based upon what looks to be excellent condition.

The seller obviously doesn't know bikes if he says it has 28" wheels. I've seen people that don't know the difference list bikes for exhorbitant prices because either they haven't done their research or they are comparing apples to oranges. Perhas this seller thinks it is equal to a 912 or another high-end Miyata?

BTW, as an afterthought, that color looks fantastic. If the paint is in really good shape, and it is the right size for you, maybe it is worth countering. But the seller has to get real.

My guess is that it's at least an '83 Model 310 (not a bottom feeder). If so, then it's a really decent ride and $150 is low - easily $200 if all tuned up around here, and I would suppose more money in hotter markets.

The presence of toe clips suggest that it could be even higher up in the chain though - If it's a 710 - then it's likely more like a $300 bike - (sort of on par with a Trek 560.)

The 310 /710 looked pretty similar and both had the Hi Ten sticker on the fork.

Thanks for the information! I will find out what model it is, then try to talk the guy down. Unfortunately, my area seems to be a bit limited and most of the few people selling have unrealistic expectations (including one special person asking $650 for a frankenbike with a no-name frame that could possibly maybe be a repainted cinelli, based solely on the fact that the handlebars happen to be cinelli criterium).

Anyway, thanks again for the pointers!