Miyata "Grand Touring" vs. 1983 Trek 510?
 

I'm new to posting and learning much from the forums. I'd like advice on two secondhand finds:

(1) 18speed Miyata with "Grand Touring" on the seat tube, lugged double-butted cromoly frame w/ 1024 hi-tens fork, no model numbers. Great condition Suntour AR/ARX, Dia-compe and Shimano components, triply chainrings, Sachs Mailliard hubs and Weinmann rims. Cosmetically ok. Rides fine. Year unknown--while I've read that "Grand Touring" predated the 1000 I'm having trouble deciphering serial #M476156. Made in Japan.

(2) 12speed Trek 510, lugged Reynolds 501 frame and fork, ok condition Suntour AR and Sakae components, double chainrings, rust on the rims and brakes. Cosmetically very good. Needs work. 1983-1985 (though paint and decals more closely resemble older models) with serial #047006 or #O47006. Made in USA.

Not topline, yet both seem like keepers. Each was dirtcheap. Which would make a better everyday bike, and which a better long-term investment?

Thanks.

I have a 1983 Univega Gran Turismo that I believe is the same bike as your Miyata (Miyata made Univega frames). It had about 1,000 miles on it when I bought it and I've put 2,500 or so miles on it since I bought it - it's my commuter. I updated the cables, handlebar tape, brake hoods, etc., and did a few other tweaks, but it's been a fantastic bike for me. The wheels are 27 inches and I would eventually like to change them to 700c's but will wait until I wear out the current rims (the bike gets ridden a lot in the rain and grit) before doing so.

T-Mar ID'd this one with photos in a Classic & Vintage thread: 1984 Miyata 210 with updated wheels and derailleur, an entry-level grand touring model. Straight cro-mo, not double-butted. Nothing special to some folks, best bike I've ever had.

I would build the Miyata if it was my choice.