600 Arabesque brakes, group- do they function well?- Miyata 912
10-28-14, 04:55 PM
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600 Arabesque brakes, group- do they function well?- Miyata 912
I am looking at a 1981 Miyata 912 because it's Orange and my size. Makes sense right? If it's clean and straight I may end up paying FMV just to ride it as is but I don't want to put anymore into it. I am wondering if the Arabesque parts function well, especially the brake calipers. With new pads of course.
I did a search and found that some find the group attractive but the rear derailleur gets some grief for having some plastic bits. Didn't find comments about braking except to say it is what you would expect for early '80's technology. I can live with that if the 600's are acceptable.
I have ridden some other Miyatas like 916 with STB tubes, 712 and 3xx and I was impressed. I know this has a High Ten fork and such so I will evaluate the ride when I go see it. It's the Orange that is calling my name.
I did a search and found that some find the group attractive but the rear derailleur gets some grief for having some plastic bits. Didn't find comments about braking except to say it is what you would expect for early '80's technology. I can live with that if the 600's are acceptable.
I have ridden some other Miyatas like 916 with STB tubes, 712 and 3xx and I was impressed. I know this has a High Ten fork and such so I will evaluate the ride when I go see it. It's the Orange that is calling my name.
10-28-14, 05:21 PM
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Most will say they are weak in regards to stopping power sighting flexing, old style single pivot, less leverage and so on. I have a set and have found they work better using Avenir Sticky Fingers brake pads or a similar soft brake pad. They aren't period correct but they are a major improvement.
10-28-14, 05:50 PM
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I've got a couple pairs in use, I'd say they're about average. Which means they'll be just fine for normal use. Your pads will make the most difference, and the brake levers will add or subtract to your perceptions of flex, modulation, etc.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
10-28-14, 06:03 PM
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Get good pads. IMHO as important as good quality pads is making sure replacements look like the originals. I've never used them but a quick check makes me think those Sticky Fingers will be good. I am Kool Stop fan and lots of members like the Continentals.
Does that have Aztecs on it now? I was never a huge fan of those. Good quality pads and proper adjustment should produce lots of stopping power.
Continentals
Does that have Aztecs on it now? I was never a huge fan of those. Good quality pads and proper adjustment should produce lots of stopping power.
Continentals
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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10-28-14, 06:30 PM
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Unremarkable. The brakes are just fine. I used them for a long time.
The rear derailleur is soft and mushy, though. I HATED the shifting. I sold an entire group less the headset because of that.
The rear derailleur is soft and mushy, though. I HATED the shifting. I sold an entire group less the headset because of that.
10-29-14, 09:05 AM
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I may end up letting this one go as the seller is firm on the price and he says, "the wheels are out of true but I ride it anyway". Hmmmmmm. Seems like the value is is in the frame.
10-29-14, 09:37 AM
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I have had a couple of bikes with 600 stuff from this era. The parts are average and good for the era of the bike, you might find the braking and shifting a little weak if your used to nicer modern stuff. With new pads and cables and good set up the stuff on the bike should be fine for normal use.
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