Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Miyata 912 (circa 1984) as a SS donor?

I know nothing about SS bikes, but I'd like to build up a SS as a rain and/or get-a-cup-of-coffee bike. Any reason this wouldn't make a good donor? It's in very good condition and my #1 son is almost done with "borrowing" it to use with a trail-a-bike.

Any reason this wouldn't make a good donor?
The only thing is the wheels are 27 inch, which means that if you want to get a single speed specific wheel for it, it will have to be 27 inch as well, which can be harder to come by and there are fewer tire options, or you will have to change out both wheels to 700c and probably have to get long reach brakes.

It'd work fine.

The best course of action (barring sentimentality) may be to sell it- miyatas of that age are very desirable, and sought after. The 912 was near the top of the heap, and should net enough cash to get you something nice.

/C&V opinion.

That being said, it'd be a fine conversion candidate. Most brakes of that era are long enough reach to put 700c wheels on there no problem. Take a look at the blue trek in my sig for an idea of what it'd look like, the chainstays are a bit long for a 700c wheel, but that just adds stability for riding with a cup of coffee in your hand.

The best course of action (barring sentimentality) may be to sell it- miyatas of that age are very desirable, and sought after. The 912 was near the top of the heap, and should net enough cash to get you something nice.

/C&V opinion.


+1

Miyatas are excellent and yours is a top model. Unless it has missing or broken parts why convert it?

what is this trend im noticing where people are against conversions lately? its a ****ing bike.

what is this trend im noticing where people are against conversions lately? its a ****ing bike.

+1

what is this trend im noticing where people are against conversions lately? its a ****ing bike.

Because it holds enough value as a geared bike to purchase a dedicated SS bike?

btw, I ride a conversion. It sucks to see bikes like that taken apart to be used as beaters. Pass it along and buy something else to fill that role.

i cant wait till i can come across a super rare classic road bike, ill convert it to fg and saw off cable guides and ****.

It's your money man.

FWIW, I don't have some credo about vintage things staying vintage, but I do recognize dollars and cents.

Some good thoughts, above. There is a tiny bit of sentiment associated with the bike as it is one of four (2x912, 2x710) my wife, twin sons and I used to do a 384 miles, four day bike ride back in the 80's. The other three are long gone, wife and I have other rides and sons, at 37 y/o have outgrown their kids rides long since. The bike is essentially complete so it probably makes sense to sell complete and shop for a suitable frame & fork on craigslist or similar. I'm not looking for bling, just something that is a bit easier to maintain in bad weather. If I stay in the valley things are pretty flat so an SS is not problem. Heck, we hardly shift the tandem when we're going to coffee!

btw, I ride a conversion. It sucks to see bikes like that taken apart to be used as beaters. Pass it along and buy something else to fill that role.

Agreed. It's a bit lame.

Some good thoughts, above. There is a tiny bit of sentiment associated with the bike as it is one of four (2x912, 2x710) my wife, twin sons and I used to do a 384 miles, four day bike ride back in the 80's. The other three are long gone, wife and I have other rides and sons, at 37 y/o have outgrown their kids rides long since. The bike is essentially complete so it probably makes sense to sell complete and shop for a suitable frame & fork on craigslist or similar. I'm not looking for bling, just something that is a bit easier to maintain in bad weather. If I stay in the valley things are pretty flat so an SS is not problem. Heck, we hardly shift the tandem when we're going to coffee!

No idea what size you are, but I have a 56cm steamroller frameset with a king headset hanging in my garage if you want to talk.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_whtVpXkKwlQ/R1oXJOqjMxI/AAAAAAAAALs/v1OAs0_ARVE/s1600/img059.jpg

The 1984 912 has 700c wheels, and the bike is great. I own the silver and red version and it is a faithful commuter. Full Shimano 600ex, light (22ish pounds), and Cro-Mo. Fully recommend using this as a geared-bike, but would also make a great SS. Your choice!