Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Advice please on this 1984 Miyata One Thousand

Hello,

This is a really lovely bike but is about 10cm too small for me. I know this is a desirable classic tourer.

It seems to be just about all original (according to the catalog available online) -- including Miyata branded tires and saddle. The crankset is a Shimano triple instead of a Sugino; the brakes/levers are also Shimano 600 instead of Dia-Compe. The catalog says they came in 50 & 54cm, but I measure 52cm center to center (EDIT: looks like it's a 54).

There is some paint loss, especially on the drive side stays and under the downtube, but next to no corrosion showing. Otherwise the paint is glossy and the decals are about 95% good. Some scuffs on the rear der. and pedals, but overall looks like it got light use. The tires look lightly worn. Hubs, BB, and HS are smooth but I have not opened them up.

I'm curious about a value estimate, and I'm also wondering whether you think it makes sense to try to sell it locally, or if you would just go ahead and sell it online.

Also, I'm thinking that someone who buys a bike like this will very much know what they want on the bike -- and because of this I am thinking maybe I shouldn't bother replacing cables/housing/tires/tubes/etc. like I would for a lower-end bike that a recreational rider would buy. Does this make sense?

Thanks in advance for any help.

http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9279.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9281.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9283.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9288.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9289.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9291.jpg
http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/inkandsilver/Miyata%201000/IMG_9292.jpg

Good condition, desirable size...but no racks. I think I could get 450 on my CL. On ebay probably the same after fees.

Also, I'm thinking that someone who buys a bike like this will very much know what they want on the bike -- and because of this I am thinking maybe I shouldn't bother replacing cables/housing/tires/tubes/etc. like I would for a lower-end bike that a recreational rider would buy. Does this make sense?

Thanks in advance for any help.


No this does not make sense.

Depends if you are selling on ebay or locally. Local buyers want pristine bikes, ready to ride. They do not want to buy something that needs immediate maintenance. I buy bikes in that condition all the time, at a hefty discount. I love seeing rusty cables, old tires (better if they are flat), missing bar tape, rusty chain, etc. Such deficiencies = no competition from other buyers, and nice discount. The choice is yours.

On ebay, this is less the case, although a clean, polished frame is a must.

Selling on line usually means ebay. Selling on ebay takes stellar/perfect feedback, preferably including feedback on shipped bikes, a reasonable shipping fee, lots of great pics, a good listing, and some luck. Ebay is the land of variance. Some days an item takes off, sometimes it does not. I have sold items with the exact same listing, posted the exact same time, same day of the week, same starting price, etc. And I will have an item with no bids three weeks in a row, and on week four, I will get 10 bids and a nice pop at the end.

As a buyer on ebay, I have profited from this variance. As a seller on ebay, it has cost me $$.
At least, this is my experience.

+1 to below, my experience with Miyata frame sizing is C to T on the seat tube.

FWIW I've run into the same sizing question with a Miyata, and am pretty sure they measured CtT...so yours is a 54cm.

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful. Any other suggestions on value?

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful. Any other suggestions on value?

I think KonAaron was right on track. I'd guess $400 around here.