Barrettscv 

I need to complete a restoration of a Miyata 615. I purchased the bike this summer for my adult daughter to use while visiting from out of the country. The bike was mostly original when I purchased it. Since my daughter has only ridden city bikes, I converted the bike to trekking handlebars and trigger 3x8 shifters. I also changed out the funky old cantilever brakes for linear pull V brakes. I installed a modern wheelset and cassette on the bike from parts I had on hand. The result is fugly, but it's a great performer as a city bike and potential long distance touring bike.

Now that my daughter is no longer using the bike, I need to decide: Do I return it to mostly original or complete the hybridization of the bike?
Also should I get it ready to sell, or keep it for the next visit?

Vote more than once: Original OR update; Keep OR sell.

bradtx

BarrettSCV, This is a good bike to finish off and keep around as a loaner.

Brad

Barrettscv 

I do like the bike. It can take 700x32 tires easily and has a silky smooth ride.

old's'cool

The Miyata 61X is quite an iconic touring bike, and sooner or later an original one in good condition like that will make a future owner very happy. I voted return to original. That said, I respect all bike owners' rights to modify and use their bikes as they please. Peace.

fender1

Nice bike in either configuration. I would sell it if there is no immediate use for it. It all becomes "stuff to manage" when it is not getting used regularly.

kaliayev

I'd do what ever made you the happiest with it. Nice frame, but calling it iconic a bit lofty.

Barrettscv 

I'm considering a plan that helps complete the bike while using the OEM wheels.

I have a set of these bars: Lauterwasser Alloy Bar | SOMA Fabrications

The Soma bars will take these levers/shifters, these are switchable from V brakes to Cantilever brakes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00652QSXK/...=ILCG7EJZKMYYV

I'll install a 13-28 seven speed Shimano Freewheel.

The handlebars work as drop bars, without the deep drop, and accept the trigger shifters. If I keep the bike, it will be city-bike easy-to-use for my guests. If I sell the bike, the new owner will get the OEM handlebar and stem and freewheel. They would easily be able to restore the bike to original.

old's'cool

OK, I guess that gauntlet was intended for me, so I'll pick it up. Which touring bikes, in your opinion, relegate the Miyata 61Xs to second rate status, and why?

ofgit

A bike in the hand is worth two in the bushes. Or some such.

Barrettscv 

It's clearly a iconic touring frame. It can be built up an infinite amount of ways and used for every form of recreational riding. Hence the problem: What do I do with it?

TimmyT 

+1. If you need a loaner, hybrids are in the $100 range and can be picked up easily when the time comes. Tourers are easy to sell. I hate "managing" this stuff if I don't have to, and my bike pile grows and shrinks. I prefer it to be shrinking because I get to ride more.

The Golden Boy 

I don't think it's anything to feel "challenged" about- The 610 was the proverbial "little brother" to the 1000. As such- it had "lesser" steel in the fork and came with a lower component group.

People don't **** their drawers and lose their minds when referring to the 610 as they do with the 1000 or a Specializd Expedition, or a Trek 720. I'll fully admit to being biased- but I believe the 1985 Trek 620 goes into that territory as well.

That is not to say that it is a poor bike, or that it's not a bike to want- just in Miyata's own hierarchy as well as the other manufacturers- it wasn't- and wasn't intended to be- a Flagship level bike. As such - as cool of a bike as it is- I think calling that bike "iconic" is a bit of a stretch.

Barrettscv 

Time to take a chill. There is no hard criteria for "iconic". If someone wants to call a bike "iconic" and it's his sincere opinion, let it go. I agree with you that other bikes are higher in rank, including the 1000, but the 615 is just as functional as the higher model.

The Golden Boy 

I like the idea of the Trekking Bars- I've never ridden them- but I've kind of been collecting parts to build a bike with them.

kaliayev

I guess it depends on how broad you define iconic. If vintage touring bike = iconic, then yes you are right.

Barrettscv 

These are the best shifters/brake levers for Trekking handlebars, IMO: Amazon.com : Shimano ST-EF65 Shift/Brake Set (Black, 3x7 Speed) : Bike Brake Parts : Sports & Outdoors

They are super easy to use and provide fingertip control while the hands guide the bike. The brake lever can be adjusted for either Linear V-brakes or Cantilever. The Shimano aftermarket package includes cables and housings. All for $37 delivered.

These are clearly not period pieces, but Trekking bars and trigger shifters are super user friendly on a touring bike.

ofgit

Not exactly trekking (kinda the opposite) bars but I have a coupla bikes with Scott AT-3 bars with Suntour Barcons in the ends (forward) and Tektro 2 finger MTB brake levers. Multiple hand positions: narrow, wide and forward.


On the Volpe.

aquateen

i've been searching for a miyata touring frame and would be interested in it if it were in my size...(54cm)

Barrettscv 

Yes, it's a 54.

old's'cool

Good answer, and eloquently stated. I'll still keep the Miyata 61X on my list of top shelf touring bikes.

The Golden Boy 

If / when I get to this, it's going to be Deore or XT or XC Pro or XC Comp level stuff with thumb shifters.

I've considered this for my High Sierra, and since this thread- I've even thought about doing my Trek 400 with them.

As far as what to do with your bike- if you're not interested in riding it- I'd say return it to sort of stock and sell it.

Barrettscv 

I'm going to sell the frameset. It should go to a person who understands that these are great bikes, to be maintained and ridden for a long time.