chevres

Hi,

I have a 1982 Bianchi Rekord 842 (with original campy parts and not original rims or cassette) that is in ok shape. That is, I can take the parts off, clean up the rust, and put them back on to have a Bianchi in good shape. The frame also has some rust spots but can be cleaned up nicely. The frame is either Columbus Zeta or Aelle tubing—i think it's Aelle because I'm 80% sure the other Rekord of that year (1982 Bianchi Rekord 848) has Aelle tubing. It's definitely made in Italy. I paid $375 for it—a few weeks ago—and could easily sell it for more in this road bike market (Vancouver). It's a 12 speed and doesn't have indexed shifting.

I also have a 1986 Miyata 912 with Triple Butted Spline tubes. It's had its cassette replaced with a 7 speed one (14 total). It's got indexed shifting and a Shimano 600 "Tri-Colour" (pre-"Ultegra"?) groupset. The entire bike is in immaculate condition. I bought it off of someone who, I believe, rode it less than 10 times and kept excellent care of it. The pedals were replaced with campy ones, the rims with nice Mavics, and as mentioned, the cassette was replaced as well. Aside from that, it's got original parts. I paid $300 for this like 4 months ago.

I like riding my bike fast in hilly and flat terrains for upwards of 80km. I also enjoy putting paniers on and heading out of town on weekends.

I can't keep both bikes for space and cost reasons. My friend says I should keep the Bianchi because the fact that it's Italian made and full of campy parts means its quality is superior to the Miyata (or other non-Italian made bikes) regardless of its apparent quality and beauty.

My question is this: which one should I keep?

Steve Whitlatch 

Sounds like you have a beat up Bianchi and a beautiful Miyata. I think both bikes are decent bikes. You should keep the one that fits you best. You can always swap the wheels from the Miyata over to the Bianchi if that is the bike you like best. The cleaned up Bianchi would probably get you more money if you sell it, better than the Miyata, probably not. The Miyata is a quality frame.

howsteepisit

Keep the Miyata. By the time it was made the Japanese were making really great bikes.

SkyDog75

Sell the Bianchi and keep the Miyata.

The Bianchi with Campagnolo parts can bring a price premium for the brand names. You may get more money selling it, even though you're likely keeping the better bike. Miyata made fantastic bikes that are often undervalued compared to European marques.

Dave Cutter

If space and cost are the two deciding factors.... I would sell the one that would earn the greatest profit... or return the most cash. As I would assume they both require about the same space.

Or... since they are both worth similar amounts. And you suggested keeping the bike of the greatest quality... that might be a consideration as well. But quality is not measured by brand name. A worn-out piece of crap... can still have a popular brand sticker.

Condition can be a sign of quality.... in a way. I have a nice nearly 30 year old Trek... that is as solid and dependable today as it was the year it was sold. But it is only a Trek 360... which is entry level. Solid and dependable but not what would be called a quality bike.

I have 4 bikes. If tomorrow I had to cull the herd to just one bike (it would break my heart) but be an easy choice. I'd keep the bike I enjoy riding the most... I'd keep my daily rider.

T-Mar

It has has nothing to do which is the better bicycle. It all comes down to which bicycle you enjoy riding more. Personally, I think the Miyata is the better bicycle. Miyata were arguably the best of the mass volume manufacturers during the period in question. The frame tubing is a couple of steps above Columbus Aelle and equivalent to Columbus SLX. The Shimano 600 Ultegra rear derailleur will out shift whatever Campagnolo derailleur is on the Rekord, even if it's the top model for the era. About the only way I can envision selecting the Bianchi over the Miyata, would be if it fit better or if you're more concerned with snob appeal than riding.

juls

pics.......

Kevindale

I assume it's this Miyata:

img104.jpg (image)

That's a beauty! Black with the pink headtube and decals is a real eye catcher. If the bikes were equal in build quality, I'd keep the pristine one. Since the pristine one sounds like it's also better quality, it would be a slam dunk for me.

bikemig 

+ 1. The miyata is the better bike; keep it if it fits.

kingston 

This is about as close to a no-brainer as it gets. A beat-up bianchi or a mint miyata. I'd keep the miyata even if they were both nice.

chevres

Thanks everyone! I'll ride more on the new Bianchi and see what fits better, but I'm leaning toward keeping the Miyata.


"I assume it's this Miyata:

img104.jpg (image)

That's a beauty! Black with the pink headtube and decals is a real eye catcher. If the bikes were equal in build quality, I'd keep the pristine one. Since the pristine one sounds like it's also better quality, it would be a slam dunk for me."

That's definitely it! Looks identical to the one in that picture (save for the change in handlebar tape from the previous owner).