Originally Posted by
rekmeyata
Yeah I noticed now that Koga is offering other types of bikes besides Touring.
As far a liveliness goes with Miyata, I find that in error, I have two with that triple butted tubing as well as other frames from other manufactures in addition to having once owned others, and the Miyata are the most lively I've ever ridden in the vintage steel department; but in the quest of having a stiff frame with very little flex compared to other frames they did make the frame a tad heavier (by about 1/2 pound from the lighter offerings) than a few of the lighter offerings in the day, but those lighter offerings flexed more. Actually my Team at 21.1 pounds is tied for second lightest vintage steel bike I have, the lightest one I have is the Fuji Club which scaled at 20.8 the other 21.1 is the Trek 660 which weighed less when I had it in racing form back in the 80's which was probably closer to the Fuji.
I don't think there was ever a time when Koga Miyata didn't offer a full line of bikes. I think you're getting confused because their only steel or custom stuff is touring/trekking. I think it was pretty awesome that they even offered an option like that!
You know how it is - any conversation about stiffness/liveliness is going to be largely subjective (as well as subject to contact point and fit differences). Understand - I am NOT trashing Miyata; far from it!! I bought my first Miyata in 1994 and loved the thing. I think I've almost always owned a Miayata ever since (now a Koga Miyata).
Originally Posted by
RobbieTunes
Dave Scott had a lot of input on the Ironman, as did Alan Goldsmith and WSI's founders, who were bike experts AND businessmen. It took 2 years to design and negotiate the Equipe with Cinelli. They knew what they wanted. KAS is right. Tsunoda didn't cookie-cut frames. At the time, the best place to get your frame made was Japan, if you wanted to sell and not lose money.
As for the whole Roman thing, Alvin Toffler is a good read. Someone else if not them, just part of the First Wave. Interesting side issue.
I don't think Centurion did either - they both have some true stand outs. The centurion with stock brazed on U brakes was a coooooool velo. I'd kill for a 1985 Lotus Odyssey in blue/gold.