Originally Posted by
Standalone
I just looked at that Miyata photo again. The original foam handlebar covering is still there. In my experience, that means that a bike of that vintage is in near mint condition. I doubt it needs anything at all.
3x7 is plenty. People used to do the alps on one. Or three! 21 speeds vs. 30 is not such a big deal, as long as the top gear and low gear are sufficient and everything else is reasonably spread out. Gear one on a 21 speed and a 30 speed can be exactly the same.
The thicker 6/7/8 speed chain is preferable in long distance adventure touring, in my opinion. Simplicity and robustness are desirable.
Can you tell I really want to see you on that beautiful Japanese top of the line bicycle instead of the mass produced cheap one? A fine steel touring bike like the Miyata (new) would be $1600+ in the US.
The Chinese one, $325.
That Miyata reminds me of my Univega Gran Turismo my uncle gave me. Still had the foam too! He took it on a number of tours before passing it on to me. I've also taken it on a number of tours and put thousands of miles on it. It's a 3x6 and that has been just fine. I did replace the freewheel with a 6 speed Shimano MegaRange when the original needed replacing.