kmulder

Today craigslist smiled upon my poor soul and I was able to pick up this GEM.

The photos posted on craigslist were the usual poor quality, and upon calling the seller who kept saying the bike was "in pretty good shape," I decided to make the hour drive to check it out.

Immediately upon seeing it, I knew I was leaving with this bike. I cannot believe how good of shape the bike is in. There's not a single scratch on the paint!

The previous owner said he thought it was a 1983. I've searched for Miyata SN databases, but haven't found any. Here is the SN if anyone can help!

EDIT: After following leecycle's advice, I dated the Suntour derailleurs to 1979 via www.vintage-treks.com

H538677

Enjoy some pictures!

kmulder

leecycle

Very nice bike; from the Vx components and the Sunshine hubs, I would think that its earlier than 1983, may be 1977-78. I have a 310 from 1982 and it had Suntour Ar derailleurs and the top tube cable braze-ons. Check the 2 letter code on the Suntour components and compare with the dates on the vintage trek web site.

kmulder

Thank, leecycle!

I look for the codes and check it against that site.

miamijim

Very nice!!!

I guess its 310 day!!! Bone stock right down to the velvet bar tape and reflectors!!!

kmulder

Beautiful!!!!

kmulder

I've searched all over them and wasn't able to find a 2 letter code....what is this, and where is it?

EDIT: I found a VC on the front derailleur, and a VI on the rear derailleur. According to vintage-treks.com, this dates it to 1979.

Luddite

I Miyatas.

Bam42685

It has the exact same paint and decals as my Miyata 912. T-Mar took my serial number and dated it as a 1980 year model that was manufactured in late 1979. My dad, the original owner, thought it was an 82, so it sounds like you might have the same date paradox. The good news is you get to ride it even if you never do figure out when it was made. Good find.

Bam42685

I just realized you're from Grand Rapids so now I'm jealous. Where was that?

peripatetic

Nice naturally-lit photos.

kmulder

I actually found it in Traverse City Would have been too far for me to drive from Grand Rapids, but luckily I'm back home for the summer near Cadillac, so it was only about 40 minutes.

It rides like a dream.

And now I have the life crisis of deciding whether I should sell my Miyata 110, or keep it too.

kmulder

Thanks! All taken in front of sliding door with a 50mm f1.8 lens.

Bam42685

Check out how nice this signature looks:

1987 Miyata One Ten
1980 Miyata 310

Of course the date may need revision.

kmulder

hahaha, that made the decision for me right there.

deburn

I recently picked up, also off CL a 310 that looks exactly the same as the OP, except that it's not in as good shape and the head badge (I think) has 'hand built in Japan' or something similar. Will check it out when I get home tonight

wrk101

VI = September 1979. Your bike is very likely a 1980 model.

Your crank arms will also have date codes.

redbarnlane

A Miyata serial number starting with H is a 1979.

Mike