Originally Posted by
wrk101
Is that a hole in the head tube for a headbadge? Miyata used decals, so that is another issue, but any remaining rivet hole pattern will help with the ID!!!.
There's an entire thread on Miyata serial codes (only tells you the year). So if it adheres to that pattern, you will know that piece of the puzzle.
There are two rivet holes in the head tube, one of the left and one on the right. After looking through a bunch of Miyata serial numbers, this one definitely does not seem to match their formatting.
Originally Posted by
mainstreetexile
I think you purchased this off the local forums. I posted over there, I'm pretty sure it's not a miyata. The serial number seems like it's in line with Centurion's serial numbers:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=1#post2208689
Based on that, I was thinking it was an 86 Centurion (or another brand that was manufactured by Centurion).
Edit: Just saw the above post, looks like Lotus could be a match too since they used that serial number scheme for a year or two:
http://vintagelotusbicycles.com/serial_number_chart.php
The lack of mid-fork lowrider bosses rules out a lot of mid-80s touring models that had three bottle cage mounts. I wonder if the fork was a replacement? Curious that it only has one set of rack/fender mounts at the rear dropouts too..
Hello fellow San Diegan! I did indeed purchase this off of our local forums, from Mark P. I believe he purchased it at Velo Cult originally, before they left us
. I must have missed your post, but thanks for the information. While the serial number seems to be pretty similar, I haven't been able to find a model that looks like this. It's strange that there are only one set of rack/fender mounts on the rear dropouts, but two sets on the front. Although I am certainly no expert, I'm leaning toward the fork being original as the steel/lugs seem to match the rest of the frame, and the canti bosses are the same as on the rear (three pinholes on outside, see photo from seller below with different brakes):
Originally Posted by
T-Mar
Welcome to the forums. The serial number suggests 1976 or 1986. While the presence of shifter bosses and three sets of bottle bossses point towards 1986, it's curious that it lacks a pump peg and low-rider bosses on the fork, which were fairly during this era, espeically on bicycles equipped for triple bottles. The presence of the plastic BB insert for cable routing has be leaning towards 1986 tough, given that it's a repaint, some of the fittings may be additions, so 1976 is still a possibility. I'm amazed they didn't remove the plastic insert fro the rerpaint! The most distinctive and probably OEM features are the vertical dropouts and the bridge for the rear bake cable housing stop. I concur that it's not a Miyata. Assuming 1986, it's also neither Centurion nor Lotus. The serial number format is incorrect, in addition to several frame characteristics. What brand and model are the dropouts? Have you determined the BB threading?
Thanks! Much about the frame screams mid-80s Japanese to me. The vertical dropouts and brake bridge are throwing me off as well. Another thing I noticed is that there are no identifying marks stamped anywhere, such as the seat stays or fork crown, aside from the serial number on the bottom bracket of course. No brand/model on the dropouts either. I will check the BB threading when I get home from work. Is there a good way to do this without actually trying to install a BB?
Overall, I wasn't terribly concerned with the brand/model when I bought it. If it turns out not to be a Miyata, which it seems to be heading in that direction, I will certainly not be upset at all. I mostly just wanted a solid, well-made touring frame, which this seems to be. Bonus points for the brown powder coat! That being said, I'd still really like to figure out what it actually is, both for my own curiosity and to know what I'm working with or to be aware of any issues when I start to build it up.