Mr_Super_Socks

Hey all -
Some crazy person tossed out a mint condition Miyata "Three Ten" (310) in a trash heap over the weekend. The paint is literally like new. anyway, it has this really unique component group that I can't find any info on (Google, Sheldon Brown and Bikeforums all have nothing.) It is called Shimano Signature and each component is etched with this cool floral design right into the metal. (rear derailleur and downtube shifters are especially ornate.) It didn't have any other external markings. I believe the bike is an 80's model, but I wanted to know if anyone's ever seen this stuff. Sorry I don't have pics, but I will try to post some when I get back to where I have the bike stored.

The bike is a pretty lugged frame painted in contrasting colors and the whole works. Needs a little tune-up, but looks like a winner to me, esp as a backup bike.

suntreader

Must... see... pictures!

lotek 

Sounds like an Arabesque gruppo with the floral designs.
A dutch collector told me there were tons of them made and distributed
there. As Miyata had dutch connections maybe your unknown miyata is of
european origin?

Marty

takara14

Does it look like this Shimano 600 "Arabesque"?

Mr_Super_Socks

It actually has the word "Signature" etched on the parts along with a single flowery figure. This arabesque looks stamped and the stuff on this Miyata looks etched, kinda like navajo silver work on bracelets and stuff. (the background is darker than the raised portion.) I think I am gonna have to get some photos up.

brokenrobot

I think what you've got (if it's the same as my 310, picked up a week ago) is 105; mine has the model number 105 engraved on the rear of the derailleurs and brakes with a squiggley arrow thing on the front, and the word "Signature" only on the crank (which may or may not be Shimano - I haven't looked closely). Does yours actually say "signature" on every component? Model/part numbers from the backs may be helpful...

-chris

s70rguy

The 105 arabesque parts that I have, have just 'Shimano' and a 'flowery' arrow engraved on the front of the derailleurs and the crank arms; the engravings seem to be filled in with gold or yellow paint. I found out they were 105 only by the model/part numbers.

Mr_Super_Socks

This is sounding more like it - and it would be consistent with the fact that a 310 would be 105 equipped rather than 600. SInce it's not in front of me now, I will have to re-post next week to confirm and post some pics. Still can't believe someone just pitched this thing in the dumpster.

T-Mar

What you have would appear to be a circa 1985/86 model 310. It had a Miyata Signature crankset and Shimano 105 derailleurs. The original generation 105 used a stylized bow and arrow (or crossbow) symbol, which could be misinterpreted as a flower. The Signature crankset was made for Miyata by SR

brokenrobot

Excellent... sounds like you've just described MY 310 as well, T-Mar! Mine is blue with darker blue accents - any idea which of those years is most likely?

Thanks!

-chris

T-Mar

Probably 1985. The 1984 model 310 also had a similar paint scheme and Shimano 105 components, but they used a non-Signature crankset, unless there was a transition during the year (always possible). Do you have a serial number?

brokenrobot

Nope, no serial number handy - it's up in the mountains, and I'm down in the city for a couple of weeks. Thanks for all your help, as always - have you got a gigantic library of old catalogs, or what?!

suntreader

That's a pretty piece of hardware. Too bad we don't see more of that these days. My stuff is all ultra-smooth aero designed... which probably improves my speed by at least .001 mph.

s70rguy

You're absolutely right, thanks!

T-Mar

I have a rather extensive library of cycling literature that includes catalogs, magazines, instruction sheets, reference books, etc. I have also worked in or been on the fringe on the industry for over 30 years and have hands-on experience with many makes, including Miyata, which has always been one of my personal favourites. I have the majority of their catalogs from the 1980s. The bottom line is that I am an avid cyclist and Miyataphile.

brokenrobot

I think you left out "fount of knowledge"!

Mr_Super_Socks

No kidding! this is definitley the stuff on the bike. I did not expect to get such prompt, accurate info on this bike.

By the way, the bike I found is the same paint scheme brokenrobot describes, is apparently the same or similar year and it is also stranded in the mountains (poconos in my case,) while I languish in NYC. It's like brokenrobot is leading my life in a parallel universe. weird. perhaps I should ask, though - brokenrobot, are you sure someone didn't throw your bike in a dumpster last weekend? if you are sure, I guess it's just a happy coincidence.

brokenrobot

Yep... I just got mine last week

If mine comes back to NYC with me when I move back next month, we'll have to meet up!

Mr_Super_Socks

just thought I would complete this post with pics of the 105 Arabesque parts that T-Mar identified without even seeing. the bike is now fixed up -- i.e. replaced the broken handlebars and stem and tuned her up. Still needs bar tape, and I am looking for some white vinyl to set off the head tube color. should be sweet.

Mhendricks

It's Shimano 600 "Arabesque" alright. I have the whole grouppo on my "Peiro Zurino" European bike. The "Signature" if ti's on the crank is SR. Had one on a Centurion "Accordo" I parted out.

brodyreinhard

I have a bike with 105 parts and I also have my friends miyata one ten from I believe 86 (grey and blue and red and black models) but this miyata has slightly different feel and look from the 105's on my bike-it has the signature bars, even though they say they're sakae. Definitely not 105 brakes. The rear derailleur says signature, a signature crank, and down tube shifters that say signature. But on the inside of the crank it says "165 japan" so, I have 105's on my other bike and these miyata signatures appear to be different in feel and look also they say "signature" so I'm not sure they're entirely the same.

Jeff Wills

Please note that you are replying to a thread from 2005.

Some of the original posters might still be around, though...