Originally Posted by
Cheese Head
I'd like to bump this thread and ask a few questions from those knowledgeable in older Miyata's. I have an opportunity to pick up a Miyata 615 GT for a decent price. I am looking to get something that I can take on century or longer day or multiple day rides. Will the geometry of the 615 GT be a decent bike for this? Also is it possible to update the components to use todays brifter technology? I'm assuming I would have to replace the FD and RD. Would the crank need replacing as well? I'm a clyde so I would think the touring frame would hold up well but will it be too heavy? I've had friends say that a touring specific bike would be too heavy. I'm no means a weight weenie. Just looking to get a nice bike/frame that I can build up and use for many comfortable miles!
Thanks for any insight you may be able to give!
To change, you will need-
- brifters
- new front derailleur
- new rear derailleur
- cable stops where the downtube shifters currently are
- new cable and housing
- new chain
- new cassette
(Maybe new rear wheel with frame spread)
There is a chance that you will also need a new crank and that will mostly depend on what speed brifters you get. The higher the number(10, 11), the better the odds are that you will need a new crankset. Really, new rings are what would be needed as rings for 10 and 11 speed are more narrow. Also, they will be ramped, pinned, etc to help with shifting the front.
I have used a couple of old 7 speed MTB cranks with a 9 speed chain and the crank has worked fine. With that said, I believe it depends on the crank you have whether or not even 9 speed will work with the current rings. I would suggest trying the crank you have before buying a new one. 1- itll save some money and 2- the original 5 arm crank is nice looking. But thats just me.
As for the bike's weight- it isnt a lightweight racer, its meant to be packed up and ridden for hours. It should be great for what you want to do.
ETA- forgot to mention that I have no idea what your crank's gearing is, but you will need to make sure the new derailleurs and shifters can handle it. Assuming it isnt some really exotic combination, I would guess basic long cage derailleurs and triple brifters would work. But each component has limits and those limits are advertised, so check before buying.