procrastibader

Hey guys,

New to the bike scene. I'm looking for a bike that I can ride on the weekends to get to events and shows, but that I can also use as an every day commuter if necessary. I should also note that I'm big on aesthetics. Appearance is important to me. My question is, from my research it seems Miyata is a good brand, but is this price point a bit excessive for the bike in question? I'm tall, 6' 5", hence the 62cm frame I'm targeting. Any opinions or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/5422088144.html

Thanks for your time!

T-Mar

It's more than I would pay for a 1989 Miyata 312 in my area but I imagine the Bay area is more expensive and it does appear to be in very lightly used condition. Also, when you're searching out very large or very small bicycles, sometimes you have to pay a premium to get something that fits. However, it can also work out to the buyers advantage in that prospective buyers are also harder to find and seller's are often willing to lower prices to move the bicycle. However, this one hasn't been on the market for very long and the seller doesn't sound like he's very flexible at this point.

oddjob2

Still for sale after 3 weeks. Offer $275, settle at $300, everyone is happy.

April 2013 - I sold a 310, fully refurbished, but paint wasn't so pretty, for $275, so IMHO, $275 +/- 10% is FMV.

It will need fresh bearing grease and new tires (cracks), so use that as a bargaining lever.

Clang

You might want to consider this Schwinn Prelude instead. Columbus frame, ect. It'll need tires.

[h=2]Schwinn Prelude. - $225 (hayward / castro valley)[/h]https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/5449226283.html

procrastibader

In the photo's I don't see any cracks. What should I be looking for? Which photo shows tire cracks?


Thanks for the responses btw everyone!

dim

I'd buy the Miyata ..... good bikes and that one is in good condition

dailycommute

Those miyata tires are original and will be dry rotted. 200-250 would be fair for bay area, new tires will run 15-40 each depending on quality which on tires I never skimp on.

That schwinn clang posted looks like a good buy, likely Japanese produced, mid 80s era which was a great time for Japanese produced steel. Much more realistic asking price as well.

oddjob2

Look at the ad's last photo with a high resolution screen.

cb400bill

Look at the tread.

ramzilla

That's a handsome Miyata. Not a great deal but, really not unreasonably priced. I've seen plenty of clowns trying to get over $300 for boat anchor Schwinn Varsities around here. Exage is pretty decent stuff & since it's a twelve speed set up it could be upgraded.

bamab2

Opinion of a fellow newbie. Not an original thought. I've seen some of the forum veterans give this advice but I now agree. If the bike is in your budget, it fits, and you like it, pull the trigger. The extra $50 - $100 won't mean much a year from now. I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum and need a small bike. I missed a couple because I waited or didn't think the price was right. Go for it and don't look back.

procrastibader

Hey man this tip really resonated with me. Thanks a bunch. Gave me the extra push I needed to move forward with things. I was even able to get him down to $280, so I feel pretty good about the whole exchange. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

bamab2

Congrats. Enjoy the bike. What I remember from the add, it looked nice. Now you have to post pics or it didn't happen.

cb400bill

Congrats. One of my favorite bikes over the years was my 88 312.

I found it to be smooth, comfy, and fast.

ramzilla

Congratulations. That's a nice bike!