lesterp66

I went and took a look at a mystery bike yesterday and it turns out its a '81 Miyata Team in my size. It has been clumsily repainted and there is some rust bubbling underneath in a few places but nothing too concerning. One of the cable guides on the top tube is rusted and broken with evidence of more around its base but covered by paint now. It has most of the original dura-ace group intact except for the FD, The wheelset is junk and of no value. The seller is stuck on $150 but I suspect I could get it for a bit less. I would strip the frame and store it as a future project. Should I pull the trigger?

bikemig 

Pictures would help but with a practically complete DA group, I'd say yes. This is a top end frame with issues and high end parts other than the wheels.The cable guide has me concerned though.

lesterp66

I have a trek 600 frame that I have to fix and while it may be a year away I will be in a position to do some brazing and can fix the Miyata guide then. Its more an issue of not letting a rare one get away and I have wanted a Miyata racer for a while, compounded by the fact that I let a nice splined 912 slip through my fingers last year.

oddjob2

If you go through the effort of brazing and repainting by a professional, you'll be adding $350 to the cost with decals, so if you think it's a worthwhile $500 project...............

This is a definite too good to miss deal too.

Centurion ProTour 15 - 53 cm - 18 Speed Touring Bike

lesterp66

I would be doing the work myself...

T-Mar

+1, unless there are major issues, it's a great deal. Even with a major frame issue the components are still worth the price. Just make sure the pedals and clips are OK, as you're pretty much stuck with the pedals due to the oversize crankarm threads (unless you can find the rare adapters) and the pedals require dedicated toe clips

bikemig 

I own and raced on a 1981 team miyata. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest bikes I have ever ridden. If you can do your own work, this becomes a no brainer; buy it.

lesterp66

I did get the bike and it has certainly seen some abuse in its long life. The stem is stuck, hopefully not too bad. When the paint is stripped I hope there are no nasty surprises

daf1009

Since you paid <150, the components are worth what you paid. The frame is simply a bonus at this point!